Making Sliding Doors for a Small Space

Measure the opening that you wish to cover with sliding doors. Divide the size in half, and allow about 1 or 2 inches extra width on each half. Figure the measurement for the height to be about 1/4-inch smaller than the actual height needed for the sliding doors.

Mark the cutting lines with a pencil onto the cabinet wood or an old cabinet door that you wish to use as the sliding door pieces. Use two old cabinet doors that match, if one is not large enough. Be sure that the grain of the wood follows the same direction on both pieces of wood.

Cut out the two sliding door panels using a circular or scroll saw. Sand all cut edges until they are smooth and straight. Hold each piece up to the wall space to make sure they will fit into the opening.

Paint or stain the doors, if you wish. Let the doors dry and sand the surface with small grade sandpaper if needed.

Position one handle on each sliding door panel. Marked the desired locations for the door handles, about 2 inches from the outside edges and centered vertically on the panel.

Drill small holes at the marked locations and attach the handles to the doors with screws placed through the holes from the backside of the door.

Measure and cut two same-sized pieces from the metal track. Mark and drill a hole in the center of each track. Screw the center of the tracks loosely, one into the top of the storage area frame and one into the bottom.

Turn each track outward at one end. Slide one door onto the back set of tracks at the top and bottom. Slide the second door onto the front set of tracks. Turn the tracks so that both sets are flush with the storage area frame.

Slide both doors to the left. Drill a hole and place a screw in the top and bottom of the right edge of the track. Slide the doors to the right. Drill a hole and place a screw on the left side of the tracks.