Can you put a sliding door on a shed?

Quick Answer

Yes, it is possible to install a sliding door on a shed. Shed sliding doors provide several benefits over regular swing doors, such as taking up less space and being easier to open and close. When choosing a shed sliding door, considerations include the door’s size, weight rating, materials, and installation method. With some simple tools, basic carpentry skills, and safety precautions, you can install a sliding shed door by yourself. Overall, shed sliding doors are a convenient and space-saving option for accessing your storage shed.

What Are the Benefits of Putting a Sliding Door on a Shed?

There are several advantages to using a sliding door instead of a traditional swing door for your shed:

Space Saving

A sliding shed door moves along a horizontal track rather than swinging open outwards. This saves exterior space next to the shed entrance, allowing you to place objects, planters, or furniture right up against the door without obstructing it. The sliding door also takes up minimal space inside the shed when open.

Easy to Open and Close

Sliding doors are very simple to operate – just slide them along the track. This makes them effortless to open and close from either inside or outside the shed. You don’t have to worry about propping them open and they won’t blow closed in the wind.

Weatherproofing

High quality sliding shed doors provide tight seals around the edges and may even have weatherstripping along the jamb. This helps prevent rain, wind, critters and dust from entering the shed interior.

Security

Sliding doors offer security benefits over swinging doors. The rollers and track prevent the door from being forcibly opened or pried off its hinges. Many feature locks or latches for added protection.

Aesthetics

A sliding barn door-style door on a shed can provide a modern, stylish look. Wood or metal door styles complement both traditional and contemporary shed designs.

What Are the Different Types of Sliding Shed Doors?

There are a few main types of sliding shed doors to consider:

Vinyl

Vinyl sliding doors are lightweight, durable, and low maintenance. They are weather resistant and typically feature double-paned acrylic or polycarbonate panels. Vinyl doors mimic the look of glass while insulating better.

Wood

Wood sliding doors provide a classic appearance. They are often made from cedar, pine, fir, or redwood and can be painted or stained. Wood requires proper sealing and maintenance but ages beautifully.

Metal

Metal sliding doors are very secure and durable. They are commonly made from galvanized steel, powder coated aluminum, or stainless steel. Metal doors withstand impact and are more challenging to break into.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass shed doors are impact resistant, insulated, and low maintenance. They hold up well to weather and mimic the look of wood grain without warping or rotting like real wood.

Glass

Tempered glass sliding doors allow maximum light into the shed. Double pane options provide insulation. Glass requires more care and may need replacement if damaged.

What Size Sliding Door is Best for a Shed?

Choosing the right size sliding door for your shed depends on a few factors:

Shed dimensions

Measure the height and width of the shed opening and buy a door sized to fit, with a little extra clearance. Standard sizes are often 4×6, 5×6, 5×7, 6×6, 6×7, 6×8 feet.

Interior clearance

Make sure there is enough interior floor space for the door to slide open without obstruction. About 3 feet of clearance is needed. Consider a pocket style door to save interior space.

Type of use

If storing large items like lawnmowers or ATVs, size the door accordingly for easy access. For just garden tool storage, a smaller door will suffice.

Aesthetics

Visually balance the size of the door to the overall shed size. An oversized door may look ungainly on a small shed.

How Much Weight Can a Shed Sliding Door Hold?

Shed sliding door weight capacities depend on the materials used:

Vinyl – 50-100 lbs

Vinyl sliding doors are light duty and best for small sheds and low traffic use. Look for reinforcing ribs for added strength.

Wood – 80-140 lbs

Wood shed doors can hold moderate amounts of weight. Thicker wood panels and sturdy joinery allow greater capacity.

Steel – 90-150 lbs

Steel sliding doors have high weight thresholds on par with wood. The gauge of steel determines strength.

Aluminum – 100-180 lbs

Extruded aluminum doors offer excellent durability for heavy use. Thickness ranges from 3/16″ to 1/2″.

Fiberglass – 120-180 lbs

Fiberglass doors approach heavier steel and aluminum for weight capacity. They resist sagging under loads.

For storing very heavy items in the shed, look for a high quality steel or aluminum sliding door rated for 200+ pounds of capacity.

What Materials Should a Shed Sliding Door be Made of?

Common sliding shed door materials include:

Vinyl

Vinyl doors are affordable, low maintenance, and insulating. Look for UV protection and durability enhancing features. Avoid lower grade vinyl doors.

Wood

Wood doors should be made from weather-resistant species like cedar or exterior treated pine. Look for rot-resistant joinery and thick wood panels.

Aluminum

Aluminum provides strength while resisting corrosion and rust. Powder coated aluminum has added protection. Look for thicker gauge aluminum.

Steel

Galvanized or stainless steel doors withstand impact, offer security, and resist rust. Some have wood grain or white finishes to mimic other materials.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors offer durability with the look of wood. They require less maintenance than real wood but offer similar aesthetics.

Glass

Tempered glass doors should be at least double pane to aid insulation. Look for laminated glass for impact resistance and security films for added strength.

What is the Best Method for Installing a Sliding Door on a Shed?

Two main methods exist for installing sliding shed doors:

Hanging from overhead track

This method involves securing a metal track to the top header of the door opening. The door then attaches and hangs from the track via rollers on the top edge.

Rolling on floor track

With this method, a metal or vinyl track fastens directly to the floor. The bottom edge of the door then rolls along the track.

An overhead track takes up less interior floor space. But a floor track install does not require any structural framing modifications. Overall, the overhead track method provides the smoothest, most secure installation for long term use.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing a Sliding Shed Door

Follow these steps to install a sliding door on a shed:

Materials needed:

• Sliding shed door kit
• Safety gear – gloves, goggles, ear protection
• Tape measure
• Level
• Electric drill and bits
• Circular saw or jigsaw
• Screwdriver
• Carpenter’s square
• Shims

Step 1 – Door opening preparation

Ensure the top header and side jambs are securely fastened and plumb. Fill any gaps with weatherstripping. Clean away debris.

Step 2 – Bottom track installation

Measure and mark the location for the bottom track across the floor. Allow room for the door to slide open. Fasten the track in place with included hardware.

Step 3 – Top track installation

Similarly, measure and mount the overhead track centered across the top of the opening. Make sure the track is level.

Step 4 – Cut door panel

If needed, trim the door width with a circular saw to fit the opening. Follow the track spacing.

Step 5 – Mount door

Hang the door from the top track rollers. Lower it into place along the bottom track. Adjust to ensure smooth travel.

Step 6 – Install stops

Position and install the door stop blocks in both tracks to prevent over sliding. Test operation.

Step 7 – Weathersealing

Seal any remaining gaps between the door sides and opening with provided weatherstripping.

Step 8 – Lock installation

If included, mount and adjust the door lock assembly per the manufacturer instructions.

Conclusion

Installing a sliding door on a shed is a straightforward DIY project. Following basic instructions, using quality materials, and taking safety precautions allows you to enhance your storage shed with a door that saves interior space and opens effortlessly. Opting for a pre-hung kit tailored to your shed opening size makes the process easier. With proper installation and maintenance, a shed sliding door provides lasting performance and functionality.

Door Material	Pros	Cons
Wood	Attractive appearance, natural insulation	Susceptible to rot, swelling, and warping
Vinyl	Low maintenance, mimics wood or glass	Prone to warp over time, low weight capacity
Aluminum	Durable, weatherproof, security	Higher cost, prone to dents
Steel	Very secure, high weight capacity	Can rust without proper treatment
Fiberglass	Impact resistant, low maintenance	Higher cost, less aesthetic appeal