Sliding Door Hardware: What You Need to Know

A simplified sliding door consists of rails and one or more leaves with handles, sometimes supplemented by a closers and a locks. Which sliding door accessory is useful and necessary depends on the intended use, the location and personal preferences: for example, technical details that ensure the door closes quietly, save space, dampen sounds or block out unpleasant odours. So how much do you know about sliding door hardware? Read on to learn more.

Sliding door rails carry the weight and keep the sliding door running smoothly. High-quality models are characterized by durability, as well as easy guidance of the door leaf. The door should move quietly - and lock securely into place thanks to "soft close", in other words, not open again or roll back.

Depending on the room and the place of use, the manufacturer offers sliding door systems for wall or ceiling installation. The former option makes sense if you want to replace a swing door with a sliding door and install it on an existing door frame. Ceiling installations are mainly used when there is a need to separate the living area in a room with sliding doors.

Sliding door hardware should blend seamlessly into the room without taking away from the furniture. Especially the rails, whose rails slide invisible in the contours, for any living concept. Important note: When shopping for sliding door hardware, make sure the door leaf also fits and is the right size. For example, some models are only suitable for one sliding door, while others are suitable for two sliding doors. For installation of sliding doors in showcases, suitable models are those in which the door leaf runs exactly to the end of the track, where the door leaf stops gently due to a gentle retraction.

In order for the sliding door to close quietly, "like itself", the so-called soft pull-in (also known as soft-close) ensures this. This is a mechanism that combines a spring and a damper. This mechanism allows drawers or kitchen cabinets to close quietly. In the case of a sliding door, this mechanism prevents it from "slamming" and damaging the leaf when closing. Important note: While sliding door systems usually include a soft close for glass doors, it should also be included for wooden variants.

In addition to guide rails, there are various handle shells, handle rods and handle strips for sliding doors. In addition to visual preferences, practical aspects are also important in the purchase: For barrier-free living, handle bars and handle bars are the right choice, as they are easier to grip than handle shells and are more visible from the door leaf. For flexibility in positioning the handle bar or handle at the right height, there is an option to install sliding door handles without drilling.

Fittings that can be fixed to the glass panel using clip or adhesive techniques are particularly suitable for simple installation. The advantage is that there is no need to pre-drill holes in the glass pane, and accessories such as handles or trims can be individually adapted to the site as required. Thanks to the special bonding process, handles and other accessories are as reliable as the threaded variants.

In addition to sound and heat insulation, the sliding door system with lock provides additional privacy. A hook or round bolt lock that engages in the frame is often used for this purpose.

Sliding glass doors bring light into the rooms, creating wide sightlines and an open living concept - for example between the living room and the kitchen: sliding doors provide the kitchen with daylight from the living room - although creating two separate rooms, they can be connected at any time one room.

WEKIS is a professional custom sliding door hardware manufacturer with 18 years experience. Our main products are: barn door hardware, bifold barn door hardware, heavy duty barn door hardware, pocket door hardware, mini barn door hardware, bypass door hardware, double door hardware, slide hardware and so on. We also offer a range of accessories for sliding doors, including handles. We are proud to provide you with cost-effective products and services tailored to your needs.