Installing a sliding door track is fairly simple. You do need to have some tools on hand as well as the doors that you want to use to ensure you have the right size track. These tips will help you get started and ensure your track is properly installed.
Getting Started
Before even purchasing your door track you should know which type you need to buy. Most tracks are made in an “L” shape that connects to the door but there are also other styles available. You need to evaluate your doors to decide which type is right for use. After deciding which type of track you need you are ready to begin gathering your tools. To begin you need to have all of your tools, the sliding door track and your sliding doors on hand.
You will need any manufacturer’s instructions, a saw for cutting the track to the size that you need, a screwdriver, hammer and drill and a tape measure. Measuring your sliding door track to fit can be tricky. You need to know the length of the door and where the roller placement is to ensure your track is long enough. In general, it is best to measure your track long enough to go from one side of the door frame to the other. The track should be flush against either side of the door frame without any gaps in the track.
Setting the Doors
After the sliding door track is attached you need to add some guides at the bottom of the door. If you are working where sliding doors are being replaced then you will see where the guides and track were previously installed. If you are installing new sliding doors, however, you will need to be sure that the upper and lower tracks are even. You can do this by carefully measuring the placement of the track on the upper level then placing the track at the correct measures within the door frame on the bottom level.
The lower sliding door track is the last step to preparing to install your doors. The doors should be placed on the upper track first and then allowed to naturally fit onto the lower track. This part of installing sliding doors can be tricky so take your time. The tracks can also be covered with molding if you don’t like the look of the bare tracks in your living spaces. The molding can also be painted to match your existing décor before placement.
Choosing Track
Your sliding door track should match the doors that you are using. Track is available in both silver and gold tones so you can choose the colors that you like best in any style. You can also opt for track that has a guarantee or warranty if you have had to replace your existing track and want to avoid problems in the future. With the right sliding door tracks you can easily complete the install in just a couple of hours.
