How to Design Sliding Doors
Installing a sliding door unit will open any room space to outdoor living. Curtains or blinds can be moved back during the daytime to allow sunshine and an outdoor view to be part of indoor space. The area next to the sliding doors is a great spot for relaxing or dining. Floor space can be used for a breakfast nook inside and a picnic table outside, for example. There are various types of doors and units to fit almost any budget. It's a good idea to install the doors with a patio space outside to make foot traffic flow easier. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tools
- Sketch pad
- Stud finder
- Lumber
- Motion detector light
- Electric screwdriver
Instructions
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Measure wall space to allow for the door unit. Plan to build a patio or deck outside for a table or lawn chairs, so measure this space during the planning stages. Envision how the sliding-door space will be used by the family, so you can plan a window treatment. Sketch a basic picture of how the installed door will look both inside and outside.
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Find studs in the wall space. Use a stud finder to determine wall space area that you will remove. Make sure there is room for the exact size of door unit you will buy. Select a standard sliding door or purchase a French door sliding unit. Choose what's appropriate with the home's interior and exterior wall. Invest in a high-quality unit with real wood framing if the house is in an upscale neighborhood.
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Remove interior and exterior wall space to make room for the door unit. Build a header and side support beams to create strong framework to absorb the weight of the house facade. Plan to construct the framing immediately after bricks or interior drywall are removed. Run required lighting for exterior lights before adding the door or sealing up the surrounding space.
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Install the sliding door unit. Ask a couple of friends to assist, because any unit will be difficult for one person to manage. Secure the door unit framing to the opening with an electric screwdriver. Use a carpenter's level to make sure the door is level across the top and perpendicular to the house framing on the sides.
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Add extra features and security components. Install upscale wooden trim around the interior and exterior of the sliding-door space. Caulk the wood spaces carefully before painting. Place a motion detector light outside to deter unwelcome visitors, because a sliding door is a vulnerable spot for home break-ins.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure you don't install a sliding door facing directly into a neighbor's living space. You want to install it for maximum enjoyment of the outdoor view, but you don't want your privacy compromised.
Consider using lattice outside to create a privacy fence around patio space.
Add a small canopy or awning outside, so the patio space can be used on more days of the year.
Be careful about installing heavy items outside the sliding doors. Strong winds can turn over a large planter, for example, and break the glass.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Kraig Scarbinsky/Digital Vision/Getty Images
