ASSA ABLOY

How To Choose the Right Sliding Door Hardware

Jillian Sward -

There are so many options for sliding doors, such as stainless steel sliding door hardware, traditional flat track barn door hardware and traditional box track hardware. There are all kinds of finishes and functions available, including soft close. So how do you pick the right combination?

For any door in your office, hospital setting, or commercial space, you want it to be supported and to have the right hardware so that it operates correctly. The biggest factor to keep in mind is the weight of the door. Heavier sliding doors will require a track that can support it, as well as a header or proper wall blocking that is equally as strong.

The other factor is the look of your sliding hardware. Perhaps you want an exposed or rustic aesthetic, but there are also steel and aluminum finishes, depending on the look you want. We’ll show you how to pick out the right hardware below.

The Best Hardware for Your Sliding Door Application

Sliding door tracks come in a variety of different styles. For example, barn style door tracks may have rustic designs to add to your interior aesthetic. They may also come in a number of different finishes, but you also want to make sure the track can support the type of door you choose.

1. Weight and Size of the Door

Before buying any sliding door hardware, you’ll need to know the weight, width and height of the door. You ideally want a track that can support the type of door you choose, especially if it’s a heavier wood door. It’s typical to find hardware that can support a limit of 200 lbs or more, up to 4,400 lbs.

Since sliding doors are very different than sizing a regular hanging door that uses hinges, you’ll need to use our sliding door sizing guide for exact measurements. The track you choose should cover the opening but also leave room for when the door is open.

Approximate Door Weights (lbs per sq ft)


Type of Hardware Design

This is one of the fun parts to installing a sliding door. You get to pick the entire design of your sliding door hardware. The main types of tracks include:

  • Traditional sliding door track
  • Pocket doors
  • Bypass
  • Overhead
  • Barn door (Side wall mounted track system)

There are also design and material choices. Some of the different design types include:

  • Steel barn door hardware
  • Stainless steel barn door hardware
  • Stainless steel box track hardware
  • Aluminum or steel box track sliding door hardware

2. Aesthetics

It’s important to look at the rest of your interior decor and determine what style of hardware will go best with your floors, door choice, and other furnishings. You may also want to consider if it needs a latch, lock, or even a flush pull to aid with push-force.

There are a variety of colors and finishes to choose from, including:

  • Stainless steel
  • Dark oil-rubbed
  • Black powder coated
  • Bronze
  • Rustic black
  • Black steel
  • Matte black
  • Industrial

Did You Find the Right Sliding Door Hardware?

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