How to Install Sliding Wardrobe Doors: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide
Once you've measured your opening and your kit has arrived, fitting sliding wardrobe doors is a genuinely manageable DIY job — most people have theirs up and running in a couple of hours. This guide walks through the process from unpacking to a smooth-sliding finish.
Before You Start
Tools you'll need:
- Spirit level
- Pencil and set square
- Tape measure
- Cordless drill with a 4mm drill bit
- Crosshead (Pozidriv) screwdriver
A few things worth knowing before you begin:
- Fixed-size kits are built for a standard 2260mm opening height. If your ceiling is a little higher, spacer blocks or an opening height reducer will close the gap — check your kit's instructions for the exact fitting. If the difference is more than that, it may be worth revisiting whether a made-to-measure door is the better fit.
- We'd recommend two people for this job. The tracks and doors are long and, in the case of mirrored or glass panels, heavy — it's much easier (and safer) with a second pair of hands.
- Check for pipes or cables behind the wall before you drill into the header or floor.
- Protect the finish on the tracks by working on a covered surface while you assemble everything, and keep small fixings away from children during the build.
Step 1: Fit the Top Track
Measure the width of the top of your opening and use a set square to mark a straight, level line across where the top track will sit. Position the top track into the opening along that line, drill into the header or ceiling as needed, and fix it in place using the screws supplied with your kit.
Step 2: Fit the Floor Track
Measure the width of the base of your opening and mark a line directly below the front edge of the top track, so the floor track ends up perfectly vertical relative to it — this alignment is what keeps the doors running true once they're hung. Fix the floor track along that line.
Step 3: Hang the Doors
Doors go in back-to-front: always fit the rearmost door first, then work forward.
- Angle the door and slot the top edge into the top track.
- Straighten the door up and lower the bottom wheels into the floor track grooves.
- Repeat for each remaining door, finishing with the frontmost one.
Step 4: Align and Adjust
Check that the end doors sit plumb against the side walls using your spirit level. Each door has adjustment screws on the bottom wheels — turning them clockwise raises the door, which lets you fine-tune both height and angle until everything lines up and runs level.
Step 5: Test the Doors
Slide each door back and forth a few times to check the movement is smooth. Most kits include an anti-jump clip on the bottom wheels, which stops the door lifting out of the track during normal use — worth double-checking this has engaged properly on each door before you consider the job finished.
If Something's Not Quite Right
- Door sticking or not sliding smoothly: check the track for dust or small debris and clean it out before assuming there's a fault.
- Doors not level with each other: revisit the wheel adjustment screws from Step 4 — small adjustments here fix most alignment issues.
- Not sure if something's installed correctly: you can message us on WhatsApp or use live chat, and we'll talk you through it. Fitting queries are one of the most common things we help with.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install sliding wardrobe doors?
Most straightforward installations take around two hours with two people, once the opening has been correctly prepared and measured beforehand.
Do I need a professional to fit sliding wardrobe doors?
No. Fixed-size kits are designed for DIY installation with basic tools, though we'd recommend having a second person to help handle the tracks and doors.
What if my ceiling is higher than the standard 2260mm opening?
Spacer blocks or an opening height reducer can close small gaps. For larger differences, a made-to-measure door may be a better fit than adapting a standard kit.
Why won't my sliding door move smoothly after installation?
This is usually down to dust or debris in the track, or a wheel that needs height adjustment. Clean the track first, then check the adjustment screws before assuming there's a fault with the door itself.