HOW TO REPLACE WARDROBE DOORS WITH REPLACEMENT SLIDING DOORS

Can I replace my existing wardrobe doors with sliding doors?

Replacing wardrobe doors with elegant replacement sliding doors is a straightforward job for any competent DIY person, whether the existing doors be hinged or sliding. Replacement sliding wardrobe doors are a great way to completely transform and modernise an old, dated or damaged wardrobe.

Replacing existing hinged doors with sliding wardrobe doors

If the hinged doors are hung within a timber frame just remove the old doors, making good any holes where the hinges were attached to the frame, and then following our measuring guide take accurate measurements and choose your replacement sliding wardrobe doors to transform your old wardrobe. You are sure to find something in our extensive range to match or inspire your room décor or you can specify your own custom made bespoke design. If the whole door frame needs replacing then this can be removed and replaced using a frame formed from our strike plates and liners.

Replacing my old sliding wardrobe doors

You can either replace the entire existing sliding wardrobe system including tracks or you may be able to just replace the existing sliding doors. We explain each in turn highlighting the main considerations so you can make the right decision as to which is best for you.

Replacing the whole sliding wardrobe doors system

If you wish to replace the entire system of an existing built-in wardrobe perhaps because it looks dated or tired, is damaged or it simply doesn’t match with the new decor scheme of your room then completely remove the old system including the doors and top and bottom tracks. Prior to completely replacing an old system with a new system from Wardrobe Doors Direct (WDD) there are a number of considerations:

Is there an existing frame that new tracks and doors will fit into? Is it plumb and straight? If the answers are yes, then you can order your replacement tracks and doors to fit directly within this aperture. If there is a frame but it is not straight then this is the likely cause of any sticking or damage. We would recommend constructing a new frame as detailed in our installation guide.

If there is no frame but the floor, walls and ceiling are level and plumb then you can install replacement tracks and doors directly within this aperture, without using a frame. However, we do recommend that fitting a new system is often made easier if it can be installed within a frame. In addition, when removing the existing tracks there may be damage to the ceiling and so the fitting of a new frame will cover over any imperfections and will allow the new top track to be fitted more securely.

If the existing doors were installed directly within an alcove with straight walls and the floor and ceiling are level then it is not necessary to construct a frame unless you wish to create a different look for the new doors – see our guide to framing sliding wardrobe doors.

Replacing a sliding wardrobe door only

If the existing door to be replaced was originally purchased from us then please give us a call and we can organise a replacement wardrobe door. All our sliding doors are discretely branded with a label that shows our web address, telephone number and a quality checking date so if you ever require replacement doors you can be assured that our doors will fit our system!

If you have moved into the house, check if the doors were originally supplied by Wardrobe Doors Direct. If so you can choose any replacement sliding wardrobe door from our standard sliding door range or bespoke service in the knowledge that your replacement doors are sure to fit.

However, if you wish to replace a single door (or doors) from an existing installation that was not supplied by WDD, either due to damage or malfunction, then there are a number of considerations to bear in mind:

1. Is the replacement door frame profile going to match the existing door frames?

Although most manufacturers produce similar door frame profiles there may be some minor differences in shape, size and colour.

2. Is the replacement door panel going to be an exact match to the existing door panels?

Again, although most manufacturers use similar door panels, due to slight variations in batch production there is likely to be some minor difference to the existing door panels. If it is a coloured glass panel then there may be some subtle difference in tone or if it is a wood effect panel there may be some difference in shade or woodgrain effect. However, if the replacement door is a centre one then you could take the opportunity to introduce a different colour or effect to make a feature of the new door.

3. Will the position of the top and bottom running gear match the position of the existing running gear?

This is the most difficult question to answer without knowing the age, style and manufacturer of the original system. If the running gear on any replacement door does not match adequately to the existing system then this will affect the smooth operation of the replacement door. If possible please provide a photograph of the tracks (top and bottom) or if known, advise us of the name of the original track manufacturer so that we can advise whether our doors will be a suitable replacement.

Replacement of sliding wardrobe door parts

WDD does offer replacement parts on wardrobe doors purchased from us. In the unlikely event that an item has broken or stopped working under the course of normal use then we will replace that part free of charge. However, if a door panel has become damaged after installation (e.g. scratched or glass cracked) then there will be a charge made for any replacement.

If you wish to purchase running gear from us for use with a third party system then you can order it from us in the usual way - however WDD will not accept any returns, or offer any refunds, if you find subsequently that the running gear does not work with your own system.

We hope you found this article useful. If you require any more information please contact us on Freephone 0800 035 1730.