A sliding door can offer a practical solution if you need more space in a room, but it's vital to have accurate measurements before you buy and fit your door. Follow these top tips to get it right.
* Measure the door opening in more than one place. Measure horizontally across the top and bottom of the opening and then vertically on each side.
* To get the tracks for the door the right size, subtract 3mm from the opening's top and bottom measurements. You'll need one track for the ceiling and one for the floor. Use a hacksaw to cut them, and cover your cutting line with masking tape so the blade is less likely to slip.
* Mark the position of the screws for the top track on the ceiling, drill the holes and screw the track in place using butterfly screws. The floor track can be fixed with screws or tape. Remember to use an electric cable and pipe detector before drilling so you don't go through anything you shouldn't.
* When installing the door, ensure the top guide is in the top track, with the bottom of the door slanting out at about a 15-degree angle, then lower the door's bottom wheels into the bottom track.
* You can adjust the door with the screw on the top of the bottom wheels. Using a screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise to lower the door and anti-clockwise to make it higher. Keep raising and lowering its sides until you're happy with its position. For more information, visit the DIY Advice Centre at www.homebase.co.uk.
- Belfast Telegraph