Installing Sliding Closet Doors

A
by A
2 Materials
$120
2 Hours
Easy
I've been widowed for four years now. That means many things, on terms emotional, physical, and financial. With regard to the physical and financial - there are some things that need to be done but I'm under the impression that I can't do them myself (physical), or I flat out can't afford to hire someone to do them (financial)! So it was with my closet doors. When I moved into my house, I had the original bi fold doors removed because they looked terrible and were not working very well. My decorating budget ran out before I had them replaced, so here I was a year later with no doors on my closet.

I decided that I was going to install them myself and found a set of mirrored doors and hardware that was affordable. Don't be fooled by my cavalier attitude...I was totally intimidated by the whole idea!
Isn't this attractive? NOT!!!
My closet doors came in this packaging. It seemed so small, but I am amazed how things are put together and shipped.
I opened up the package and inspected everything. All was in order so I gathered my tools and began reading the instructions. WAIT!
Because I was installing over carpet, I needed a strip of wood to go under the bottom door guide. Off I went to Home Depot to get that, and a few other small items.
I measured my opening - it was 47". The metal door guides, as well as the wood strip I purchased were all 48" wide. I marked each piece where I would have to make a cut.
I used my table saw to cut the wood strip, but I wasn't sure about my blade on metal, so I cut them with my hacksaw by hand. Not fun. I have a full tear in my right shoulder so this was no easy feat, but eventually it was done.
Following the instructions, I set the wood strip over the carpet and using nails, I put it in place permanently.
Next, the bottom metal door guild was placed over the wood strip and screwed into place with the hardware provided.
In the same manner, the marks were made for the top door guide.
This was also screwed into place after making pilot holes with my drill.
That's it. All finished. My daughter's boyfriend helped me lift the doors into place. I then made some adjustments on the doors and stood back to look at what I almost paid someone $200 to do. So glad I'm learning to jump in feet first - it doesn't always work out, but when it does, it's worth it.
Suggested materials:
  • Sliding closet doors   (Home Depot)
  • Wood strip   (Home Depot)
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4 of 5 comments
  • William William on Feb 20, 2018

    I applaud you for taking on this project. It's not something everyone would attempt. It's a great tutorial and you did a great job. It's perfection at it's best. I believe you would be able to tackle any job that comes your way.

    • A A on Feb 20, 2018
      Thanks William. Sometimes necessity breeds ability...or at least blind faith.
  • Ajn49525211 Ajn49525211 on Oct 07, 2020

    Exactly what I've been wanting to do in our bedroom. Finding affordable mirrored closet doors has been difficult. Do you remember where you found your doors? Our opening is not the typical size so can be costly to get custom made doors. Thank you in advanced.


    Fred Rodriguez

    ajnrodriguez@msn.com

    • A A on Oct 07, 2020

      Hi Fred. Thank you. I purchased these from Home Depot.

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