A tambour door, also known as a roller door, is a unique type of sliding door made of a series of wooden or metal slats connected together with a flexible material such as fabric or plastic. The slats can roll up into a coil along the top of the doorway when opened. Tambour doors have been used for centuries and are still popular today due to their space-saving design. Here we’ll explore exactly how tambour doors work and why they are a great choice for certain spaces.
Page Contents
The Components of a Tambour Door
The main components of a tambour door include:
- Slats – The individual wooden or metal strips that form the tambour.
- Roller mechanism – The mechanical parts at the top that allow the slats to roll up.
- Track – The upper and lower channels the tambour moves along.
- Flexible material – Usually fabric or plastic connecting the slats.
- Bottom rail – A weighted bar at the base to keep the slats taut.
The slats can vary in width from a couple inches to half a foot or more. Narrow slats give the tambour a smoother roll, while wider slats provide a more rustic, shutter-like look. The slats slide horizontally along upper and lower tracks recessed into the doorway.
How the Rolling and Unrolling Works
The key to the tambour’s operation lies in the roller mechanism mounted at the top of the frame. This houses a spring-loaded spindle that the tambour coil wraps around. The flexible material connecting each slat allows them to move independently, while keeping the tambour together as a continuous surface.
To open the door, you simply apply gentle pressure to the bottom rail to start the unrolling action. The weight of the slats causes them to unroll downwards along the tracks. The coil simultaneously winds around the spindle at the top. Once fully extended, the bottom rail rests on the floor, with the flexible connector keeping each slat aligned vertically.
To close, you lift the bottom rail slightly to take the weight off and begin manually rolling the door upwards. The spindle rotates in the opposite direction as the slats form a coil again at the top. The constant tension provided by the internal spring assembly ensures a controlled, smooth motion in both directions. Once the door is fully closed, the bottom rail can be lowered again to keep the rolled tambour securely in place.
The Advantages of Tambour Doors
There are several key advantages that make tambour doors a smart choice:
Space Savings – Since the door coils up instead of swinging out, a tambour can be used in tight spaces where a regular hinged door would be impractical. They are perfect for compact closets and entryways.
Versatility – Tambours can be configured as single doors, split double doors, or even used to hide an entire wall of storage. Their flexibility suits them to many applications.
Easy Operation – The rolling action makes opening and closing easy compared to swinging a solid door. Tambours are smooth and nearly silent.
Aesthetics – The slatted construction gives tambour doors a stylish, decorative look. They provide controlled privacy while still allowing some light to filter through.
Common Uses for Tambour Doors
Here are some of the most popular uses for tambour doors in homes and businesses:
Closets – Especially in bedrooms and bathrooms where space is limited. The tambour can roll back into the wall cavity.
Pantries – Allow quick access without an intrusive regular door. Keep the contents hidden when not in use.
Offices – Used to conceal shelves, cubicles, or noise sources like printers. Also used as room dividers.
Kitchens – For covering appliances like a refrigerator, or a tambour can hide a messy kitchen from the dining area.
Built-in Cabinets – Conceal media centers, cabinets and workspaces with a tambour.
Hotels – Used extensively for wardrobe spaces in guest rooms to save room.
Tambour Materials
Tambour doors can be constructed from several materials:
Wood – The most common option. Slats are usually oak, cedar, mahogany or pine.
Metal – Slats can be extruded aluminum, steel or other metals for an industrial aesthetic.
PVC – Durable and waterproof plastic option suitable for outdoor use.
Vinyl – Also water-resistant and well-suited to bathrooms and laundry rooms.
The connector material is typically a cloth fabric, flexible vinyl, or silicone extrusion that allows smooth joint movement between the slats. The bottom rail may match the slats or use a contrasting wood or metal for accent.
Installing a Tambour Door
Installing a tambour door is best left to professionals, but understanding the basic process helps when planning a project:
- Measure the opening carefully and order a made-to-size tambour door to fit.
- Install the track recess into the floor and lintel above.
- Mount the roller mechanism at the right height on the lintel.
- Insert each slat section into the tracks, linking with the flexible connector.
- Attach the bottom rail and test the rolling action is smooth.
- Make any needed adjustments to tracks or rollers to ensure proper operation.
- Consider lighting or other final trim details.
Proper installation is crucial to keep the tambour tracking right within the channels. Hiring a qualified contractor provides an experienced eye to get everything aligned and functional.
Tambour Door Maintenance
A few simple maintenance steps will keep a tambour working smoothly:
- Keep tracks clean of dust buildup to reduce friction.
- Apply lubricant periodically to the tracks and roller spindle.
- Watch for slats rubbing together and adjust as needed.
- Replace worn connector fabric or stitching promptly.
- Tighten any loose screws on the tracks or bottom rail.
- Clean slats with mild soap and water only.
Avoid forcing a sticking tambour door, as this can damage the alignment or rip connector material. With periodic inspection and cleaning, a quality tambour door will provide many years of reliable service.
Conclusion
Tambour doors are a great choice when you need the qualities of a sliding door but lack the wall space for a regular track system. The slatted tambour design allows it to neatly coil out of sight into a compact shape. With robust construction and precision installation, a tambour door adds beauty and convenience wherever space is at a premium. Their versatility and ease of use makes them an enduringly popular door style after more than a century of service.