ᐅ How can I modify an Ikea Pax wardrobe with sliding doors myself?
Created on: 22 Apr 2020 14:07
S
selis9Hello everyone, I am currently planning to modify my Ikea PAX wardrobe with sliding doors and found that many guides are either too general or lack sufficient detail. Therefore, I would like to ask here in the forum specifically for experiences and instructions:
How can I convert an Ikea PAX wardrobe with sliding doors myself so that the doors run smoothly, the modification is done without damaging the carcass, and the tracks are mounted neatly?
I am fairly proficient technically but have only installed standard PAX doors so far and now want to switch explicitly to sliding doors. I am especially interested in:
- Which tools and materials are needed?
- What is the detailed process for removing the old doors and preparing the carcass?
- Are there any special considerations for installing the upper and lower tracks?
- What should I pay attention to so that the doors do not stick or catch later on?
I look forward to constructive and as detailed as possible answers that will help me carry out this modification step by step safely and properly.
How can I convert an Ikea PAX wardrobe with sliding doors myself so that the doors run smoothly, the modification is done without damaging the carcass, and the tracks are mounted neatly?
I am fairly proficient technically but have only installed standard PAX doors so far and now want to switch explicitly to sliding doors. I am especially interested in:
- Which tools and materials are needed?
- What is the detailed process for removing the old doors and preparing the carcass?
- Are there any special considerations for installing the upper and lower tracks?
- What should I pay attention to so that the doors do not stick or catch later on?
I look forward to constructive and as detailed as possible answers that will help me carry out this modification step by step safely and properly.
Hello selis9,
I find your question very well structured. I recently converted my PAX wardrobe to sliding doors as well and can provide you with a step-by-step guide:
- Tools: cordless screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, possibly a multitool for tight spots, spirit level, tape measure, drill with metal drill bit.
- Preparation: remove the doors, check the cabinet frame side (make sure all joints are tight), carefully align the top and bottom sliding rails.
Be sure not to damage the frame parts when removing the old doors. The rails are different – the top one supports the door, and the bottom one guides the sliding door, so precise alignment is essential here.
Important for smooth sliding:
- The rails must be perfectly horizontal.
- Hang and adjust the sliding door at the end using the guide wheels.
A common mistake is to screw the rails too loosely to allow later adjustment – this often results in doors that wobble. It’s better to screw them carefully and accurately from the start.
If you like, I can also share some tips on how to hang the doors.
I find your question very well structured. I recently converted my PAX wardrobe to sliding doors as well and can provide you with a step-by-step guide:
- Tools: cordless screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, possibly a multitool for tight spots, spirit level, tape measure, drill with metal drill bit.
- Preparation: remove the doors, check the cabinet frame side (make sure all joints are tight), carefully align the top and bottom sliding rails.
Be sure not to damage the frame parts when removing the old doors. The rails are different – the top one supports the door, and the bottom one guides the sliding door, so precise alignment is essential here.
Important for smooth sliding:
- The rails must be perfectly horizontal.
- Hang and adjust the sliding door at the end using the guide wheels.
A common mistake is to screw the rails too loosely to allow later adjustment – this often results in doors that wobble. It’s better to screw them carefully and accurately from the start.
If you like, I can also share some tips on how to hang the doors.
Liduta schrieb:
A common mistake is screwing the tracks too loosely to allow for later adjustment – this often causes the doors to tilt.Thank you for the tip; that was one of my biggest concerns. However, I would like to ask in more detail: When installing the running tracks, what is the exact procedure for aligning them? Is it best to use a spirit level horizontally, or are there predefined drilling points from Ikea that I should follow?
And what about the bottom guide rail? Does it make sense to screw it in completely fixed, or is it better to start with a provisional installation using adjustable screws?
To carry out the conversion of the Ikea PAX wardrobe with sliding doors in a truly solid manner, you should thoroughly familiarize yourself with the sliding mechanism before installation and understand the technical details precisely.
Regarding your questions:
- Drilling points: Ikea usually supplies pre-drilled holes in the tracks that are precisely aligned with the cabinet frame. It is therefore recommended to use these points exactly and to align the lock almost perfectly, rather than making new holes spontaneously.
- Spirit level: This is indispensable. The tracks should be installed exactly horizontal, as the sliding doors are optimally guided only by precise rollers. The spirit level should be placed on the edge profile of the cabinet frame—not on the inside surface of the cabinet wall, as this can slightly warp.
- Bottom track: This supports the weight of the sliding door and guides it. You should temporarily fix this first, then insert the door and check how it fits on the track. Adjustment is usually done via set screws on the rollers.
A small tip: the bottom track is often overlooked as an adjustment point. It requires very precise adjustment; otherwise, you may experience scraping or skewing.
What are your exact measurements? Have you already precisely determined the width and height of your sliding doors? It is important to allow at least 2 mm (0.08 inches) of clearance at the top and sides to ensure smooth movement.
Perhaps you can also partially remove the interior fittings of the cabinet during the conversion to facilitate access?
Regarding your questions:
- Drilling points: Ikea usually supplies pre-drilled holes in the tracks that are precisely aligned with the cabinet frame. It is therefore recommended to use these points exactly and to align the lock almost perfectly, rather than making new holes spontaneously.
- Spirit level: This is indispensable. The tracks should be installed exactly horizontal, as the sliding doors are optimally guided only by precise rollers. The spirit level should be placed on the edge profile of the cabinet frame—not on the inside surface of the cabinet wall, as this can slightly warp.
- Bottom track: This supports the weight of the sliding door and guides it. You should temporarily fix this first, then insert the door and check how it fits on the track. Adjustment is usually done via set screws on the rollers.
A small tip: the bottom track is often overlooked as an adjustment point. It requires very precise adjustment; otherwise, you may experience scraping or skewing.
What are your exact measurements? Have you already precisely determined the width and height of your sliding doors? It is important to allow at least 2 mm (0.08 inches) of clearance at the top and sides to ensure smooth movement.
Perhaps you can also partially remove the interior fittings of the cabinet during the conversion to facilitate access?
PLOMA schrieb:
What are your exact measurements? Have you already finalized the width and height of your sliding doors? It is important to allow at least 2 mm (0.08 inches) of clearance at the top and sides to ensure smooth sliding.Thank you for the detailed information. I have actually already measured the opening: it is approximately 123 cm (48 inches) wide and 236 cm (93 inches) high. The doors will be cut accordingly to fit, but I will allow 3 mm (0.12 inches) clearance on the sides and 2 mm (0.08 inches) at the top to provide enough tolerance for the doors to operate smoothly.
I also find your advice regarding the interior very useful. I have quite a few shelves that I plan to remove during the conversion, which will definitely improve access.
Do you think I need to reinforce the cabinet before installing the tracks? The joints are solid, but I want to avoid any deformation later on.
selis9 schrieb:
Do you think I need to reinforce the frame before installing the rails?If your frame doesn’t wobble or have excessive play, reinforcement is usually not necessary. PAX units are generally stable enough for sliding doors. However, you should retighten all connections with the appropriate screws, especially on older cabinets.
- Tip: If needed, you can add small metal corner brackets on the inside if you find any weak spots.
- Also check the base panel, as a sturdy foundation is often underestimated.
If the cabinet is very wide and you need to install long sliding rails, adding a central support beam is worthwhile to prevent sagging later on.
Good luck with your renovation!
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