Do Sliding Closet Doors Need A Bottom Track? Here's What You Need To Know

Sliding doors are the sleek door design that saves space in a walk-in closet or bedroom, and many doors come with the hardware required for installation, including a bottom track. However, some people prefer not to install a bottom track for a variety of reasons. Bottom tracks can create a tripping hazard, and dust and debris can collect inside the tracks, requiring you to clean them regularly to keep the doors rolling. Installing sliding closet doors isn't as hard as you think, but deciding on the necessities of the floor tracks can stump you. Some people don't like the aesthetics, while others think bottom tracks are necessary to hold the weight of the door. However, this is a misconception because the top track rollers on most doors are sufficient for holding their weight.

Since the top track holds the weight of the door, the bottom track only guides the doors and prevents them from swinging in and out. When you are installing two rows of closet doors, such as one or two doors in the front and one or two in the back row, a full floor track may not be needed. However, if you are hanging a row of three or more doors, the bottom track may be necessary.

Although bottom closet door tracks can create problems, there are situations where installing them is recommended. The frequency of use and whether you have pets or small children may influence the decision. Frequently used doors may need the additional stability that a floor track provides. If you have large pets or small children, you may have more concerns about the door being pushed in or out, and a floor track can prevent this issue.

In addition to stabilizing the door, the bottom track helps ensure smoother operation. When you have a bottom track to help guide the doors, there is less friction, so the door moves more smoothly. If there is no bottom track, the door can wobble and become misaligned.

A full bottom track is not the only way to prevent closet doors from swinging. Many sliding closet door systems use a small guide that is mounted at the center of the doors. This helps to guide the door and keep it from swinging in or out. When you hate the look of a full track but worry about stability, this may be the perfect alternative. If you still aren't happy with the look of your sliding closet doors, you may want to try one of these closet makeover ideas to elevate the aesthetic of a plain door.