Removing Moveable Sliding Glass Door Panel

How to Remove Moveable Sliding Glass Door Panel to aid in Staining Panels

By Mark J. Donovan




Recently we had new sliding glass doors installed off the side of our kitchen. The sliding glass door assembly is vinyl clad on the outside and has the wood exposed on the inside. My wife chose to stain the sliding glass doors shortly after they were installed.

I noticed however that she was unable to fully stain one of the doors. There was no way for her to get access to a 1 inch sliver that ran the length of the fixed sliding glass door panel. The sliver was located where the two doors met when fully closed.

After explaining her dilemma on how she could not entirely stain the fixed sliding glass door panel, I grabbed my trusty screw gun and a screwdriver and showed her how to remove the moveable sliding glass door panel.

The moveable sliding glass door panel is held into place by the bottom track assembly and a small thin strip of wood at the top of the door.

Sliding glass door Removing sliding glass door

Before starting the process of removing the sliding glass door panel, it is wise to find a second pair of hands to help remove the sliding door panel as it is extremely heavy.

To remove the moveable sliding glass door panel, first start by removing the screws that hold the thin strip of wood located on the inside of the door, at the top of the door assembly.

Set the strip of wood to the side and then pull the top of the door assembly towards you.

Remove glass sliding door
Next, with a second pair of hands lift the door up and off the bottom track.

Place the sliding glass door panel to the side and in a position where there is no chance for it to fall and break.

Remove sliding door
With total access to the fixed sliding glass door panel, you now have the ability to fully stain the door.

Before staining the sliver of wood that needed staining, it is best to apply masking tape around mechanical door pieces.

Use a foam brush to stain the strip of wood.

Removing sliding glass door
After the stained area has been wiped down, remove the masking tape. Wipe down door frame.
Once the door has been fully stained and wiped free of any excess stain, place the bottom of the moveable sliding door panel into the bottom track. Sliding door
Then push the top of the sliding door panel back into place, up against the fixed sliding door panel. Reinstalling sliding door
Reattach the small strip of wood at the top of the sliding glass door assembly and your staining project is complete.

 

See how to install exterior trim around a sliding glass door here.

Reinstalled sliding glass door.

For information on how to install interior door trim, see the “Installing Interior Door Trim” eBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com.  The “Installing Interior Door Trim” eBook provides step-by-step instructions on how to install interior door trim. Pictures are included for every key step in the process.

Related Information


Additional Door Resources from Amazon.com


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