How to change wardrobe doors to sliding?

Question

Hi everyone,

My bedroom wardrobes currently have hinged doors, and I am planning to replace them with sliding doors.

However, the top, left, and right sides of the wardrobe not flat due to the existing skirting/trim (please see the attached photos).

Do I need to make these surfaces flat before installing the sliding door rails, or is there another recommended way to install the tracks in this situation?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

MitchellMc · Answer

My apologies @pratapc. It's a very nice finish on your timber jamb, which typically indicates a metal version. I should have asked for confirmation. Removing the timber stop piece is certainly the easiest option, rather than trying to pack it out.

Mitchell

pratapc · Answer

Thanks for the message @jacobz.

Thanks for the suggestion — I checked, and the jamb is timber, and the door stop does appear to be a separate piece.

I do have same structure for other door frames in house, they all timber no metal in there.

Thanks

Pratap

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @pratapc,

Just out of curiosity, does the jamb seem to be metal or timber?

I ask, because if it is timber, then the doorstop may be a separate piece that can simply be pulled off.

If it seems to be timber, you could confirm it is a separate piece by running a utility knife down the seam between the back edge of the door stop and the door jamb to see if any gap sealant has been used. While doing so, remember to wear gloves and long protective clothing to reduce the risk of lacerations.

If there is gap sealant used on that seam, then your knife will cut through it, which would confirm this is a separate piece that can be removed.

If you discover that this is a separate piece, then it should be held in place by small finish nails, meaning with a bit of force, you can lever and pull it off using a chisel and a prybar.

Once it is off, you can tidy up the jamb by removing any remaining gap sealant, giving it a sand and a coat of paint to match the rest of the jamb before installing your sliding door track.

I could be wrong, but it is certainly worth checking before proceeding with Mitchell's solution.

Jacob