DIY Stand Doors

[dbulick]

Has anyone used a closet sliding track to put doors on their DIY stands? Seems like this would be a great way to have full access to the inside of the stand, as well as being able to take the doors off easily if necessary? If you have done it can you post a picture of what yours looks like?

[Sk8r]

I wonder about just using easy-removal panels for such access. Maybe even some unfinished cabinet doors as from Home Depot. I'd be wary, however, of having any long-run unsupported opening, because just water running down the front glass from work in the tank can have its effect over time.

[ericarenee]

Originally Posted by dbulick

Has anyone used a closet sliding track to put doors on their DIY stands? Seems like this would be a great way to have full access to the inside of the stand, as well as being able to take the doors off easily if necessary? If you have done it can you post a picture of what yours looks like?

Are you talking about side by side sliding doors or Bi fold doors...

Either or would not make a very finished look. The Sliding doors would only give you access to half the opening at one time... But you could do them with hidden track system and inset them. Again taking up space inside the stand..

I WOULD Say either hidden hinge inset doors or as said above just get some pre made or have some doors made would be best. You can even do them magnetic or mechanical catches and NO Hinges ..

[BAETech2004]

I've had zero issues with support, I doubled two-bys above opening. My LFS built a stand with a sliding system. Only issue is you need the room to slide it open on both sides.

[dbulick]

Talking about the side by side sliding track. I will post a picture of what I have done so far. It isn't fonished, need to paint and trim out the doors etc. True you only have access to half at a time, but that's more than you would have with a traditional hinged door. I also wouldn't leave it unsupported for a long run. Having a center post doesn't inhibit access too much.

[Reidchabot]

Reminds of a build i saw awhile back, instead of sliding door track they used soft close kitchen drawer tracks. Only problem i could see would be door weight if you're making a larger stand. I attached a picture, and this is the build link.

[sleepydoc]

If you want sliding doors, I've heard of someone using drawer slides. The problem with that is you need space for the drawers to slide over, so you could at most have access to half of the stand.

Other options include removable hinges like Erica suggested. These let you easily remove the doors when necessary, but otherwise have the convenience of operating like regular doors otherwise.

If you don't want hinges, a french cleat could work, or magnets - glue a horizontal strip of wood inside the door to rest on the bottom of the door opening, then some magnets at the top to hold them in place.

[dbulick]

My other problem is that I don't know that I would have enough room to open standard doors without moving our couch that is close to the tank as well.

[fishresponse]

Interested in this too. Anyone done a French cleat? Can you buy this at the big box stores?

[dbulick]

Here is what I have so far. Please excuse the lack of unfinished stuff. I am still going to trim around the doors, and paint everything that isn't painted yet. It is a work in progress needless to say. Overall I am happy with the functionality, not sure about the aesthetic yet though.

[ThatReefGuyTV]

Looks good

[ThatReefGuyTV]

I think I would try this

[sleepydoc]

Originally Posted by fishresponse

Interested in this too. Anyone done a French cleat? Can you buy this at the big box stores?

Usually people just make them - it's simply a 1 x 3 ripped at a 45° angle. I'm pretty sure most home centers sell molding that would also work. You can also make some with a router.

[dbulick]

I am almost done finishing the area with the sliding doors, life moves slow on projects when you have a 2 year old and pregnant wife. I will post some new completed pictures today.

[fishresponse]

Originally Posted by sleepydoc

Usually people just make them - it's simply a 1 x 3 ripped at a 45° angle. I'm pretty sure most home centers sell molding that would also work. You can also make some with a router.

Thanks for the info

[laga77]

I have sliding doors on my 120 stand. They are 1/2 plywood panels with veneer strips on the edges for appearance. They sit in tracks mounted on the outside on the cabinet made out of oak strips. They are made so they can be slid from side to side or lifted out for removal.

[s2nhle]

Tagging along. Thank you for sharing.

[dbulick]

Ok, took me a lot longer to get to this than I expected, still not done, but close enough that you can get the idea. I am happy with the functionality, with my couch so close to the stand I wouldn't be able to open traditional doors. I need to put trim on the corners of the stand still and figure out what I want to do with trim at the top, but that will wait for another day. Also ignore the lights not being straight, that is yet another project.

Full Stand, notice the couch on the right side I had to stand on end to get out of the way.


Doors closed. Still need to trim corners of stand.


Doors Open
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Can slide the doors of the rail to the right or left if you needed full access for some reason.

[kinnadian]

My tank stand doors are held on by magnets (one in each corner).

I can take the whole door off and put it to the side without having to have it on a hinge or a runner.

[rimless75g]

Originally Posted by BAETech2004

I've had zero issues with support, I doubled two-bys above opening. My LFS built a stand with a sliding system. Only issue is you need the room to slide it open on both sides.

How big is the stand? It looks like it fit a 75 gallon tank. That is a soild build.

[ryan968]

I prefer euro style cabinet hinges. They function like a normal door and when you need to remove them, it is quick and easy.

[yamaha racer]

Originally Posted by ryan968

I prefer euro style cabinet hinges. They function like a normal door and when you need to remove them, it is quick and easy.

I agree, everything I build have Blum hinges. Fully adjustable and pop off literally in a half second. Top notch as well. Although u usually need a jig for the boring process, you can also try your local cabinet shop. Most have a boring machine and you could probably buy the hinges too from them at a good price. And if I remember correctly the plate is only .25" thick so it takes up almost no space

[thestreetzking]

my plan was to just use magnets on a front panel, keep it clean and simple, but my tank is not running a sump so I dont need to access it that often

[dbulick]

The issue I was trying to solve was not being able to open the doors if they were on hinges. Had I gone with magnets that could have worked, but then I would just be removing the doors every time I ever needed to do anything.

I would say that this is probably not for everyone, but so far I am really enjoying the functionality of being able to just slide the door out of the way and then put it back when I am done.

[markandamb]

Cool I like the doors. I like the magnet idea as well