# Suppliers of Custom Sliding Door Slabs \[OP is going DIY route, advice solicited\] **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 20, 2025, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124 "2025-07-20T19:55:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/1 "2025-07-20T19:55:07Z")
Hey Everyone I’m doing a refresh of a room, and updating the closet a bit. It has two sliding doors, straight from the 40s. They’re in tough shape, and just plain, boring slabs. So I’m going to get new ones. The closet opening is not one of the standard sizes, so I’ll need to go custom. I can find plenty of places on line who claim to make them in custom sizes, but most have few or no reviews, and It’s going to be a bit pricey, so I’m looking for anyone who can recommend reputable, quality suppliers. When it comes to stuff for the house, I have a big hangup on quality- that’s way more important to me than price. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/2 "2025-07-20T20:10:04Z")
I don’t know your exact situation. But, I believe a drop in re-fit will be nearly impossible to find ready-made. Which I bet most of the places online count on that, to supply themselves. Have you considered a finish carpenter/cabinet maker and really have it custom made? For quality, thats the way I’d go. If you don’t have a trusted woodworker, check with the Building inspector in your area for some suggestions. Anyway, Good-luck. Pix after? ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/3 "2025-07-20T20:30:14Z")
Most such suppliers are going to be local to you. Or at least you’ll need a local installer. Where are you? If your openings are just a few inches larger than a standard size you might consider framing the opening down to take standard doors. The opposite applies too, but I’d bet shrinking the opening a few inches is a lot simpler than expanding it. ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/4 "2025-07-20T21:33:54Z")
Thanks for the thoughts. I’ll be installing them, and I decided quite intentionally that I didn’t want to frame the opening down. I like the way its laid out. The cabinet maker is also a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2025, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/5 "2025-07-20T22:14:51Z")
How about visiting an architectural salvage shop? They might have something big enough and it might already be the right vintage. ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/6 "2025-07-21T05:39:56Z")
Custom door slabs are dramatically more expensive than mass produced. Standard sized doors can be resized by a competent carpenter if the difference isnt too big. I have done it myself many times. I have also ordered custom doors when resizing wasn’t viable. I have built a few myself too. Any region is going to have local door manufacturers. Cabinet doors are often custom and made locally. Those same shops will usually also mill up man doors. Here in Calgary, I know of two cabinet door shops that also will do man doors. There is also at least one other local shop that specializes in man doors only. I have also ordered custom doors from bigger mass manufacturers like Lynden and Masonite. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/7 "2025-07-21T11:47:45Z")
Wait, what is a “man door”? ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/8 "2025-07-21T12:19:07Z")
If you have to ask… ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/9 "2025-07-21T12:21:55Z")
Its just a construction industry distinction to differentiate doors that are meant for people to walk through. Swing door is also used. There are different kinds of doors that are used in a home; overhead doors, cabinet doors, that are not primarily meant for people to walk through. ---
**Author:** ![chela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chela/32/21582_2.png) [@chela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chela)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/10 "2025-07-21T12:29:32Z")
How bad are the originals, if not warped or split can they be refurbished, painted? I second the suggestion to visit architectural salvage places. My house was previously updated with hollow core doors on bedrooms. Shitty flimsy doors. One benefit though they cannot be slammed shut. My kids tried 🤭 It took a minute but we managed to find 4 vintage six panel doors with original hardware to replace the hollow core doors. Have any pics? ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/11 "2025-07-21T12:43:10Z")
> [@FluffyBob](#): > > Its just a construction industry distinction to differentiate doors that are meant for people to walk through. Swing door is also used. There are different kinds of doors that are used in a home; overhead doors, cabinet doors, that are not primarily meant for people to walk through. Thanks. I _thought_ so but it’s really not one I’ve heard previously. ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/12 "2025-07-21T12:53:53Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > How about visiting an architectural salvage shop? They might have something big enough and it might already be the right vintage. I’ll look into whether any are around- I’ve never tried one of those places. The opening is 80 x 76, with a dividing wall in the closet that is NOT centered (it’s really odd). So I’m thinking a slab size of something like 42 x 75 When I did the demo, I planned to remove the dividing wall, until I realized a plumbing vent went up through said dividing wall, and I understood why it wasn’t centered. I’ve retained the hardware for the doors and the track, because it all seemed in good working order. > [@chela](#): > > How bad are the originals, if not warped or split can they be refurbished, painted? Well, they went off in the dumpster, so probably pretty rough. The finish on them was really odd. They were hollow slabs, but they had a rough feel like that of T-111 if that means anything to you. I did not like them at all. I did consider trying making them myself. I’m pretty handy, but my finish carpentry never comes out very good. Just to reiterate, I am not price sensitive on this. I want nice much more than I want cheap. ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/13 "2025-07-21T15:05:41Z")
That is definitely a weird size. Have you considered barn doors? You could go with two standard 48" slabs, but that does take up a lot of wall space. If you are going paint grade with flat panels a carpenter could mill something out of MDF easily. They would be very heavy though. ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/14 "2025-07-21T16:37:00Z")
If you do check out architectural salvage, there might be old pocket doors that could go on the existing tracks. The only thing is they’re probably going to be narrower and taller than what you need. With all the modifications needed it’d probably be easier to just go custom. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/15 "2025-07-21T16:48:01Z")
“Man” doors are not in the vernacular I’ve ever heard. But, don’t go by me. I think I’d just say “closet door”, in this case. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/16 "2025-07-21T16:56:25Z")
> [@FluffyBob](#): > > That is definitely a weird size. Have you considered barn doors? You could go with two standard 48" slabs, but that does take up a lot of wall space. That’s an idea, though barn doors might be seen as a trendy thing for which the time has passed. ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/17 "2025-07-21T17:01:55Z")
Here we run into the issue of lack of defined language with doors again. I was referring to the door operation, ie surface mounted sliding doors as opposed to flush mounted. Flush mounted sliding doors result in a very limited functional opening, barn door hardware allows full opening accrss at the sacrifice of wall space. While rustic style barn doors are a style choice, I think the hardware type is here to stay. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/18 "2025-07-21T17:10:32Z")
I know what a barn door is and it’s something that has been trendy lately. Is it something that will be seen as dated in a few years? ---
**Author:** ![FluffyBob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecb155/32.png) [@FluffyBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FluffyBob)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/19 "2025-07-21T17:13:27Z")
Well there is a whole trend of rustic knotty barn doors as well. I think the hardeare type will remain though, its just the best system for certain rooms. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2025, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124/20 "2025-07-21T17:13:51Z")
Maybe. But like said, the hardware can be used for lots of styles. It doesn’t have to look like a barn door or rustic. You can attach pretty much anything that can be attached. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppliers-of-custom-sliding-door-slabs-op-is-going-diy-route-advice-solicited/1021124.md?page=2)