- Types of profiles
- Types of door systems
- Advantages of door systems
- Features of the Optima lower support system
- Nuances of assembly and installation using the example of “Optima”
- Assembly of top-hung structures using the example of “Puerta”
- Features of installing non-threshold systems
- Troubleshooting common problems
A logical question for a person who knows how to handle metalwork tools is how to make sliding doors with your own hands. It is necessary to understand the design features, as well as the operation of individual mechanisms. This will avoid difficulties during the installation process. The main thing is to strictly follow the sequence of actions.
The sliding door is represented by a structure whose leaves move to the sides. As a rule, we are talking about one or two door leaves. The installation methods are different.
Types of profiles
Before you learn how to make sliding doors yourself, it is advisable to consider the types of profiles. A budget solution would be a steel profile. But more often they prefer aluminum options with a rich color palette, wrapped in PVC or with an anode coating.
These products are distinguished by:
- light weight;
- durability;
- variety of textures and colors.
The listed advantages make aluminum profiles more popular. So products manufactured by RIAL:
- resistant to mechanical damage;
- does not fade under ultraviolet light;
- does not scratch;
- does not wear out;
- does not fade.
Company profiles RIAL.PRO
When wondering how to make sliding doors yourself, it is not difficult to understand which option to prefer. You need to decide on:
- Type of system (bottom support or suspended)
- Coated profile (anodized or wrapped in PVC film)
- Profile quality and price.
Aluminum
The optimal material for guides, but at the same time expensive. High strength allows you to withstand any weight of the structure. The rollers move along the aluminum guides smoothly and silently.
Aluminum guide
Types of door systems
There are support and hinged sliding systems. Hanging systems such as Puerta can be used as a room divider. Installation is not problematic if you have a drill, self-tapping screws, a screwdriver, wooden wedges, a building level, a tape measure, a plumb line, and foam.
Top-hung system "Puerta"
If the assembler is faced with the task of making wardrobe doors with his own hands, then it is advisable to arm himself not only with a level and a screwdriver, but also with:
- electric drill;
- wood hacksaw;
- screwdriver;
- ruler;
- pencil.
The operation of the hanging system is intuitive. But, wondering how to make an interior sliding door yourself, it is recommended to first take into account that the basis here is rollers with a guide rail, attached directly to the edge of the product, while elements are fixed on the sides, designed to limit movement and ensure smooth movement above the floor.
Making a sliding door
Even a novice master can handle a simple version of the sliding design. We will look at the main stages of manufacturing a sliding door.
Before starting installation, you must prepare all materials and tools
Materials and tools
During the work we will need the following devices:
- electric drill, screwdriver;
- chisel;
- electric jigsaw;
- Bulgarian;
- building level;
- roulette;
- Screwdriver Set;
- a simple pencil and a ruler.
In addition, you will need to prepare materials:
- chipboard sheets for door leaves;
- guide rails, rollers, fittings;
- bars with a cross section of 5×5 centimeters;
- anchor fastenings;
- decorative additions;
- self-tapping screws
Calculations and drawings
It is recommended to draw up a drawing of the door leaf with dimensions. To do this, we will need to first measure the doorway (it is necessary to take into account the distance to the ceiling in order to determine the method of installing the sliding doors). In addition, you should take into account the distance from the opening to the corners, because in all cases it is not enough for the sash to slide out freely.
If you decide to install a frame over a doorway, then first of all you need to take into account the thickness of the floors - if there are too crooked walls, the measurements may not match, so they will have to be double-checked several times. In addition, you should make sure that the floor is level and not sloped.
This is what the measurement diagram looks like
According to the standard, the canvas has the following dimensions:
- width – from 40 to 90 centimeters;
- height – 275 centimeters.
When making a door yourself, you should not make it too large, because the rollers may not withstand excessive load.
When choosing the classic version of sliding doors, you need to make a leaf that will be 20-50 millimeters higher than the opening. The width of these doors should be 20-30 millimeters larger on both sides.
The table shows the maximum dimensions of door leaves. The possibility of deviation from these values is not excluded, but only to a lesser extent
In the case of installing a cassette mechanism, it is necessary to cut out the canvas exactly to the size of the opening, because first the mechanism itself will be installed, and only then the niche.
By combining materials, you can make the door leaf weightless. Here are some of the most popular lightweight design options.
If you think that it will be easier to make a door leaf from wooden blocks, then the following diagram of their connections will be useful in your work
In this case, you should use polished timber, which will not have to be further processed. In order to make the most accurate cuts, it is advisable to purchase specialized carpentry equipment.
The process of making a sliding door: step-by-step instructions
Step 1. First of all, we need to cut out a door leaf of the required size from a sheet of chipboard. This can be done at home, but it is better to turn to professional furniture makers. Next we need to process the edges. This is quite simple to do, using an iron or hair dryer with hot air, after which the edges can be cut off with a utility knife.
Treated and untreated chipboard edges
Important point! During work, you must use protective gloves for your hands and special glasses for your eyes.
Step 2. Now you need to take a wooden beam and measure the required length from it.
You should mark and saw off the beam using a jigsaw
Now, according to preliminary markings, we will need to fix the beam above the doorway (in our case it will be held on by four long screws)
Step 3. Now you need to measure the required length of the rails.
You can cut the metal guide using a grinder
Now you should make holes in the guide for the screws
It is necessary to place it on a chair, holding it with one hand, and drill through holes.
Step 4. Next you will need to screw the guide rail to the wooden block above the opening.
You need to hold it with one hand and screw in the screws one by one
Important point! If the guide is installed without a bar, then it is necessary to fix it a few centimeters further from the wall, otherwise the door will touch the trim when moving.
It is necessary to carefully check the correct position of the bar and the guide using a level, because the ability to freely open the door depends on this.
Step 5. Now you need to attach the metal fasteners from the kit to the door leaf.
We attach the hanging mounts for the rollers with self-tapping screws
Step 6. Now you should mark the location where the door handle is attached.
It is important not to make mistakes in the calculations and put marks on all sides
Now you need to make holes using a drill along the marking lines
This is necessary in order to place a jigsaw blade there and cut out a recess for attaching the handle.
You should also cut out the hole carefully, moving exactly along the marked lines.
Tips for choosing a jigsaw
It’s better not to rush here and, if necessary, make a few more holes with a drill on the other side.
The door handle mount should be installed in the resulting hole, after which you will need to insert the door handle itself
Step 7. The next step is to insert the rollers into the top guide.
You need to insert two rollers into the guide
Now you need to screw the door lock from below
The groove in the door leaf must be made using a grinder and a special circle.
Step 8. Next you need to hang the door leaf.
Using the screws located on the rollers, you should set the canvas to the optimal level, after which it can be secured with nuts
Next, you need to insert the clamps into the guide and wrap them up - this will be needed so that the door does not go beyond the rails
Step 9. The fastenings will need to be covered with decorative trim in the color of the door leaf.
First you need to measure the exact length of the extension, and then you will need to cut it to size with a jigsaw
The extension can be secured to small nails with decorative heads. It is important to carefully fix it on both sides. Now we need to mark and cut the side panels for our door. Then all that remains is to install them according to the same principle.
Upon completion of all work, it is necessary to check the functionality of the structure - the door should move smoothly along the guide without any obstacles.
Video - Sliding door from an ordinary one. DIY compartment door
This is the simplest option for making a sliding structure at home, which is suitable for beginners. If desired, you can also install a lower guide with rollers. In this case, it will be necessary to make a recess according to its dimensions in the floor. It is worth noting that this is a more modern option, because such a mechanism operates silently.
Important point! In this case, when hanging the door, the door leaf is first inserted into the lower guide, and then into the upper one.
Advantages of door systems
The system, based on bottom-support guides, attracts attention due to its ease of operation. It allows you to harmoniously fit the corresponding wardrobe into the interior, taking into account uneven floors or walls.
Aluminum is rightfully considered the most practical material from which such systems are made today. It is used to create a door frame, handle profile, and guides. The design provides the required rigidity, which allows the use of various materials to further create the door.
In the lower-support versions, the load of the door leaf with a roller mechanism falls directly on the running profile, while the upper ones provide additional stability.
Top-hung systems, of which Valencia is one example, have been used relatively recently. The structure is attached directly to the top rail. The lower one acts as a retainer.
“Valencia” is presented in hi-tech style and allows you to install doors whose movement will be impeccable. This is due to the presence of:
Top suspension system "Valencia"
- excellent double rollers;
- soft closing mechanism.
Aluminum is also used to make the durable and lightweight Valencia.
The presence of a frame system makes it possible to install glass or mirror inserts. Smooth closing of the doors will be ensured by appropriate closers. Doors assembled on such a system will give any closet a stylish, presentable and elegant appearance.
Such a hinged system will allow you to assemble doors whose height and width reaches 2.5 meters.
For self-assembly, we recommend studying the article - “Assembling sliding doors on the Valencia hinged system”
Advantages and disadvantages of sliding doors
Before you start manufacturing sliding doors, you need to carefully study all the advantages and disadvantages of such structures. It is worth considering that sliding doors are also not suitable in all cases.
Interior sliding doors can be incredibly aesthetic
The following advantages of sliding doors should be highlighted:
- such doors take up minimal space compared to any swing models;
- you can open and close the canvas without much effort; even a child can handle such actions;
- even if there is a draft in the room, the door will definitely not slam or open from it;
- this is the best way to divide a room into several zones, because glass sheets are often used as decorative partitions;
- some door designs do not provide for a threshold, so this option is suitable if disabled or elderly people live in the apartment;
- the design is perfect for any room, including the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom;
- If you have additional funds, you can install an automatic door opening mechanism.
Installing this design allows you to visually expand the wall
However, it is necessary to note the disadvantages due to which some people refuse to install interior sliding doors:
- if the canvas moves along the wall, then it is impossible to place furniture near it (it turns out that the design conceals useful space);
- poor sound insulation from extraneous sounds is often observed - this is due to the fact that there are gaps between the canvas and the frame;
- Because of such doors, heat in the room is worse retained;
- the cost of installing sliding doors will be significantly higher compared to the standard option;
- if you buy budget components, the door may fail within a few months;
- If you are going to install compartment doors with two leaves, then it will be more difficult to cope with this process, because these parts should be perfectly matched to each other, so you will have to involve a professional craftsman in the work.
Video - Installation of sliding doors in thin ceilings
Only if it is assembled correctly will you be able to evaluate the ease of use of sliding doors, so when installing it yourself, you must carefully take measurements. Even minor deviations will lead to the design not functioning properly. The work must be carried out slowly and carefully, then the result will definitely please all household members.
You can learn more about how to make sliding doors with your own hands by reading our article.
Features of the Optima lower support system
A striking example of a lower-support product is the Optima frame system, consisting of aluminum components. When the task is how to make doors for a wardrobe, you should prefer Optima, because it is distinguished by:
Lower support system "Optima"
- reliable mechanism;
- simple assembly that does not cause difficulties;
- availability of a wide range of products presented.
Customers will also be pleased that the list of possible solutions of this design for any interior is regularly expanding.
"Optima" can withstand up to 55 kg. The door height reaches 2.7 m, width 1.2 m. The movement is extremely smooth due to the presence of rollers with bearings. The front visible part of the frame does not exceed 15 mm.
Glass, decorative panels, mirrors, MDF or laminated chipboard are used as filling. "Optima" will allow you to combine fillings. A good solution would be glass (4 mm) in tandem with MDF (10 mm).
Size calculation
When assembling a wardrobe door yourself, there are two options. The first is to measure the opening, think about how many doors you need, and communicate that information to the door manufacturer. Just make sure they sell the parts without the assembly fee. The manager will calculate all the necessary materials for you, name the dimensions and announce the amount. It's simple. But you will have to buy everything in this office, that is, choose from what is there.
The second way is to calculate everything yourself and select the necessary components for different companies. More complicated and more expensive, but the choice is wider. For those who do not like simple methods, we will describe the calculation of the components.
Doors
Calculate the width of the doors so that when closing only one handle is visible, but it should not cover the door itself. For a double-leaf sliding door, calculate as follows: measure the width of the opening, add the width of the profile and divide it in half. This will be the width of the door.
For example, the opening is 1600 mm, the width of the handle profile is 26 mm. We get 1600mm + 23mm / 2 = 811.5mm. Please note that the width of the handle profile is arbitrary. It can be different in shape and, of course, in width. In the calculation, replace the width of the structure you choose.
Profiles may be different, so they must be measured individually
To calculate a tri-leaf, you will need to add twice the profile width and divide by 3.
Example: opening 2100 mm, handle width is the same - 26 mm. We count: 2100 mm + 2 * 26 mm / 3 = 717 mm.
Everything is easier with height. 40-45 mm is subtracted from the height of the cabinet and the desired door height is obtained, in addition to the length of the side profiles. Everything about the valve size.
Filling
Since the filling is in a frame of profiles, we subtract double the width of the profile from the total width of the sash. We do the same with height: subtract the height of the lower and upper profiles.
Measuring the width of profiles
Thus, the width of our door is 811.5 mm. The measured width of the handle profile is 18 mm. Since the handles are located on both sides, we double this figure. We get 36 mm. Total filling width 811.5 mm - 36 mm = 775.5 mm.
We also take into account the height: both the original one is 2350 mm, the width of the upper profile is 12 mm, and the width of the lower one is 48 mm. Total filling height 2350 mm - 12 mm - 48 mm = 2290 mm. This is if the filling is solid and is chipboard, which does not require a silicone gasket. If the sash is a solid mirror or glass, the thickness of the sealing rubber must be subtracted from the found height. It is 1mm, but since it is worn around the perimeter, 2mm is required overall - top and bottom. In this case, the filling height is 2290 mm - 2 mm = 2288 mm.
If the sash filling consists of fragments, the thickness of the connecting profile is also subtracted. This is also about 1 mm.
Profiles
The height of the vertical frame profiles is equal to the total height of the sash. The width of all horizontal ones is calculated based on the width of the handle: from the width of the door we subtract twice the width of the handle (there are two of them).
How to measure handle width
The width of the handle should be 26 mm. We get the width of the vertical profiles: 811.5mm - 26mm * 2 = 759.2mm.
Sources
- https://mebel-sovet.ru/shkafy/kupe/616-dveri-svoimi-rukami
- https://krrot.net/dveri-dlya-shkafa-kupe-svoimi-rukami/
- https://1PoMebeli.ru/spalnya/prostye-dveri-dlya-shkafa-kupe-svoimi-rukami.html
- https://legkovmeste.ru/remont-i-izgotovlenie-mebeli/shkaf-kupe-svoimi-rukami.html
- https://infomebli.ru/spalnya/shkafy/kupe-dvercy-svoimi-rukami.html
- https://stroyday.com/dveri-dlya-shkafa-kupe-svoimi-rukami/
- https://VseMe.ru/svoimi-rukami/dveri-dlya-shkafa-kupe
- https://delairukami.ru/mebel/schkaf_kupe_svoimi_rukami/
- https://mblx.ru/shifoner/razdvizhnye/434-dveri-dlya-shkafa-kupe-svoimi-rukami.html
- https://stroychik.ru/mebel/dveri-dlya-shkafa-kupe-svoimi-rukami
Nuances of assembly and installation using the example of “Optima”
If you are interested in how to make wardrobe doors with your own hands, first of all you will need a frame system and 4 mm glass, an adjusting screw and a running profile, a carpenter's hammer and a drill with bit diameters of 6 mm and 10 mm. You can’t do without Schlegel, that is, a fleecy sealant. It is glued to the sides of the wardrobe.
Assembly begins with glass. A silicone seal is attached to the upper side, with dividers between the inserts. There is a narrow silicone seal on the glass.
Where a standard divider is installed, the upper profile of the frame is attached. A divider is installed to another mirror area. Press it tightly.
The seal is attached to the glass inserts. Finally, frame elements are placed along the width of the insert. Detailed assembly information is provided here.
Bottom profile frame
Sliding door with glass inserts assembled
For installation you will need a drill with a 5mm drill bit, a hexagon and a screwdriver, a mounting level, double-sided tape, and a mounting kit. Detailed installation information is provided here.
What mounting options are there?
Depending on the type of structure, the following installation methods are distinguished:
- With two guides. They are fixed on the ceiling to a wooden beam (which is previously installed there) and from below. Thus, the canvas is securely fixed, allowing it to move smoothly and without obstacles. The only disadvantage that can be highlighted is that for the lower profile in the floor you will have to make a recess in advance using the gating method. If it is not embedded into the floor, the structure will look unsightly and the profile itself will quickly become unusable. In addition, contaminants often accumulate in it.
Doors with two tracks
- With one guide. For canvases of this type, special fasteners are provided. They are installed in the opening and move along the profile, which is located on top. An additional rail is not installed at the bottom, because usually such doors have a small mass.
Assembly of top-hung structures using the example of “Puerta”
Suspended structures are silent and comfortable. Such systems are sometimes used in residential premises as sliding partitions. For assembly you will need:
- sets of lower and upper rollers;
- profile;
- stoppers.
Top-hung system "Puerta" assembled
In addition, it is worth preparing guides, purchasing wooden beams, stoppers, appropriate fittings, and, if necessary, trims and false panels. It is important to leave space between the partition and frames. The contact of such elements is unacceptable.
Suspension systems provide for a number of restrictions on dimensions, as well as weight. Sometimes a frameless option is used, in which the doors seem to float above the floor. The absence of a threshold will be an unsurpassed solution for a dressing room, or a partition designed to separate different rooms.
For reliable assembly, it is recommended that you read the information provided on the page. Using her example, it’s easier to understand all the nuances.
Principles of sliding systems
Based on the design features, there are two large classes of sliding systems:
- sliding-folding;
- parallel-sliding.
The sliding-folding design resembles a book or an accordion: when opened, the sash does not move along the vertical surface, but moves to the side. There are single-leaf and double-leaf models. One canvas is formed by 2 or more vertical sections, which are connected to each other by a hinged fastening.
The design of the sliding and folding door resembles a book
Disadvantage of the device: it does not prevent the penetration of odors and sounds. Therefore, sliding doors are used primarily as a decorative element and for conditionally dividing living space into zones.
The parallel-sliding design is represented by one or several sashes. They move on rollers on rails along or inside the wall. This device provides a high degree of sound insulation and has a long service life . It is ideal for wardrobes and interior doors.
Parallel sliding door leaves move along or inside the wall
Parallel sliding systems have several varieties, which differ from each other in the number of sashes and in the method of opening.
Sliding doors
They may consist of one or two leaves. They work according to the same scheme: they move along a vertical surface. The only difference is that double-leaf doors have leaves that diverge in different directions. It is worth noting that this model saves space and decorates your interior. It is ideal for the living room, children's room, kitchen, dressing room.
Sliding doors save living space
Cassette doors
This model differs from the previous one by the presence of a niche in the wall, where the panels slide in when the door is opened. You can buy a niche ready-made complete with a sliding system or make it yourself from plasterboard or other building materials.
The cassette door leaves slide into a niche in the wall
Radius doors
The radius model is a non-standard design solution. It differs from other models in that it is not designed to save space, but rather the opposite. Therefore, this type of door is intended for large premises: supermarkets, offices, country houses, and sometimes apartments.
The radius door has a semicircular shape
As for the design features, the radius model is similar to traditional sliding solutions. The main difference is the semicircular shape of the products.
Cascade doors
This version of the sliding system is designed in the same way as the traditional one. But it is not similar to other designs in that each blade moves on a separate rail .
In a cascade system, each leaf moves on its own rail
This system is used as a partition between rooms or all the doors are assembled on either side of the wall and the room is closed only to the width of one of them.
Internal doors
They are designed so that the entire structure is located inside the opening. The canvases move towards each other, leaving ½ of the opening for passage.
This configuration allows you to change the location of the part of the opening open for passage
Features of installing non-threshold systems
It is most convenient to consider non-threshold top-hung products using the example of “Puerta”, which has a special stopper that provides a minimum gap between the guides, as well as between the movable component of the partition. As a result, there are no backlashes. Even at home, you can create a reliable design that is free from defects and noise during operation.
“Puerta” is made in several color options. During assembly, laminated chipboard of 10 mm and 8 mm, as well as MDF panels, are used. Thanks to the wide range of anodized or film-coated PVC, it is not difficult to assemble a suitable combination for visible parts.
However, the key to proper assembly is proper calculation. A special door calculator will help with this.
Detailed information on installing Puerta.
Puerta system assembled
Standard and non-standard door leaf sizes
Standard
As for the size of canvases, each state has its own standards. In Russia, the height is usually two meters (the rough opening height is 210 cm), and the width of single-leaf products is from 0.6 to 0.9 m .
Manufacturers produce sliding structures in the same size range. Therefore, choosing the right product option for a standard opening will not be difficult.
Non-standard
Considering that non-standard options are made to individual orders, they will not be cheap. When manufacturing products, materials such as glass and mirror are often chosen.
Glass devices give the interior lightness and weightlessness, while mirror ones make the room visually larger. Equally popular are blind products made from various wood species.
An option for a non-standard sliding design is a glass door
If you want to order products whose width is larger or smaller than generally accepted standards, make sure that you have enough space for the doors to open completely. To do this, measure the width of the vertical surface. It should be larger or equal to the width of the canvas.
Non-standard height products can also be made to order. These are, for example, models with arches or transoms.
