If you’re looking to give your room a fresh new look, why not focus on something you use every day? Your closets.
Choosing to change sliding closet doors to French doors adds a touch of sophistication to your space, and comes with practical benefits that can make your daily routine a little smoother. Can you change sliding closet doors to French doors? Yes, and we’re going to show you how!
Sliding Closet Doors
Benefits
Sliding doors have their perks. They're great for cozy spaces where every inch counts since they don't swing outward, saving you precious floor area. And, if they’re properly in use, they’re super simple to open.
Drawbacks
But like anything else, sliding doors have their downsides too.
If you're someone who likes to access both sides of your closet simultaneously, sliding doors might cramp your style. Over time, those tracks can get grimy or worn, leaving you contemplating how to make a sliding door slide easier. You’re also only limited to storage on the back of one door, since the other one slides into the wall.
Additionally, you might find that sliding doors don’t give you as much visibility, since they’re typically narrower than French doors.
French Doors
Benefits
French doors for a closet bring in a certain elegance to them, adding in more natural light and fresh air than sliding doors typically do. They’re also simple to open, without the fear of anything getting stuck in the sliding mechanism.
Drawbacks
French doors swing outward, so you'll need to make sure there's enough room in your space for them to open fully without bumping into furniture or walls.
French doors can be a bit pricier than their sliding counterparts, especially if you're eyeing up custom designs or fancy features.
How to Change Sliding Closet Doors to French Doors
If you’ve decided to go the DIY closet door replacement route, then there are some things you need to know first!
Things to Note & Consider
Before you put the finishing touches on your French door masterpiece, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Think about the direction your doors will swing. Ideally, you’ll always be opening up your French doors so you have ample space inside your closet.
- Think about the type of French door, whether frosted or opaque glass panels to help see inside your closet, or solid wooden doors.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Installing new doors — especially if you’ve never done it before — can be tough, so if you feel like you need help, ask for it!
1. Assessment and Preparation
Let's roll up our sleeves and get ready to start changing sliding closet doors to French doors! But before we dive in, we need to do some groundwork.
Take a look at your closet's dimensions and layout. Are French doors a good fit for your space?
Grab your measuring tape and jot down those measurements before you make the full commitment to change sliding closet doors to French doors.
2. Remove Sliding Closet Doors
Now, onto the fun part in how to change a sliding closet door to French door.
Grab your trusty screwdriver and start removing those screws that are holding your sliding doors together. Carefully lift those doors off their tracks, making sure not to scratch the floor or bump into any walls.
Once they're out of the way, remove any leftover hardware clinging to the closet frame or floor.
3. Prepare the Opening
Grab your broom and sweep away any dust, dirt, or debris that's been lurking in there. Patch up any pesky holes or cracks in the closet frame and walls with some spackle or wood filler.
Once they're filled in, give them a good sanding to ensure everything's nice and smooth. Use a level to ensure your closet opening is straight and everything is lined up like it should be.
4. Install French Doors
Carefully position your new doors in the opening, making sure they're centered and aligned just right. Once you've got them in place, grab your drill and start securing those hinges to the door frame, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Install your door handles and locks and give the doors a test run to make sure they swing open and shut, adjusting the hinges if needed for that perfect fit.
5. Add Finishing Touches
Seal the deal by using caulk to fill in any gaps between the doors and the closet frame. This helps maintain that cozy vibe in your room.
If you want to customize your doors a little more, slap on a fresh coat of paint or stain to match the doors to your room's decor. To prevent those doors from swinging too far and wrecking your walls, attach some trusty door stops to the floor or wall.
Change Sliding Closet Doors to French Doors in No Time with Closet World!
Leave the heavy lifting (literally!) at bay and enlist the help of a professional installation service like Closet World! We'll handle everything from start to finish, ensuring a seamless and stress-free transition to French doors for your closet.
Plus, with Closet World, you can explore customization options to tailor your doors to your exact specifications.
Sit back, relax, and let Closet World change sliding closet doors to French doors in a breeze!
