[edfiero1]

Our house has multiple closets with the cheap builder sliding doors. The doors always come off the track. I don't like the low budget feel of these doors.


I know some slider/track upgrades are available which will probably help with the track problem, but what about replacing the doors entirely with like a French door style?


The problem I am facing is that my openings are about 46 3/4, but the doors I've seen are 48 inches. I'd rather not reframe/retrim the entire opening.



Does anyone have any good suggestions for a sliding closet door replacement?


Is there any option of a solid wood door so I can trim a bit off each side to make it fit?? If so, can you provide a link? All I've seen are hollow doors.

 

[chandler48]

Your opening is correct for a 48" door, if this is a pocket door you are describing. Run a tape measure completely back to the end of the pocket and extend it to where the door stops. It should be about 96 to 98". In order to remove and replace the door, one side of your header trim must be removed. Look up and see if there are screws holding one side of the trim in place. If so, removing the screws will allow the trim to come down and give you access to the door.

You will be limited to the style of trolleys based on the type of track you have. I find that a three wheel trolley to be more stable. The trolleys, once released from the door can be removed through an opening at the end of the track. Removing the door usually only requires the release of a lock mechanism on top of the door, which you will only gain with the trim removed.

You can post pictures of what you see so we can see if you want to.

 

[3onthetree]

I believe he is talkng about double sliding bypass closet doors.

Most times they are hollow core to be lighter. If you are having trouble with them falling out of the track, check the roller adjustments. They may be "tilted" so when you push it lifts up one side. Also, the floor guide may have too big a gap so when you slide the door it "rocks in and out" which could dislodge the roller on a low-lip track.

If you want to change to double outswing doors, first make sure you have room next to the bed or whatever for the swing. A 48" door needs a 50" rough-in frame. Usually, if a spec builder sees bypass doors for a closet they will rough frame the opening right at 48". Then with either a drywall or wood cased jamb and shimming to make it plumb, the actual opening will be around 46"-47". Rarely would the rough opening be framed at 50" and then another 1 1/2" filler added to make the opening smaller. In any case, I would not suggest a 36" or custom door size, so it could involve some more demo and drywall if you are committed to this change.

 

[Nealtw]

46 3/4 would be trim to trim, so rough opening would be 48"
2 doors you would want that rough to be 48" to make it work you would have to cut 1/2" off both sides of both doors.

I would hunt around for a real door shop in the area have that done pre hung.

You may have trouble with the height too. So you would have to remove trim and get the actual rough width and height.

 

[carpdad]

True louver doors are usually made with solid frames that has lot more meat for trimming away. Hanging french door needs more exacting work and such doors are expensive enough. Your finish jambs will have to be replaced since they are different for slide doors. Side jambs matter more for french whereas top for slide. You may want this job left for a pro.

 

[chandler48]

I believe he is talkng about double sliding bypass closet doors.

Good call. Not sure why my mind automatically went to pocket doors.