DIY Sliding Door

Once we had completed the preparations for the door we had to address the track. Initially we had no clue how to make a track and we certainly do not have the equipment to do the metal work ourselves. Initially we asked a friend with metal working skills to design and create a track system. The same day Neil came over to do measurements David's parents called with news that they had found and purchased a track system for us! We hope to have Neil help us with out next metal working project. So if anyone in NOCO is looking for a track system we know a guy...

With the track question put out of our minds, David set to work on the application. We did not want to install the track directly into the wall so David milled and routed a piece of wood as a header. We had to set the track so specifically, we just barely got away with the tricky dimensions. The trick was to make sure the door slid all the way open to allow enough clearance for a human to pass through and also have the door slide all the way shut so bathroom users would have ample privacy. We also needed to make sure the door was set far enough off the wall so the door did not scratch against the door frame. But not too far off that there was a noticeable gap and people could peek into the door. 

FYI a statement not appreciated by hub is "Pinterest makes this look so easy"

The installation process when a bit like this...first, the wood mount had to be installed. However we discovered there weren't any studs in that wall. So hub used 3-4 inch screws to secure it to the wall. Then the track system had to be installed onto the wood mount. Everything was bolted into studs. Hub cranked everything down and tested the track to make sure everything was solid. Once the track is secure we are ready to hang the door. We both really like the look of the dark metal and the wood header behind it. The routed edge on the header matches the fireplace. (The same Ogee) I am debating whether or not to paint the header but for now we will leave it naked. 

 

Once the door was hung a few adjustments needed to be made. To bring the door completely flush the top needed a shave. We took a precision tool to scrape off small slivers at a time. We took the door on and off several times until it was just right. Once properly in place the door glides beautifully. We can tell our house is a little off because the door will gently slide backward when we close it. People who have used it have been a little timid because we have yet to install a lock. The bathroom was doorless for months so it doesn't really bother us much.

To totally complete this project the next steps are to install a guide along the floor so the door does not come off the wall, a pull on the outside, and a lock on the inside. Eventually I would like to paint it but I am putting that off until I can make a decision. But at least for now I can say this was a pinterest success and a dream come true!!