How To Remove Sliding Closet Door To Make Open Closet Space

If you have a closet with a top-hung sliding door, you know the trouble it can bring. This sleek door design can save space in a walk-in closet, and while it may look nice when both doors are closed, when the time comes to start looking around for your favorite shirt and you cannot remember which side the hanger is on, you start to feel the frustration. If you are tired of only seeing one side of your closet at any given time, it may be time to take on a DIY project and remove the doors from the frame. The process is super simple and gives you flexibility in designing and organizing your space.

If you decide to remove your closet doors, you will need some supplies. Examine the screws on your door's base and determine the size and shape of the screwdriver you will need. A drop cloth can also be beneficial, especially if you decide to remove the track after taking down the doors. You should also make sure that your door is a top-hung sliding door before proceeding. These doors are attached to a track above the door frame, as opposed to bottom-rolling doors that move along a track on the floor. While bottom-rolling doors can also be removed, they tend to be heavier than top-hung doors and may require more than one person for the process. Once you know your door type and have your tools, you are ready to get started.

To remove your sliding doors, start by removing any screws from the plastic pieces that hold the doors in place on the bottom. After unscrewing the plastic pieces, you can remove them from between the doors and set them aside. The doors should now be able to move freely. This is a good time to lay down your drop cloth, just in case the doors bump anything loose while they are being removed and to prepare for removing screws later on. 

From here, look at the top of the doors for adjustment dials that change the height of the doors. Adjust the dial until the door is at a good height for removal, and then carefully lift the back door until it pops off the track. Once the back door is off the track, repeat the process with the front door. This is a great place to stop if you rent or might want to put the doors back up eventually, but you can also remove the track if you wish. Using your screwdriver, remove any screws holding the track in place and gently pry the track off.

While this can often be completed with just one person, pause the process and find assistance if the door is heavy. Also, a second set of eyes can help you spot any problems if the doors are stuck in the tracks, such as extra screws or other items holding the doors in place. 

Now that you have a fresh, open closet, it is time to make sure it looks nice. One option is to transform sliding closet doors for a better look and more convenience by replacing the door tracks with hinges. This extra DIY step gives you some privacy in your closet while still solving the access problem that sliding doors create. Plus, you will have a nice barrier between you and your dirty laundry without having to purchase brand-new doors. 

If the bulk of any closet doors is putting you off, but you would still like the ability to close off your closet a bit, consider using a curtain. An opaque and high-quality fabric in a neutral color can give you complete closet access and look chic and breezy in your bedroom, while a fun pattern can brighten up a child's bedroom and make their closets easy to access. For those who really want to embrace an open-concept closet, check out HGTV star Nate Berkus' best closet organization tips and tricks so that your clothing-filled shelves can look tidy.

Whether you are transforming a closet in the bedroom, hallway, or any other room, accessing the space restricted by sliding closet doors can make the whole closet feel new and spacious. If you are tired of shuffling doors to reach your things,this is a simple yet game-changing DIY to try.