slidingdoor

Sliding doors are doors that open and close by sliding horizontally along a track, rather than swinging on hinges. They use rollers or glides to move along a top or bottom rail, and may consist of a single panel or multiple panels that glide past or into wall cavities. This design maximizes usable space by eliminating the swing clearance required by hinged doors and is common in both interior and exterior settings.

Variants include single sliding doors, double or pocket doors that slide past one another, and bypass doors that open to reveal different zones. Pocket doors slide into a wall cavity, while barn doors are mounted on a surface track and slide openly along the wall. Sliding systems can be top-hung or bottom-guided, and many incorporate soft-close mechanisms to reduce impact noise and wear.

Materials used for sliding doors range from wood, aluminum, and steel to uPVC and glass, with framed or frameless configurations. Glass panels are popular for exterior patio doors and interior room dividers, providing visibility and light transmission. Performance considerations include weather sealing, thermal insulation, and acoustic attenuation; heavier doors require stronger tracks, rollers, and mounting supports.

Advantages of sliding doors include space efficiency, wider unobstructed openings, and ease of movement for large objects. Drawbacks can include track debris, maintenance needs to keep rollers aligned, potential compromises in privacy or security with glass variants, and higher initial cost or installation complexity. Proper installation, durable hardware, and safety features such as anti-lift devices and secure locking mechanisms improve long-term performance.