The functionality and high aesthetics of sliding doors mean that more and more people are choosing to install them in their own four walls. They are ideal for small rooms, where every centimetre of free space is worth its weight in gold. However, before making the decision to buy them, it is worth considering which model to choose so that it fulfils its function and meets our expectations. Are you looking for an answer to the question – are sliding doors airtight? Our article will dispel your doubts and give you some advice on what to pay attention to before installing them.

Contents:

  1. Sliding doors – advantages and disadvantages of this solution
  2. Are sliding doors airtight?
  3. Which sliding doors will be best?
  4. The most fashionable arrangements with sliding doors

Sliding doors – advantages and disadvantages of this solution

Arrangements starring sliding doors flood interior design websites and magazines. Every manufacturer, wanting to meet the expectations of the customers, has this type of door in their offer. It’s no wonder, as sliding doors are the perfect option wherever installation of traditional models might be difficult or where safe and comfortable opening is not possible.

Due to their design, they take up little space, which allows for maximum use of a limited space. They are a popular choice for dressing rooms and pantries, but also for office spaces that need efficient room separation. Double leaf sliding doors will also aesthetically separate the dining room from the kitchen or living room. This solution looks exceptionally elegant.

Why else is it worth choosing them? They are very easy to operate, which is of great importance if there are disabled people in the household. They allow us to open and close them quietly and quickly and do not expose us to the risk of slamming shut in a draught. Sliding doors are also extremely aesthetically pleasing, available in many models and colour variations, matching many fashionable and stylish arrangements. The downside of such a solution is their poor airtightness – or is it really?

Are sliding doors airtight?

We already know that sliding doors are excellent at protecting us from draughts and providing us with a degree of privacy. However, many people wonder whether they are airtight enough to protect us from sounds and noises coming from neighbouring rooms. Due to their specific design, these models insulate worse than traditional door leaves. If you care about peace and quiet, choose soundproof or traditional doors with decent door frames and seals.

It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that although the acoustic performance is not that good, there are a few things that improve sliding doors insulation. Firstly, the material they are made of. A good choice would be those made of wood or wood-based panels, as they provide more effective protection against noise. Doors thickness also affects their sound insulation performance. The thicker they are, the better the test results will be. Lightweight, almost cardboard models hardly protect us from noise at all. Some types of sliding doors have been equipped with special seals covering the gaps created due to the distinctive design of the door leaf, so that their acoustic properties are improved.

Finally, attention should be paid to their installation. If carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, it guarantees the proper functioning of the door and its aesthetic appearance. Although at first glance the installation of sliding doors may seem simple, in practice, if we decide to hang them ourselves, but we have no experience, it may end up with a poor result.

Which sliding doors will be best?

Are you wondering how to make your sliding doors airtight? Pay attention to the parameters mentioned above, and use some methods to reduce the distance between the wall and the door. This is where the special sleeves available in DIY shops will work perfectly.

It is also a good idea to add a centimetre to the height and width of the door to increase the sound insulation. Thanks to this, the sound reaching the room will have a longer way to travel, which will have a positive effect on the tightness of the door leaf.

Which sliding doors will best? First and foremost, those that perfectly match the character of the room. Not all sliding door models are suitable for the kitchen or bathroom. For demanding interiors, choose moisture-resistant ones made of high-quality materials specially protected against water.

Before choosing a particular model, let’s also consider what mounting system we will select. We can choose between classic rollers, rails and trolleys mounted on the wall, as well as a system in which the door slides into a special pocket mounted in the wall. We should also pay attention to the construction of the wall on which the doors will be installed. It must be strong enough to bear their weight.

Finally, there is the question of aesthetics. Sliding doors, like any other door joinery, must match the character of our interior, so that they form a coherent and harmonious whole with it. There are models available on the market matching many popular design styles. Thus, it is easy to find doors that match modern, loft, retro, rustic, as well as chalet and glamour styles.

The most fashionable arrangements with sliding doors

Are you looking for an idea for a fashionable and stunning interior with sliding doors? Interior designers are very keen to use this solution in their designs. No wonder! Models of this type delight with their unique design, original character, and extraordinary functionality. Which styles work well with sliding doors? Here are some proven and delightful suggestions!

Design styleHow to implement it
LoftSliding doors are the perfect complement to loft-style interiors. Choose industrial-inspired models made of glass (tinted or transparent) with clearly visible, massive sliding systems, which look great against a light-coloured wall or one covered with brick. An excellent effect can also be achieved with models decorated with dark muntins.
Modern
Nothing matches a modern interior better than sliding doors. Both wall-mounted models as well the ones sliding into the pocket in the wall work well here. Uniform colour from the basic colour palette is the best choice for these arrangements. Let’s choose grey, white or black doors.
RusticIn the case of rustic interiors, wooden or wood-like models that perfectly match the idyllic atmosphere will be the perfect choice. Let’s go for aged versions made of brushed wood. Doors in light, warm shades will also work well, as they will bring a large dose of cosiness to the interior.
ScandinavianFor Scandinavian-inspired interiors, white sliding doors or light-coloured woodgrain doors are best. If the space needs additional light, go for models with satin or frosted glass. Choose those with a simple design without unnecessary ornaments. In an interior furnished in this style, we want functionality, simplicity of form and lightness.