Closet doors are a wonderful tool after all what better way to hide all that clutter that you have no home for. But your closet doors don't have to be boring. In fact why not consider installing sliding mirror closet doors.
The transformation from hardboard to mirror is very impressive adding brightness and making the room feel much more spacious. So how to make the transformation? Start by choosing your doors.
1. If you are buying doors for a child's room then make sure they have the special film that should they accidentally become broken the mirror will stay in place and won't shatter.
2. Sizing your doors is pretty straight forward. Measure the opening or if the existing doors fit correctly then take the measurements off them.
3. Pick a style - choose the trim or finish you want, choose from silver mirror, dry erase whiteboard, or chalkboard. There are plenty of options.
4. Locate the existing upper and lower track. This should be set into the floor and ceiling for an ideal installation but that's not always possible. Decide if you'll need to replace the track. If the walls aren't flush you'll have to be a little creative.
5. If your doors are standard size then you can pick them up right away. If they doors have to be custom ordered you can expect a week or two until delivery.
Now that your closet doors have arrived it's time to install those doors.
1. Remove the old track on the bottom. If the screws look old use a manual screwdriver rather than the drill which might strip the heads.
2. Slide the door plates over the existing holes, then pre-drill the screw holes with a 1/8" wood drill bit. Next screw the plates to the door.
3. Next in order to help set the track flush with the wall you need to measure the distance between the pre-drilled mounting holes on the upper track and the track valance panel.
4. Align flush to the wall the front of the upper track valence panel. Mark the mounting holes 1 ¾" from the outer closet corners.
5. To keep the track straight across the opening you need to measure the distance from the back of the closet wall and then mark it on the ceiling across from where the opening is.
6. Next locate the closet header across the width of the opening. You can use a stud finder to make it easier. If you can't find the wood header you will need to use anchors to attach.
7. Mark the pre-drill holes in the closet frame then you are ready to fasten your track with 2" screws.
8. Next align the lower track so it is running flush with the wall at both ends and then use your screw to fasten the track through your pre-drilled holes into the floor.
9. You are ready to hang the doors. If the doors are too big get some assistance. Set the upper wheels into the track then clip the bottom of the door into the lower track.
That's it. Follow these directions and you will have your sliding mirror closet doors in place in no time!