Repair your sliding door.

Repairing these systems is usually far more cost-effective than replacing the entire wardrobe. Whether it is a simple roller adjustment or a full track replacement, a professional fix ensures your bedroom storage remains functional and safe.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Initial Assessment: Inspecting the top and bottom tracks, rollers, and guides to identify the cause of sticking or jumping.
• Panel Removal: Carefully lifting and removing the sliding panels, which often requires two people if the doors are mirrored or solid wood.
• Track Maintenance: Cleaning debris from the channels and straightening any minor bends in the metal.
• Component Replacement: Removing worn nylon or steel rollers and installing new, compatible hardware.
• Realignment: Rehanging the doors and adjusting the tension screws to ensure the panels sit flush against the side walls.

Typical Costs

Most sliding door repairs are completed within a single visit. Prices vary depending on whether the system is a standard "off-the-shelf" wardrobe or a bespoke floor-to-ceiling fitted system.

Costs are influenced by the weight of the doors; heavy mirrored panels often require more expensive high-load rollers and two tradespeople for safe handling. All prices include VAT at 20%.

How Long Does It Take?

• Basic Realignment: 30 to 45 minutes for doors that have simply jumped off their tracks.
• Roller Replacement: 1 to 2 hours, including removing panels and testing the new glide.
• Full Track Replacement: 2 to 4 hours, as this may involve removing floor fixings or trimming carpets.

DIY or Professional?

Homeowners can often handle basic maintenance, such as vacuuming the tracks or applying a silicone-based lubricant. However, if the rollers have snapped or the track is warped, a professional is recommended.

Warning: Mirrored sliding doors are incredibly heavy and fragile. Attempting to lift them alone can lead to serious injury or shattered glass if the frame flexes.

Professional fitters have the specialist suction cups and tools needed to handle large panels safely. They also have access to a wider range of replacement rollers that aren't always available in local DIY stores.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Look for specialists in fitted furniture or experienced carpenters.
• Ensure they have public liability insurance, especially when handling large glass panels in your home.
• Check if they can source "like-for-like" parts for older wardrobe systems that may be discontinued.

Questions to ask:

• Do you provide a guarantee on the replacement parts?
• Are you experienced with my specific brand (e.g., Stanley, Spacepro, or Ikea)?
• Will you need a second person to assist with lifting mirrored doors?

UK Regulations

• Safety Glass: Any replacement glass or mirrors in wardrobe doors must comply with BS EN 12600 (formerly BS 6206) to ensure it breaks safely if impacted.
• General Product Safety Regulations: Ensure that any new tracking systems installed are rated for the weight of your specific door panels.

Common Problems

• Flat Spots on Rollers: If a door is forced while stuck, the plastic rollers can develop flat edges, causing a "thumping" sound when moved.
• Track Obstructions: Small items like coins, hairpins, or carpet fibres frequently jam the bottom rollers.
• Warped Frames: In older UK homes, floor settlement can cause the wardrobe frame to shift, meaning the doors no longer meet the side walls squarely.
• Loose Screws: Vibration from daily use can loosen the adjustment screws, causing the door to lean or jump the track.

Frequently Asked Questions