How to Install Cabinet Doors That Slide Into an Entertainment Center

Adding doors to entertainment centers helps hide clutter and unattractive equipment. Although they are a handy addition, doors often get in the way and take up space in a living room or den. Doors that swing open and then slide into the furniture are the best solution if you would like to hide the elements in your entertainment center but still have easy access to the components and equipment within. The hardest part of the project is finding the hardware to make this possible.

Entertainment center
Plywood or medium density fiberboard (MDF)
Trimwork
Saw
Finishing nails
Paint, veneer or stain
Cabinet handles
Flipper door slide and screws

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the openings in the entertainment center. Design single or double swing doors that will span the openings. Allow 3/32- to 1/8-inch gaps on all sides of the doors abutting the entertainment center shelving so the doors will not be damaged with opening and closing. The doors should be between 3/4 inch and 1 1/2 inch thick.
  
  Design the doors to match the surfaces of the entertainment center, including any trimwork, veneers or handles.
- 2
  Construct the doors using plywood, MDF, trimwork, veneer, paint, handles or any other materials or finish that will match the entertainment center. Cut the plywood or MDF face to the dimensions you have determined. Apply veneer, if necessary, with adhesive. Apply trim if your entertainment center is more ornate. Finish the doors with paint or stain.
- 3
  Measure the thickness of the doors and adjust the flipper door slide to accommodate the door's dimension.
- 4
  Screw the door slides to the entertainment center in the appropriate locations. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and warnings when installing the hardware. Screw the doors to the door slides. Test the performance of the doors and slides.

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