I'm really frustrated with standard sliding screen doors for my backyard. They just don't slide smoothly, tend to stick, and the tracks get dirty and muddy. I'm looking for some better options that still allow for a sliding mechanism but with higher quality. Any suggestions?
3 Answers
You might want to consider magnetic screen doors as an alternative. However, most people still end up with traditional screens. Keeping the tracks clean and making sure the wheels are lubricated can really improve their performance too.
If you're open to it, I have french doors which were already installed when I moved in. Personally, I prefer sliding doors for quick access, but the french ones do offer a more stylish option without the sliding issues.
Keeping the tracks clean and using a light spray of silicone lubricant can work wonders! I've been doing this for 9 years, and it's made a big difference in how smoothly my doors slide. Just avoid anything too heavy like WD-40 or grease—stick to something like Blaster silicone from Home Depot, and you should be good!
Totally agree! A little maintenance goes a long way. I also found that cleaning the tracks regularly helps a ton.

Yeah, I've seen some neat magnetic options, but they don’t seem to work well for heavier traffic like pets.