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About This Instructable

8 335,622 views Posted:

Oct 03, 2009
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Espo78
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(/id/Shoji-
style-sliding-
closet-
doors-from-
(https://cdn.instructables.com/FH4/FGF8/G0AMJHUU/FH4FGF8G0AMJHUU.MEDIUM.jpg) scratch/)

Add instructable to:

My house had the generic metal bi-fold closet doors which look very cheap. I
wanted a higher end look but not a higher end price tag. After pricing real Shoji ; Group

doors at near $1000 I decided I could build something similar, make it more
durable, and make it cost a lot less.

I built this from scratch, with simple tools and a special jig called the Kreg Jig. It
is available at the big box home improvement stores. I will show you how to use
this jig, although the instructions it comes with are very easy. Simple to use with
a professional result.

Step 1: Step One: Plan It Out

I am writing this about a year after I completed my doors, so I don't have my

original draft paper to show you. I measured my opening and drew it out on a
piece of paper. To make 2 sliding doors with overlap of one edge, find the
centerline of your opening and draw a line. Figure out how large you want your
wood frame to be. I used poplar wood because it is lightweight and more
importantly, cheap. I just used the width that the wood comes in for the bottom
and I cut it in half for the vertical frame pieces. Once you have the dimensions
of your wood, add 1/2 the width of a vertical side to the final width of the door.
That should be right but check your own dimensions to be sure. Mine did not
come out perfect because the closet frame is not square.

You can make any pattern you want in the middle of your doors. I choose a
pattern based upon the size of the "shoji screen" I had. You can use various
items for this, but I choose Corrugated Plastic (the stuff plastic signs are made
of) that I ordered online from a craft supply site. It's translucent but not enough
 to see your junk in your closet and it looks really cool with a light behind it.

Tools used:
Tape measure
Carpenter square
level
drill
Kreg Jig
Utility knife
Table saw
Chop saw

Material used:
Poplar wood
Corrugated Plastic
Sliding door kit
small screws

Step 2: Step Two: Make the Frame

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FCC/B72T/G0AMJHX1/FCCB72TG0AMJHX1.MEDIUM.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FK5/7XZZ/G0AMJHXF/FK57XZZG0AMJHXF.MEDIUM.jpg)
(https://cdn.instructables.com/FTC/QMWF/G0AMJHXE/FTCQMWFG0AMJHXE.MEDIUM.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FUU/O42M/G0AMJHXC/FUUO42MG0AMJHXC.MEDIUM.jpg)
(https://cdn.instructables.com/FFU/J1WM/G0AMJHXD/FFUJ1WMG0AMJHXD.MEDIUM.jpg)
(https://cdn.instructables.com/FV2/G4IV/G0AMJHXB/FV2G4IVG0AMJHXB.MEDIUM.jpg)
Show All 8 Items
 Now comes the fun part. The Kreg Jig I mentioned in the intro is invaluable to
this instructable. The kit cost around $30 if memory serves correctly and is
simple enough for a child to use (if you let children use power tools). The jig
includes everything you need except for the clamp. It also includes the screws
but you will probably need to buy more. They have a special head on them for
use with the driver attachment included with the jig. I won't give a step by step
on how to use it but the pictures are pretty self-explanatory.

When you construct the frame, its best not to do it on the floor as I did. The
reason is because the clamp will raise up the pieces when you drill them
together and you will end up with a frame that is warped.

ALSO NOT PICTURED BUT VERY IMPORTANT!!! Square up your sides with a
carpenter square and check it after you screw the pieces together to keep it
square!!

Step 3: Step Three: Hang the Door

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FNR/RAZP/G0AMFIJY/FNRRAZPG0AMFIJY.MEDIUM.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FIU/WAMU/G0AMFIJX/FIUWAMUG0AMFIJX.MEDIUM.jpg)
(https://cdn.instructables.com/FDN/OR1N/G0AMFIJW/FDNOR1NG0AMFIJW.MEDIUM.jpg)

I found a sliding door kit for $15 at the big box home improvement store. It
included the upper rail and 4 hangers which are adjustable.

Measure and mark your holes and mount the rail.

I measured a set distance on the door frame on each end of the frame so the 2
hangers would be spaced evenly.

The kit also included a piece for the floor to keep the doors in line. So far I have
not needed it but I recommend using double sided tape on your floor instead of
drilling if you do use it in case you change your door in the future.
Step 4: Step Four: Adding the Middle Pieces

(https://cdn.instructables.com/F7H/BRKC/G0AMJI3L/F7HBRKCG0AMJI3L.MEDIUM.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/F7D/5AQH/G0AMJI3K/F7D5AQHG0AMJI3K.MEDIUM.jpg)

This portion is where you can get creative. If you have a big enough insert piece
you can do different kinds of geometric patterns. I kept mine simple but you
don't have to!

Remember to measure twice and cut once! Drill your jig holes into the middle
pieces and attach them to the frame. I added the middle divider first then the
shorter pieces to it second.

Step 5: Step Five: PAINT!

 (https://cdn.instructables.com/FZ1/6ND1/G0AMFINN/FZ16ND1G0AMFINN.MEDIUM.jpg)

I originally wanted to stain the wood but I got lazy and after trying out a few
different stains I wasn't satisfied. I ended up using some Rustoleum black paint
I had laying around. It gave a high gloss black finish to the wood. I like it a lot.

Step 6: Step Six: Add the Backing

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FV2/IZKQ/G0AMFIO4/FV2IZKQG0AMFIO4.MEDIUM.jpg)
 (https://cdn.instructables.com/FDX/R1UV/G0AMFIO3/FDXR1UVG0AMFIO3.MEDIUM.jpg)

Corrugated plastic is easy to cut with a utility knife so measure it out, and slice
it up!

I attached mine to the wood using small screws and washers. If you use the
plastic like I did, make sure the screws are deep enough into the frame so when
the plastic deflects you can't see it from the front of the door.

Step 7: Step Seven: ENJOY!

(https://cdn.instructables.com/F6O/MWWM/G0AMFIP5/F6OMWWMG0AMFIP5.MEDIUM.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FMZ/VPC5/G0AMFIP4/FMZVPC5G0AMFIP4.MEDIUM.jpg)
(https://cdn.instructables.com/FY5/57LQ/G0AMFIP0/FY557LQG0AMFIP0.MEDIUM.jpg)
 Congratulations, you now have custom made closet doors. They look much
better than the construction grade metal doors and will surely add some value
to your home.

The total cost of this project, including buying the special jig, was right around
$100. The corrugated plastic was the most expensive part, over $50 but I have
enough left over to do another set of doors. I am also planning on using the
same plastic in the master bathroom with wooden dowels securing it against
the glass but that is another project.

Thanks for viewing my instructable!!

Comments

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Please be positive and constructive. w  I Made it!   Add Images Post Comment

2016-06-13 Reply
AlbertC42 (/member/AlbertC42/) made it!

I made this. I used a Mahogany stain and I used the Tapco plastic. A little
pricey, but it works SO well. Rolls out and is firm and in place. Cuts easy and
attaches quickly. Whole project took a bit longer than I figured.

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FFW/FLCR/IPCUHXG5/FFWFLCRIPCUHXG5.LARGE.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/F3J/AE48/IPCUHXGI/F3JAE48IPCUHXGI.LARGE.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FNG/PLN0/IPCUHXGX/FNGPLN0IPCUHXGX.LARGE.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FOX/OARO/IPCUHXHC/FOXOAROIPCUHXHC.LARGE.jpg)
 Flag

anuragdelta (/member/anuragdelta/) 2016-06-13 Reply

one thing is there slide space on top or bottom so that airleak or insect may
enter . as i also wanna make sliding door partition for my dining hall to cool it
efficiently and also separate dining from living area
carpenter said there is chance of airleak in sliding partition is it true its 8 ft hight
20 ft wide

Flag

lolstrom (/member/lolstrom/) made it! 2014-06-29 Reply

Thanks for this great Instructable. The kreg jig has changed my life, LOL. I am
now in the process of replacing all the closet doors in my house.

I didn't like the look of the corrugated plastic, but I am loving the product from
Tap Plastics. I used 1x2 and 1x3 poplar and spray painted it

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FMK/WTDI/HWZ9UTRF/FMKWTDIHWZ9UTRF.LARGE.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FEH/KCTY/HWZ9UTSF/FEHKCTYHWZ9UTSF.LARGE.jpg)

Flag

neonack (/member/neonack/) . lolstrom (/member/lolstrom/) 2016-03-30 Reply

Did you have a bottom rail to help back and forth movement?

Flag

lolstrom (/member/lolstrom/) . neonack (/member/neonack/) 2016-03-30 Reply

I did not bother with a bottom rail. The doors moved nicely with just the
top rail. The doors did swing a bit but it wasn't an issue for me

Flag

jdoherty5 (/member/jdoherty5/) 2015-01-08 Reply

Nice one man

Flag

AdrianaG (/member/AdrianaG/) 2014-08-19 Reply

Would hot glue work instead of screws?

Flag

AdrianaG (/member/AdrianaG/) 2014-08-19 Reply

Why do you add the middle pieces after the doors are hung?

Flag

Cube_ (/member/Cube_/) 2014-04-30 Reply

the corrugated plastic looks roughly right, but my only concern is when light
shines through, wouldn't it look wrong? (I'm intending to make this myself)
Do you have any idea of some other plastic material that would work as well?

Flag

Cube_ (/member/Cube_/) . Cube_ (/member/Cube_/) 2014-04-30 Reply

Wooooah never mind :3

I just found this http://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/shoji_...
(http://www.tapplastics.com/product/plastics/shoji_plastics/synskin/241)
at $8.95 per linear foot it's somewhat expensive but it looks like the
proper rice paper and it's much stronger.

Flag

createdbyme (/member/createdbyme/) 2013-11-28 Reply

So awesome...I have a large living with an opening to the dining room which
we never use its just for show. I wanted to turn into bedroom for youngest but
being that I'm a renter didn't know what to do, this is perfect it can be taken
down anytime. Thanks

Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . createdbyme (/member/createdbyme/)

2013-11-28 Reply
That is a great idea!

Flag

spigro (/member/spigro/) 2013-11-01 Reply

Awesome posts everyone, I have a question in total how much do you think it
ran you. I've purchased the kreg jig an will be starting this project soon I'm
excited hanks again for the info :)

Flag

questteck (/member/questteck/) 2013-09-09 Reply

Excellent, project, would love to be able to do it out of aluminum and other

more sophisticated materials, if you know how please share. Thanks in
advanced,

Flag

fgwii (/member/fgwii/) 2010-01-18 Reply

this SUCKS!!!!!I find what I need thought it was a good site then I end up
having to pay for the instructions!I will look elsewhere!

Flag

mados123 (/member/mados123/) . fgwii (/member/fgwii/) 2013-08-21 Reply

If you don't have the ability to figure out to use the website to get all the
info then you probably can finish this project.

Flag
 Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . fgwii (/member/fgwii/) 2010-01-18 Reply

You only need to pay if you want to have all the steps listed on one page.

Flag

Greg__ (/member/Greg__/) 2013-03-24 Reply

I tried to build doors like this a few years ago, but they all twisted and warped.
I now think I used the wrong type of wood and the wrong technique to join the
pieces. I'm going to try again with poplar using your methodology. What are
the dimensions of the wood that you used?

Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . Greg__ (/member/Greg__/) Reply

2013-04-01
My doors have been hanging for almost 4 years no with no
noticeable warping. Well no more than when I first installed them! They
were warped slightly from the begining because I assembled them on the
floor instead of on a table so the jig elevated and twisted the wood
slightly. So don't do that haha. But there have been no changes to the
doors they are holding up great!

Flag

Dadrepus (/member/Dadrepus/) 2013-03-25 Reply

I did the same thing a while back but haven't finished the project. Wife and I
don't agree on finish/stain. So, here that stand right now. I used oak 1x3 and
veneer panels, notched out the verticals to accept the horizontals (design
choice, wouldn't do it again). Used Kreg Jig to fasten them. On left pivot door,
on right sliding. No sanding or finishing, for 4 years, #$!*&^%$#@.

(https://cdn.instructables.com/F3C/6FB5/HELXCX3C/F3C6FB5HELXCX3C.LARGE.jpg)

Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . Dadrepus (/member/Dadrepus/) Reply

2013-04-01
I like the look of the natural wood without stain, actually.

Flag

IBBen (/member/IBBen/) 2013-04-01 Reply

We finished up one set of sliding closet doors this weekend (used 1" maple
with five coats of wipe on Poly finish, picked up the corrugated plastic at Home
Depot). We love them and can't wait to finish up with the other two doors (and
we still need to trim the doors). Thanks for the tip, this was a fun and rewarding
project!

(https://cdn.instructables.com/F01/MLSP/HEXSS9S8/F01MLSPHEXSS9S8.LARGE.jpg)
 Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . IBBen (/member/IBBen/) 2013-04-01 Reply

Those came out really good! Please post a pic after you finish up the trim!

Flag

mirad83 (/member/mirad83/) 2012-05-14 Reply

I LOVED this idea when I saw it so I decided to give this a try and I'm so happy
with the end result!! Mad props for coming up with this dude!

I did one slight modification.. Since I had a table saw, I actually made about
1/4" grooves into each side of the wooden frame and slid the corrugated
plastic into the frame, then joined the second of the two long sides. Didn't take
pics along the process but I'll attach images final product. I also used wood
glue as I was joining the sides b/c a couple of the pieces ended up coming
off...

I had been wanting to make closet doors for our non-standard closets (for
which we couldn't find semi-decent doors for) and was unsure of how to join
all the sides of the wooden frame. This gave me the perfect solution, the jig
saw! Awesome! Thanks so much!

(https://cdn.instructables.com/F3J/IXKZ/H1YOL24H/F3JIXKZH1YOL24H.LARGE.jpg)

(https://cdn.instructables.com/FF8/MH7Z/H1YONGZV/FF8MH7ZH1YONGZV.LARGE.jpg)

Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . mirad83 (/member/mirad83/) Reply

2012-05-14
Wow those look great!

Flag

mirad83 (/member/mirad83/) . Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) 2012-05-16 Reply

Thank you!! :D

Flag

sway (/member/sway/) 2012-01-21 Reply

I love this idea and actually stopped in today looking for this.
I have wood sliding doors in my apt and would like to make the conversion
using the materials I have as much as possible.
My concern is the thickness of the doors.
Any suggestions?

Flag
 mirad83 (/member/mirad83/) . sway (/member/sway/) 2012-05-14 Reply

Ours are 3/4" thick popler...

Flag

raiderforlife (/member/raiderforlife/) 2012-04-25 Reply

im actually doing this project this week. im wondering, did you use caulk for
your joints and if anyone thinks this would be a good idea? thanks

Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . raiderforlife (/member/raiderforlife/) Reply

2012-04-26
I did not use any caulk on the joints. the Kreg Jig works really
well. My closet doors are still installed and have no issues whatsoever .
Good luck with your project!

Flag

Athena2060 (/member/Athena2060/) 2011-09-14 Reply

Harbor Freight or other big boxes have some cool clamps that are a real help
holding things in a 90 degree angle, this becomes especially important if you
don't have that extra set of hands to hold something while you screw it
together. I had throught of this same thing except clear plastic to give it a
french door look. Part of my porch was enclosed but not insulated, I use it for
litterboxes and want to put in a door that still lets the light through from the
window but keeps a little more of the cold and smell out. Thought is to leave
one of the bottom squares open as a cat door.

Flag

dan11111 (/member/dan11111/) 2011-03-27 Reply

YOU SHOULD MAKE SOME SAW HORSES THER ARE SOME COOL
FOLDING ONE !

Flag

MsEarthtonez (/member/MsEarthtonez/) 2011-03-16 Reply

Try dickblick.com (it's an art supply store in nyc). :)

Flag

DeusXMachina (/member/DeusXMachina/) 2011-01-19 Reply

Whoops. My mouse spazzed out and I accidentally added this to the "Anything
Kinky" group. And I can't figure out how to undo that.

Well...I guess it could be used for a seductive silhouette undressing scene. :-P

Flag

caldweln (/member/caldweln/) 2010-07-13 Reply

I got some really good sliding track and rollers at Ariel Door Gears Ltd...
www.adg.ie www.adg.ie/slidingdoors/slidingsystems.htm Roy was the one
who helped me, they were full of advice and talked me through the whole
process.

Flag

PMSandaGun (/member/PMSandaGun/)
 What thickness did you use for the corrugated plastic? I 2010-04-27 Reply

was just looking to see where i could find some and saw
there's a huge range of thickness in millimeters. I want to let in as much light
as possible, but also have privacy (my strange house has bifold doors for my
bedroom door and I want to replace them with these)

Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . PMSandaGun (/member/PMSandaGun/)

2010-05-03 Reply
I did not know it came in different thicknesses. Mine is
about the same as cardboard...about 1/8"

Flag

cmbrughnews (/member/cmbrughnews/) 2010-03-06 Reply

Beautiful!!

Flag

DimensionalDecay (/member/DimensionalDecay/) 2010-02-21 Reply

Just finished a second one for another closet in my house, for some stupid
reason this closet has a window in it, so instead of plastic for the backing, i
used plexi glass, it cost a bit more, and there's some extra weight, but if you
get a translucent color, i did blue, it looks great with the light shining through.

Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . DimensionalDecay

(/member/DimensionalDecay/) 2010-02-21 Reply

Hey thats awesome. Can you put up a link to some pictures of how it
came out? And the tip about the sign store is pretty good. I wish I had
thought of it!

Flag

rjsone (/member/rjsone/) 2010-02-18 Reply

Shoji Style Sliding Closet Doors, From Scratch. by
 Great project!in home-renovation (/workshop/home-renovation/)
Espo78 (/member/Espo78/)

Download
Hopefully, (/id/Shoji-style-sliding-closet-doors-from-scratch/)
h misterart.com 7 Steps
is not the best online source for the plastic. . I can get
 sheets of 48" by 96" white plastic for only $12....PLUS $104 SHIPPING?!?!?!?
 Collection   I Made it!  Favorite  Share 
 Same shipping price for the smaller 36" by 48" pieces.  I get that the pieces
can be large, but we're not talking about steel beams here!

Maybe there is a source with pieces cut closer to letter size for reasonable
shipping charges.

Flag

DimensionalDecay (/member/DimensionalDecay/) . rjsone (/member/rjsone/)

2010-02-20 Reply
If you want the plastic, i suggest going to a Sign store,
a place that will make signs for you, they use that plastic all the time,
should be cheaper to buy it there, and there wont be any shipping cost. 
Thats what i did, can't remember the price, but it wasn't to much.

Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . rjsone (/member/rjsone/) 2010-02-18 Reply

 Yeah I had that site bookmarked but I'm not sure thats the one I actually
used. Wherever I got it the shipping was pretty expensive, I think I spent
about $50 on the plastic and shipping combined

Flag

stolzerpa (/member/stolzerpa/) 2010-02-07 Reply

Looks awesome....where did you buy the corrugated plastic???

Flag

Espo78 (/member/Espo78/) (author) . stolzerpa (/member/stolzerpa/) Reply

2010-02-08
I bought it here I think:

http://www.misterart.com/paper-boards/boards/corrugated-
boards/spartech-plasticor-corrugated-boards.html

but it is available in many places, you might be able to find it local to you
as well at craft stores.

Flag

Gabypotter (/member/Gabypotter/) 2010-01-25 Reply

wow!
this looks sooooo cool
it's looks like japanesse style
I like It a lot!

Im building a closet and you gave

me a great idea!
thanks!

Flag

raul38 (/member/raul38/) 2009-12-18 Reply

Nice work!!
I wanna make a shoji lamp.
Regards

Flag

HedgehogNinja (/member/HedgehogNinja/) 2009-10-08 Reply

Thanks so much! I've been looking around for this!!!!!!!

Flag

Mick0s (/member/Mick0s/) 2009-10-04 Reply

Wow, really nice project! I've actually been thinking of something similar for
some bedroom cupboards myself. Really impressed with the use of corrugated
plastic, never would have thought of that, and it looks great! The only slight
criticism I might add, it looks like the wood you've used is very lightweight, and
thin. Personally I'd use something a little sturdier, which would in turn give the
door a more heavier feel when sliding it, but each to his own. You also might
find that without the bottom rail attachment, the doors would tent to swing
back and forth. Naturally, adding the bottom rail would stop this.

Flag

fritsie123 (/member/fritsie123/) 2009-10-04 Reply

 Very nice doors and it seems it isn't all that much work either. The plastic looks
way better than I would have imagined! Please also show your bathroom doors
when you're finished!

Flag

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