Sliding door systems for wardrobes
The sliding wardrobe is considered an important component of the interior. Thanks to him, the room acquires a complete and more aesthetic appearance. The service life of this product depends on the correctly selected device, material and high-quality installation.
How the sliding door mechanism works in wardrobes
The sliding wardrobe has a certain sliding system, thanks to which doors of this type are opened. To close them, it is enough to move them towards each other with a smooth movement. The operational life, comfort of use and installation methods depend on the quality characteristics of such a device.
Sliding systems for sliding wardrobes work in two variants of mechanisms:
Reference
Includes two profiles: upper and lower, which are fixed inside the furniture frame. Inside there are rail guides, camouflaged from the eyes. It is along them that the rollers move. The profile on the bottom is subjected to the main load, the top one is used for support and is designed to perform a guiding function.
The disadvantage of such a system is that the lower rail is completely open, dirt and dust begins to accumulate in it, and the depth of the space inside the furniture creeps by about ten centimeters.
Suspension
Only the top profile is being installed. The movement of the door also takes place thanks to the rollers. The only difference from the first option is that the canvas is in a suspended position. In this case, the profile located at the top receives the load. The fixing element is fixed to the lower structure.
The advantages include a fairly smooth ride, saving space inside the furniture, and the absence of a bottom rail. The disadvantage is complex installation, withstands a significantly lower load, products with a supporting mechanism.
In inexpensive options, rollers can start to wear out quickly. Because of what, the doors will not open well. Savings can lead to unnecessary financial spending.
Types of doors for wardrobes
There is just a huge assortment of door types for wardrobes on the market. Sometimes such a choice can scare the buyer, especially if he does not know much about such mechanisms. Very original sliding door systems can be produced for sliding wardrobes.
By material of manufacture
If low quality material was used in the production of this product, then it will not last long. It is recommended to pay attention to such types as:
Steel
It is used for budget systems. The advantages include increased strength, reliability, durability, and practicality. Furniture with fittings made of such material will last a long time, but only if respect is applied to it.
Aluminum
The price for such products is not cheap. Frames for rails and door leaves are made from it. Such doors have a smooth running, do not emit sounds during operation, and have excellent operational parameters.
Important! If the case contains inserts from any other material, it must be of the highest quality. Otherwise, the entire reliability and strength of the cabinet will decrease, as will its service life.
Depending on the shape of the door and the presence of the frame
Each model has its own individual shape, sliding mechanism and frame. Based on these characteristics, sliding mechanisms of the following types can be distinguished:
- Roller - when the roller is located inside the rail profile, the movement of the door leaf is quiet and smooth. The mechanism looks like an insulated suspension.
- Frameless - the rollers are fixed on the door panel itself, the profiles are completely absent. But such structures quickly wear out, deform and lose functionality. Given their low cost, this is not surprising.
- Frame - made of steel or aluminum. Such doors are very stylish and laconic. The steel version is hollow, so it can begin to deform over time. Aluminum is more expensive, but at the same time its service life is much longer.
- Radius - curved profiles are used, since the contours of this product are non-standard. The design takes into account the shape of each individual model.
All options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is recommended to be careful when selecting. It is also not advised to save.
By the type of guides
Each model of the wardrobe differs from one another in the type of guides. These elements are responsible for the manufacture of the door and the smooth running of its rollers during operation.
Guides can be divided into two groups:
- based on the installation site (top or bottom);
- based on the number of doors of the structure (double or single).
Additional Information! Based on the type of guide, the price category of products depends. This criterion is very important when selecting sliding wardrobes.
Mechanism for sliding wardrobe doors
Sliding doors will be useful in rooms of any size. After all, at their expense, you can save space. The most widely used rollers are of the support type. In this version, the support occurs on the rail located at the bottom. They are used in almost any prefabricated installation.
Suspended mechanisms are used much less often. They will be optimal for built-in furniture, that is, where the rails are fastened to the concrete block. In this case, the top support is used.
The monorail system includes two pairs of rollers, each serving a separate carriage. Such a mechanism is relatively complex and is suitable for both built-in wardrobes and walk-in closets.
Types of fastening the doors of the wardrobe
The sliding wardrobe has a special door leaf opening system. It differs significantly from the swing version. Also, it will need special types of fastening. These include:
- Profiles - designed for door operation. They can be made of aluminum or steel. The first ones have a hard surface, long service life and resistance to various mechanical damage.The second - are used in inexpensive options, because of the limitation in colors, they are losing their popularity.
- Guides - the doors move along them. The set includes two pieces: one is installed on the top bar, the other on the bottom.
- Rollers - they look like wheels, due to which the flaps move. The smoothness of door opening depends on their quality.
- Stopper - fix the door leaf in the required position.
- Seals - due to them, the surface does not deteriorate from the inside. Thanks to them, the door fits snugly against the body.
Each type is of particular importance in the manufacture of a sliding device. It is thanks to them that the door leaf is perfectly attached, has a long service life and is comfortable to use.
Note! Installing a latch or stopper prevents the sliding doors from moving apart in different directions. Its installation should be carried out in a recess located in the lower profile.
When the roller hits such a structure, it reliably fixes the doors in the required position.
Which mechanism is better to choose for wardrobe doors
When choosing a mechanism, the first thing to do is take into account the mass and material from which the furniture is made. In order for the device to be as stable as possible, the rollers are installed both above and below. To control the width of the open door, a special blocker (limiter) is used.
Thanks to him, the doors will not be able to drive too far from each other. Rail parts should be selected based on the material and number of doors. The length of the track directly depends on the width of the cabinet.
The main task of the wardrobe is to accommodate as much clothes as possible. He does an excellent job with this function. In addition, the furniture takes up a minimum of space.
Video: how to make sliding doors for a wardrobe