How To Take Sliding Doors Off

Sliding doors come in all shapes and sizes, from space-saving cavity wall doors to panoramic patio doors, and pretty much everything in between. They are increasingly popular for their functionality and versatility, and can infuse any home with contemporary style. Over time, though, you may need to remove your doors for maintenance or repairs, or to upgrade your space with a completely new look.

You may have no idea how to take off sliding doors, but the good news is that it is generally quite straightforward. This step-by-step guide on how to take sliding doors off should help you to complete the process without causing any damage – to your home or to yourself! Let’s get started…

What To Do Before Removing Sliding Doors

Before diving into the actual removal process, it’s important to take the time to prepare. Assess the job before you get started, and make sure that you have everything you need to hand.

• Gather the necessary tools:

  Ensure you have all the required tools readily available. Typically, you will need a screwdriver, a pry bar, and probably a friend to help you when lifting and handling the doors.

• Clear the surrounding area:

  Remove curtains, nearby furniture, or other obstacles so that you have space to work, while minimising the risk of accidents or damage during the process.

• Protect the flooring and glass:

  To avoid any scratches or breakages, place a thick blanket or drop cloth on the floor beneath the sliding doors. If the doors have glass panels, you can apply masking tape in a crisscross pattern to prevent shattering in case of an accidental knock or drop.

• Identify the type of sliding doors:

  Determine whether you have bypass doors or pocket doors. Bypass doors slide past each other, while pocket doors slide into a recessed cavity within the wall. It’s important to know which type you have as the removal process will be slightly different for each.

• Check size and weight:

  Sliding doors can vary dramatically in size and weight, depending on the dimensions and materials. Even when you know how to take sliding doors off, the weight of a door can take you by surprise – it’s not always possible or sensible to do it alone. Always check the weight of the door you want to remove before you fully loosen the screws and start trying to bear its weight. You can find out more about the standard heights and widths of sliding glass doors to assess whether yours is bigger than average.

Steps for Removing Sliding Doors

Now that you’ve prepared and are ready to go, follow these steps for how to take sliding doors off:

• Locate and remove the top track:

  If you have bypass doors, start by locating the top track. Use a screwdriver to remove any screws securing the track in place. Once the screws are removed, lift the track off the door frame. For pocket doors, look for an access panel near the top track. Remove the panel and unscrew any screws holding the track in position. Carefully slide the track out of the wall cavity. If you have one sliding panel and one fixed panel, remove the sliding panel first.

• Remove the doors from the bottom track:

  With the top track removed, slide the doors open. Lift one door slightly to disengage it from the bottom track. While holding the door, ask a helper to lift the other door at the same time. Together, remove both doors by angling them towards the centre of the frame, carefully guiding them out of the bottom track.

• Detach the bottom track (bypass doors only):

  In the case of bypass doors, once the doors are removed, locate the bottom track and remove the screws that are holding it in place. Gently lift the track to release it from the frame.

• Clean and store the doors:

  After removing the sliding doors, take the opportunity to clean them thoroughly with a mild detergent and water. Wipe down the tracks as well, removing any dirt or debris. If you plan to store the doors, cover them with a protective sheet or cloth to prevent damage.

So that’s how to take sliding doors off, for repairs or replacement. You can check out our guide to how to get a sliding back on track for help with getting your doors back in position, or installing new sliding doors onto a track.

Sliding Door Removal FAQs

• How to take sliding shower doors off

Here’s how to take sliding doors off a shower: Start by opening them fully. Look for screws or clips holding the doors to the top and bottom tracks. Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove these. Once the screws or clips are removed, lift the doors off the tracks, angling them slightly to disengage them. Be very careful when handling glass shower doors to avoid any breakage or injury.

• How do you remove a sliding door from its track?

Begin by fully opening the door. Locate the adjustment screws at the bottom of the door near the rollers. Use a screwdriver to adjust these screws, lifting the door slightly to disengage the rollers from the track. Once the door is lifted, carefully tilt it towards you and guide it out of the track. We strongly advise enlisting a second pair of hands to help you!

• How do you remove a pocket door from its track?

Start by locating the access panel at the top of the pocket door frame. Remove any screws securing the access panel and set it aside. With the panel removed, you will have access to the top track. Unscrew any fasteners securing the top track and carefully slide it out of the wall cavity. Once the top track is removed, the door should easily slide out of the pocket, allowing you to remove it.

• How do you take a sliding door off to replace the rollers?

With the door fully open, locate the adjustment screws near the bottom of the door that hold the rollers in place. Using a screwdriver, adjust these screws to raise the door slightly and release the pressure on the rollers. You should now be able to carefully lift the door to detach it from the bottom track. Place the door on a stable surface and remove the old rollers. Install the new rollers according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and then reverse the process to rehang the door.

• How do you remove a sliding screen security?

Start by opening the door fully and locating the screws or fasteners securing the frame to the door frame or track. Use a screwdriver to remove these screws, then gently lift the screen door upwards to disengage it from the bottom track. Tilt the top of the screen door towards you and guide it out of the track. Be cautious while handling the screen door to prevent any damage to the frame or screen material.

Need Help Choosing a New Replacement Sliding Door?

If your sliding doors need a bit of maintenance or TLC, it can be a simple case of removing them, cleaning out the tracks, replacing worn rollers, and getting them back on track. There are also plenty of ways to upgrade or refresh the look of your doors with framing or decoration. Find more tips for how to make sliding doors look better, or get inspired with these sliding door ideas for your living room.

But if it’s time for something new, there is a huge range of sliding door options for you to discover at your nearest Doors Plus showroom. Our friendly team can talk you through our collections, and give you a good idea of how much a replacement is likely to cost. Visit today and let’s find your dream sliding doors!