A wood sliding door is a door that slides along a track and is made of wood, usually oak, pine or cherry. It is one of the most common types of sliding doors, the other very popular type being glass. In some cases, a wood sliding door makes more sense than using glass.
The parts needed for a wood garage door are very similar to those used for all sliding doors. There is the casing, or frame, that goes along the perimeter, usually on the sides and top. Two tracks hold the door in place and give direction for the door. These are located along the top and bottom. The door will also include a set, or multiple sets, of rollers and usually a latch for securing the door. Unlike glass doors that usually have a stationary panel and sliding panel, wood doors may only have the sliding panel.
While it is not unheard of to use a wood sliding door as a divider between two rooms, this is far less common than other uses, especially in newer homes. Most entryways between rooms, if there is a door at all, use a swinging door. This is due to the ease of installation and range of options available. However, this does not mean that options are not available for wood sliding doors. There are many patterns and designs from which to choose, as well as custom lengths.
The most common area for a wood sliding door in a home is likely to be at the entryway of a closet, if there is enough space. The wood sliding door conceals the closet, which is likely to be somewhat unsightly and not suitable for a glass door. Further, swinging doors can be somewhat cumbersome to deal with around closets, making a sliding door a better option. While they are mainly used as interior doors, they also have a purpose as exterior doors as well.
In some cases, wood sliding doors are used as patio doors. While a glass sliding door may be a more preferable choice in this setting, there may be times when wood is used to protect privacy, especially when the entry area leads to a bedroom or bathroom. However, the patio door application is not the only exterior use for wood sliding doors.
In some cases, a garage may use a wood sliding door, though this feature is also becoming less common as most garages now use overhead doors. For older garages and machine sheds, the wood sliding door has been used for decades. It remains a viable option even when the original door may need to be replaced.