Planning Custom Sliding Wardrobe Doors: Fittings and Running Tracks

A sliding door fitting guides door panels along aluminium or plastic profiles using ball-bearing running gear, supporting the entire door weight, which can range from 15 kg to over 50 kg depending on material and size.

Anyone planning or adapting a bespoke wardrobe inevitably faces the question of selecting the correct door guidance mechanism. Sliding doors demonstrate their structural advantages particularly in confined spaces, because unlike hinged doors with a classic concealed cup hinge, they require no clearance arc in front of the carcass. Planning a sliding door system is akin to tuning a vehicle chassis: if the load capacity of the rollers, the track profile, and the weight of the door panel are not precisely matched, movement becomes rough and the hardware wears prematurely.

This guide is aimed at fitters, joiners, and experienced DIY enthusiasts who need to assess technical parameters such as installation dimensions, running smoothness, and system compatibility to select the appropriate hardware for their furniture project.

Key Purchasing Criteria for Sliding Door Systems

The selection of fittings and guide tracks is dictated by the precise physical and geometric specifications of the planned piece of furniture.

• Door Weight (Load Capacity): The weight of the door leaf is the limiting factor. A standard door made from chipboard (18 mm thickness, 2000 mm height, 1000 mm width) weighs approximately 25 kg. Fitting sets are classified into fixed weight categories, typically up to 30 kg, up to 50 kg, or heavy-duty systems up to 80 kg. The load capacity of the running gear must never be exceeded.
• Door Thickness: The guide profiles and mounting points for the rollers are designed for specific panel thicknesses. Common dimensions for timber-based materials are 16 mm, 18 mm, and 19 mm. Glass elements require different clamp profiles (usually 4 mm or 6 mm).
• Track Length: The length of the running track generally corresponds to the internal or external carcass width. For instance, if you are planning a wardrobe 200 cm wide, you will require a track set of 2000 mm length, which can be trimmed to the exact millimetre with a hacksaw if needed.
• Installation Configuration (Mounting Type): With overlay sliding doors, the door leaves conceal the entire carcass (including the top and bottom panels) when closed. With inset (infront) systems, the doors run between the wardrobe side panels, leaving the carcass edges visible.

Overview of Sliding Door Fitting Types

Depending on structural requirements and carcass design, the weight of the door is distributed differently.

Bottom-Rolling Systems

In bottom-rolling systems, the entire weight of the door rests on the lower running track. The top track serves merely as a guide to prevent the door from tilting. This construction is exceptionally well-suited to heavy materials, as the wardrobe base directs the load straight downwards. A completely level base is an essential requirement, as any unevenness will directly impair running performance.

Top-Hung Systems

In this arrangement, the running track is fitted to the top panel of the wardrobe. The door is suspended from specialised roller carriages, whilst only a small guide pin (or a concealed groove) at the bottom edge prevents swinging. Top-hung systems offer a cleaner visual appearance and eliminate the need for a bottom floor track, but they require an extremely rigid top panel. If the top panel sags under the load, the doors will jam.

Which Fitting for Which Scenario? (Decision Guide)

The choice of hardware depends directly on the location of use and the dimensions of the carcass.

• When using heavy materials: If you are planning a solid wood wardrobe, you must choose a bottom-rolling system with a load capacity of at least 50 kg per door leaf. Top-hung systems would permanently warp the top panel when paired with solid timber.
• When room space is limited: For narrow walkways, such as in a hallway cupboard or a wardrobe 50 cm deep, an inset sliding door system is ideal. It creates no additional projection outward and maximises the remaining usable room space.
• When planning large wardrobe fronts: For a 2-person wardrobe or a large wardrobe with three or more doors, you will need multi-track profiles (typically 2-track or 3-track). Ensure the system provides a door overlap of exactly 20 mm to 30 mm to prevent dust gaps.

Installation and Mounting Instructions

Correct installation determines the service life of the running rollers. Work with the utmost precision.

Tools Required:

• Cordless screwdriver with suitable bits (usually PZ or TX)
• Hacksaw for cutting aluminium profiles
• Spirit level and tape measure
• Hex key for height adjustment

Installation Steps:

1. Cut tracks to size: Measure the internal carcass dimension and cut the upper and lower running track. File the cut edges smooth (deburr).
2. Secure the tracks: Screw the tracks in place perfectly parallel to one another. An offset of just 2 mm between top and bottom will cause accelerated roller wear.
3. Mount the fittings: Screw the running gear to the back of the door panels according to the manufacturer's instructions. When using wood screws, pre-drilling with a 3 mm drill bit is recommended.
4. Hang the doors: On 2-track systems, always hang the rear (inner) door first, followed by the front door.
5. Adjustment: Use the adjusting screw on the running gear to alter the door height (typically +/- 3 mm) to align it precisely with the carcass side.
6. Activate soft-close: If fitted, engage the soft-close mechanism within the track and test the closing travel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I calculate sliding door width? The width is calculated from the internal carcass width plus the desired overlap, divided by the number of doors. For a two-door wardrobe with a 2000 mm internal width and a 30 mm overlap, the door width is exactly 1015 mm per leaf.

Can I retrofit sliding doors to a standard wardrobe? Yes, provided the carcass is sufficiently sturdy and the top and bottom panels sit flush with the side panels. Overlay sliding door systems are best suited for this, as they mount externally to the carcass.

Why is my sliding door rubbing when opening? This is usually caused by debris in the lower guide track or incorrect roller height adjustment. Check that the door runs parallel to the side panel and adjust the running gear using the adjustment screw.

What is the difference between soft-close and standard stoppers? A soft-close fitting catches the door leaf over the final few centimetres (usually 50 mm to 100 mm before the end stop), dampens the movement using a hydraulic damper, and gently pulls it into its end position. A standard stopper is simply a rubber buffer that the door strikes against.

Which screws should I use for running tracks? To secure aluminium tracks into timber carcasses, use pan-head or countersunk chipboard screws (3.5 mm or 4 mm diameter). The screw head must sit completely flush within the profile so the rollers do not catch on it.

Matching Products and Hardware for Your Project

Once your technical dimensions and construction method are defined, you can choose the matching components for your wardrobe build. In our range, you will find all the necessary fittings and hardware solutions for your installation:

• If you are building your own door panels, explore custom sliding wardrobe door fittings to find the matching tracking and guide systems.
• If you require supplementary components such as soft-close dampers, brush seals, or handle profiles, look through our wardrobe accessories range.
• For sliding hardware sets suited to broad wardrobes or minimalist white wardrobe concepts, browse our extensive range of wardrobe fittings and sliding gear.
• To explore the full spectrum of top-hung and bottom-running mechanisms, check our dedicated sliding wardrobe door hardware section.