How to convert swing door to sliding?

[PZ]

Hi everyone, can someone help to answer my 2 questions.

1. We just removed our old security door from the front of our house. We want to convert it into a sliding security door for our back door. Is it possible? If yes, how to get it done? 

2. Is it possible to remove a swing shower screen doors and replace with a sliding one? What needs to get done?

Thanks a lot.

[EricL]

Hello @PZ 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about converting swing doors to sliding doors.

Is it possible to convert a swinging security door into a sliding door? Generally speaking, yes, it is possible to install one. Can it be done as a D.I.Y. project? Probably not as it requires a great deal of retro fitting and customization. It also depends on how practical the installation will be. Just to put things into perspective, imagine the sliding rail being installed on your doorway. The security door must have space to slide away from the main entrance. The rail must be securely fixed to the exterior wall as it needs to be safe. If the rail is poorly installed the entire security set up can simply be taken apart just by pulling the rails off. 

In regards to your shower door, it is a much more complex project. You'll need to find a compatible shower door sliding mechanism that will fit into your existing shower door frame. This might need to be done as a custom fit door assembly. Again, it's probably not a D.I.Y. friendly project I would recommend, I propose speaking to a professional shower assembler/installer who has experience in converting shower door assemblies. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag and @AlanM52 for their recommendations.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @PZ 

Mmmmm I would say probarlly not with a conversion of a security door. to a sliding door. Im thinking fo the trails, baseplate and also the top of the door. Also wether the front door sizing for the screen door is the same as teh rear door as in height. Lots of modifications and I am unsure how "secure" it would be.

With the shower screen switch out, I would recomend to see a shower screen place/installer. Depends on the width you are wanting and also how much space you have to play with. Some pics may help and dimensions but I would still think I would end up heading towards a shower installer buisness.

Dave

[Nailbag · Accepted solution]

Hi @PZ 

A1: Unfortunately not. There are several sizing variables they need to be met which that type of door wouldn't suit. Plus there simply isn't parts available to make it possible. 

A2: Yes it is. But my recommendation is to have this done professionally as they have to be custom made to an exact fit. Plus the removal of the old and the installation of the new. Good news is that if you shop around it shouldn't be an expensive exercise. You're after a shower door replacement service. There are different types of slide actions with multipole screens usually 3. Some or pulled along by concealed cords and others are not. Corded ones work well if not forced, otherwise its quite a task to refit them if they come off the rails. I know this first hand as I have been called out to repair a few. Its not fun!

Nailbag.

[AlanM52]

Hi @PZ,

For both 1 & 2 it's simply not a viable proposition to do the conversion thing.

For example If you attempted the shower you would very likely end up doing a full replacement.

Cheers

[PZ]

Thanks everyone for answering my questions.

Cheers 🙂