Upgrading tired wardrobes with DIY wardrobe sliding doors is one of the fastest ways to refresh a bedroom, add storage efficiency and create a cleaner, contemporary look. Whether you’re planning a quick bedroom spruce-up or a whole-home renovation alongside a shaker kitchen, laundry renovation or new bathroom vanities, this expert guide from Joyce Kitchens (custom cabinetry WA specialists) shows you how to plan, choose and install with confidence.
We’ve designed and installed thousands of wardrobes and sliding robe doors across Perth and regional WA. Below you’ll find practical tips tailored to Australian homes, WA materials and conditions, plus where DIY makes sense and where custom is the smarter investment.
Why DIY wardrobe sliding doors?
DIY wardrobe sliding doors (including DIY wardrobe sliding doors kits) are popular because they:
- Maximise floor space compared with hinged doors.
- Offer sleek, modern lines that suit contemporary and Hamptons interiors.
- Are relatively quick to install with basic tools.
- Come in finishes to match laminate cabinetry, two-pack paint or timber tones used elsewhere in your renovation.
When DIY makes sense
- Your opening is square and standard (e.g., around 2,400 mm high by 1,800–3,000 mm wide).
- You’re replacing like-for-like tracks/doors and the internal carcass is sound.
- You want a cost-effective makeover before or alongside bigger works like kitchen renovations Perth or a laundry renovation.
When to consider custom-made
- Non-standard heights (e.g., raked ceilings in character homes) or very wide spans requiring extra panels.
- Premium finishes (mirror with black aluminium frames, smoked glass, integrated soft-close dampers) and seamless alignment with adjacent custom cabinetry WA.
- Integrated wardrobe fitouts Perth with drawers, shoe towers, LED strip lighting and custom internals.
Planning and measuring
Good planning is everything. In WA homes, typical ceiling heights are 2,400–2,700 mm; door panels and tracks are sized accordingly. Accurate measuring ensures your DIY wardrobe doors glide smoothly and meet safely.
Measurement checklist (print-friendly)
- Measure the width at top, middle and bottom of the opening (note the smallest).
- Measure the height at left, centre and right (note the smallest).
- Check the opening for out-of-square using a spirit level; note any more than 5 mm variation.
- Confirm wall construction (plasterboard, masonry) and skirting board/cornice clearances.
- Identify obstructions: power points, light switches, ceiling vents or floor transitions.
- Decide panel count: 2-panel for up to ~1,800 mm; 3-panel for wider spans for better access.
Tools and fixings you’ll likely need
- Measuring tape, spirit level and pencil
- Drill/driver and screws/anchors suitable for your substrate
- Fine-tooth hacksaw or drop saw with non-ferrous blade (for tracks)
- Rubber mallet, square, safety glasses and gloves
- Silicone or adhesive (as specified by kit manufacturer)
Safety and compliance notes (Australia)
- Mirrored doors must use Grade A safety glass and be installed per AS/NZS 1288 (Glass in buildings). Use certified products only.
- If you need to relocate power points or lighting, engage a licensed WA electrician.
- For general cabinetry principles and workmanship, see guidance from the HIA and Master Builders WA.
Helpful authorities:
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
Master Builders WA,
WA Building and Energy.
Materials and finishes
DIY wardrobe sliding doors kits usually include aluminium tracks, rollers and stoppers. Panel materials vary in price, look and durability. Choose a finish that complements nearby spaces—think engineered stone benchtop hues in your kitchen, your splashback tone, or the matte whites from a shaker kitchen.
Common panel options compared
| Panel Type | Look & Style | Durability | Maintenance | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mirror (Grade A safety) | Visually enlarges rooms; contemporary | High (with safety backing) | Glass cleaner; avoid harsh abrasives | $$$ | Small rooms, dressing visibility |
| Melamine (decor board) | Timbergrains or solid colours | High scratch resistance | Wipe with mild detergent | $$ | Family homes, rental updates |
| Vinyl-wrapped (thermoformed) | Shaker or VJ profiles; seamless edges | Good; avoid excessive heat | Easy clean; non-abrasive | $$$ | Hamptons, coastal, classic looks |
| Painted 2-pack | Premium satin/matte | High; repairable finish | Gentle wipe | $$$–$$$$ | Upscale renovations, colour matching |
| Glass (coloured/etched) | Sleek, modern; black frames | High (tempered) | Glass cleaner | $$$–$$$$ | Contemporary, minimal interiors |
Frame choices include silver, white or black aluminium. Black frames pair beautifully with Caesarstone-inspired neutral palettes and the matte hardware trends used in kitchen renovations Perth.
Layouts and styles that suit your home
Panel layouts
- Two-panel sliders: simple, cost-effective for most rooms.
- Three-panel sliders: better centre access; ideal for wider spans.
- Stacking or bypass systems: the most common DIY approach; top- and bottom-running.
Style cues
- Hamptons/Shaker: vinyl-wrapped or two-pack panels with a shaker profile to echo a shaker kitchen or classic bathroom vanities.
- Modern Minimal: frameless or thin black aluminium frames with coloured glass.
- Scandi/Coastal: light timbergrain melamine to match laminate cabinetry and pale engineered stone benchtop tones.
Tip: Carry finishes across spaces for cohesion—match wardrobe doors to the scullery pantry doors or the laundry renovation palette. Hardware like soft-close hinges in the kitchen can be paired with soft-close dampers in sliding door kits for a premium feel.
Step-by-step installation overview
Every kit differs—always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Here’s the typical workflow for do it yourself wardrobe doors:
- Confirm measurements and order panels/tracks to suit the smallest opening dimensions.
- Prepare the opening: ensure level sill and head; pack or plane as needed to achieve square.
- Cut tracks to width (allowing for end caps). Deburr ends for smooth rolling.
- Fix the bottom track centred and parallel to the top track line. Use the right anchors for your substrate.
- Fix the top track, ensuring perfect parallelism to prevent panel drift.
- Fit rollers and guides to door panels per the kit. Many modern systems include anti-jump clips and optional soft-close cartridges.
- Hang the back panel first, then the front. Adjust rollers so panels are plumb and gap lines are even.
- Install stoppers, check overlap, and test glide. Fine-tune clearances at jambs and skirting boards.
- Clean panels and apply protective stickers on mirror/glass until the room is complete.
Costs in Perth and across WA
- DIY wardrobe doors kits (2–3 panels, melamine or mirror): roughly $350–$1,200 per opening depending on size, finish and hardware.
- Premium glass/2-pack with soft-close: $1,200–$2,500 per opening.
- Custom-made sliding doors by Joyce Kitchens with integrated wardrobe fitouts: typically $2,500–$6,500+ per wardrobe, depending on internals (drawers, shoe towers, pull-out accessories, LED strip lighting) and finish.
Costs vary by material, panel height (e.g., 2,700 mm ceilings), and complexity. Coastal WA homes may prefer corrosion-resistant components. For exact pricing, our Perth design team can measure and quote on-site.
Real WA examples
Cottesloe family refresh
A family undertaking kitchen renovations Perth with a new engineered stone benchtop chose melamine sliding robe doors in a pale oak to echo their kitchen splashback tones. We added soft-close dampers and custom internals—drawers and hanging—keeping the budget under a comparable flat-pack plus install.
Subiaco apartment upgrade
For a compact apartment, black-framed mirror sliders visually doubled the bedroom and matched the client’s two-pack doors in the living area. We coordinated heights with existing cornices and ensured the bottom track cleared a transition strip.
Common DIY mistakes to avoid
- Not checking for out-of-square openings—leading to panel drift or rubbing.
- Fixing tracks out of parallel—causes doors to roll open or closed by themselves.
- Using non-compliant glass—always select Grade A safety glass (AS/NZS 1288).
- Ignoring skirting board projection—use packers so tracks sit level and true.
- Forgetting future flooring—allow for carpet/underlay thickness if replacing later.
DIY kits vs custom cabinetry WA: which is right?
Choose DIY wardrobe sliding doors kits if you’re after a quick, budget-friendly refresh on standard openings. Go custom when you want perfect integration with new cabinetry, taller doors to suit higher ceilings, or premium details to match your kitchen, scullery pantry or bathroom vanities. Joyce Kitchens offers both supply-and-install sliding robe doors and full wardrobe fitouts Perth—so you can start DIY and call us if you want a professional finish.
Your quick pre-install checklist
- Confirm opening dimensions (widths and heights, three points each)
- Select panel material and frame colour to match your home
- Check compliance for mirror/glass panels
- Map out panel overlap and access to internals
- Gather tools and fixings; protect floors and panels
- Plan for future flooring or skirting adjustments
FAQ
Are DIY wardrobe sliding door kits easy to install for a beginner?
Yes—most DIY wardrobe sliding doors kits are beginner-friendly if your opening is square and you have basic tools. Accurate measuring and keeping tracks perfectly parallel are the keys. If you hit non-standard conditions, our installers can complete or take over the job.
How much do DIY wardrobe sliding doors cost in Perth?
Expect around $350–$1,200 for a standard melamine or mirror kit, and $1,200–$2,500 for premium glass or two-pack systems with soft-close. Custom doors with full internals typically range from $2,500–$6,500+ per wardrobe.
Can I replace hinged wardrobe doors with sliding doors?
Usually, yes. Remove hinges, square the opening, and install top and bottom tracks. Watch out for skirting boards and floor transitions—pack the tracks to achieve level and maintain smooth rolling.
What materials are best for sliding wardrobe doors in coastal WA?
Choose corrosion-resistant aluminium frames and quality rollers. For panels, mirror with safety backing or melamine is robust; consider vinyl-wrapped or two-pack if you want profiles. Avoid low-grade steel hardware in salty air settings.
Do I need council approval or an electrician for wardrobe door installation?
No council approval is typically required for replacing wardrobe doors. If you need to move power points or lighting, engage a licensed electrician. For glass compliance, use Grade A safety glass installed to AS/NZS 1288.
Ready to plan yours? Whether you’re tackling do it yourself wardrobe doors or want a seamless custom solution to match your kitchen renovations Perth, our designers can help with styles, materials and pricing. Contact Joyce Kitchens for a measure and quote.