DIY Basic Sliding Cabinet Door

A great feature to have on a cabinet is a sliding cabinet door. For larger cabinets that are in the garage, act as a display case, or have some other function, a sliding cabinet door will help make them more convenient to open. Buying a new sliding cabinet door can be very expensive. However, creating a basic sliding cabinet door requires the use of a few materials and tools. This project is well within the skill sets of a basic do it yourselfer and should take only a few hours to complete.

What You Will Need

■Plywood, 3/4 inch
■Table saw
■Circular saw
■Cabinet door slide mechanism
■Sander
■Drill
■Screwdriver
■Tape measure
■Paint
■Paint brush

Step 1: Take Measurements For Door
Before you start building your sliding cabinet door you need to know the measurements for building the door. The door is a very basic sheet of plywood with a simple handle and sliding mechanism. However, it should fit correctly and be the right size.

Step 2: Cut Out Door
Take the measurements that you have and mark them on a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood. Use a straight edge to make the lines. Place the plywood on a table saw, or use a circular saw, and cut out the door. It is a good idea to cut the door a little short of the line. This way you can sand it and not worry about taking off too much wood.

Step 3: Sand Door
With a sander, with 80-grit sandpaper, go over the entire door. Pay attention to the edges that you cut. If you cut short of the line, then finish the dimensions with the sander. Change the paper to 160-grit and smooth the door to a fine finish.

Step 4: Paint Door
Paint makes a great protective sealant for sliding cabinet doors that are located in the garage. However, you might want to paint the cabinet door to also go along with the decoration in the room. You may also substitute paint for stain if you like. Apply as many coats as you need to get the desired look.

Step 5: Install Sliding Mechanism
Line up the sliding mechanism of the new door and secure it with screws. You will need to make sure that it stays level with the door edge. It should be at least 1/2-inch from the lip of the top of the door along the entire length.

Step 6: Install Door
Once you have the sliding mechanism attached to the door, you can slide it onto the corresponding part on the cabinet. They will simply be able to slide in and stop on a catching device, or they will lift into the railing. Move the door back and forth a few times to make sure that it will move easily and without catching. If you need to make adjustments, now is the time to do it. Remove the door and adjust the sliding mechanism to where you need it.