Sliding bathroom doors: varieties, recommendations for choice

Modern apartments are often small, and sometimes their layout is far from ideal. In such situations, it may be difficult to install and operate conventional doors. Here sliding structures come to the rescue that do not require free space for opening. Consider the features and varieties of models suitable for the bathroom.

Sliding structures are canvases moving along special guides. The movement is carried out on rollers. Doors of sliding wardrobes work similarly. In this case, there is no need to leave space for the door to open. In some cases, it even becomes a security issue. For example, if a person is walking along a narrow corridor, he may not be afraid that another member of the family will suddenly open the door by hitting him.

In the case of sliding models you just need to calculate the size of the wings. It depends on how much space along the wall adjacent to the opening should be free. If you have two small rooms in your apartment next to each other (bathroom and toilet), you can install one common structure.

In general, there are 2 main types of sliding doors.

• With upper suspension. In this case, the guide is located at the top of the structure. Accordingly, the load falls on this particular area. In the lower part there are also rollers. However, they only keep the canvas in the right direction.
• With bottom support. Here the weight of the door lies down. The rollers located on top perform only the fixing function, not allowing the web to go out of the way.

Experts attribute this to the fact that in the lower part of the product, dirt and dust accumulate faster. This may adversely affect the operation of the system. Although, of course, in any case, the landlord will have to control the state of the sliding structure. Periodically, it will have to be cleaned. Otherwise, excess dirt or objects accidentally falling inside may damage the entire system.

It is worth highlighting other disadvantages of such a solution.

• Since the canvas does not fit snugly against the opening, absolute protection against noise and odors does not work.
• Easy blade movement is guaranteed only with perfect work. If there is at least a slight skew, the door may jam.
• When choosing a lower guide, users often step on it. As a result, system damage may occur. In the absence of a lower bar, slight web vibration with drafts may occur.

At the same time, if you take into account all the nuances, correctly complete the installation and choose the most suitable model for the design, you can get a stylish and convenient design. Therefore, abandoning this type of door is not worth it at once. It is better to think carefully and draw conclusions.

Modern manufacturers offer a variety of options for interior sliding doors. First of all, the materials from which the structures are made are different.

• Glass models look easy and elegant. For the bathroom, frosted or tinted windows are chosen. It can be a solid monophonic canvas, stained-glass window or material with a pattern.

• Plastic Structures lightweight, resistant to moisture. They are also inexpensive and look pretty. Color can be any. By the way, there is also a transparent plastic that simulates glass.

• Wooden crafts must necessarily undergo special treatment with a moisture barrier. Otherwise, an expensive and beautiful door will quickly swell and lose its attractiveness. Moreover, the system will quickly fail, as the canvas will begin to experience difficulties in movement.

• Laminated chipboard and MDF - A good budget option.

• Veneered materials also apply, but with caution.

• Combined models - the most common species. Wood or MDF is combined with glass. Plastic can be combined with metal.

One cannot but mention the difference in the shape of the paintings. There are flat and curved models. The second option is rare. Typically, such doors are appropriate in spacious apartments of a non-standard layout. In ordinary situations, standard straight flaps are used.

When choosing, pay attention to the strength of the guides. Of course, do not forget about the requirements for moisture resistance to the canvas. Well, of course, it is important to accurately calculate the size of all components of the structure. Unlike ordinary doors, which often have standard dimensions, sliding systems are made to order, taking into account each specific situation.

Since the rollers are the most important part of the system, close attention should be paid to their quality. In the future, at the first sign of some problems, it is necessary to replace these parts. Otherwise, other components of the system may break. In this case, even the canvas may suffer.

An important point is the way you open the door. Manual method is more affordable. However, if the issue of money is not a problem for you, you can choose an automatic system. In such cases, there are special servomotors inside.Management takes place using the remote control or button.

Of course, attention should be paid to design. The door should blend in harmoniously with the interior.

• If the whole house is decorated high tech, the ideal choice is a canvas made of frosted glass or translucent plastic. A glossy canvas of a cool cold shade (black, gray, white) is also suitable. A chromed metal top rail will be more appropriate here. If desired, you can add a pattern to the canvas. Flowers and other romantic motifs in this case will not work. It should be an abstract geometric print, waves or laconic stripes.

• Minimalism - a direction similar to the previous one. It also welcomes conciseness, lack of catchy decor and modern design. However, wood texture may also be used. As a rule, the canvas is completely made of one material. The guide is often hidden.

• Modern - more free style. There are often paneled doors. The combinations of wood texture with glass are diverse. Sometimes bright plastic is chosen as the material for the canvas. Some like translucent doors with original designs. The choice of color and design depends on the decoration of the bathroom and hallway, as well as the furniture present in the corridor. It is important to remember that the door is visible from both sides, therefore its appearance should be in harmony with the interior of both rooms.

• Although classic associated with swing doors, the sliding design can be successfully integrated into such an environment. It can be wooden doors with elegant carved patterns. Glazed windows will also look good. The guide should be covered with a wooden plank to match the canvas. Appropriate imitation cornice.

• In the style of Provence The design of a simple design from a material imitating wood, painted in white, fits perfectly. The bar covering the guide should also be as concise as possible. This can be a simple strip of the same material as the canvas, or a metal version. In the latter case, imitation of bronze is used.

Unlike swing models, sliding models require more careful care. Primarily, it is important to clean the canvas from any dirt. Special products are available for glass and plastic products. For delicate cleaning of wooden surfaces, there are also products of their own. Still periodically you need to clean the carriages that hold the rollers.

Regular checking of the guides is equally important. Particular attention should be paid to the bottom of the structure. Besides, occasionally lubricating moving parts of the system. This will extend its service life without repair.

An overview of the sliding door to the bathroom, see the video.