Cabinet/Galley doors: hinged or sliding? Pro's and Con's...

[dave_in_delaware]

As I continue to design (and dream about) my SMB, I keep coming across certain items that I'm not entirely certain about just by looking at diagrams and photos. While I realize the final decision is mine, I still value the collective opinions and experiences of SMB owners here....

As far as storage cabinets and galley doors, I see there is an option for either hinged doors or sliding "panel" doors. While I do prefer the "looks" to the hinged doors, I'm wondering if the sliders wouldn't be better for some reason. I know this is a "small" detail compared to the overall size/cost of an SMB, but I'm interested in functionality and durability here, too.

So, I ask all you SMB owners:

Which is more durable/sturdy? Are the hinges high quality metal or cheap?

Which stay closed better, especially during bouncy or side-to-side drives over terrain?

Which are more easily lockable (or modifiable)?

Which would be better for being located across from the Gaucho sofa? Access to cabinets while in "bed mode" may not be a huge issue....


Thanks for any input on this matter!

[jage]

I don't think I've ever seen the sliding door option you're talking about- are there photos?

[mmocken]

I agree that hinged doors look better.

I have noticed that the durability of the hinged joint is poor. It is very common for the screws to pull out of the paperboard cabinets.

I actually like the idea of open cabinets with a stretch net over the opening. I am going to add an opening on my rearmost closet with a stretch net facing the rear door (solid panel there now)

[dave_in_delaware]

Originally Posted by jage

I don't think I've ever seen the sliding door option you're talking about- are there photos?

I'm not sure of actual photos, but here they are in diagram form, via DYO:

Galley F and Cabinet Storage J:


Compared to the hinged door "look," like with
Galley E and Storage K:

[Scalf77]

I have the sliding doors on the cabinet across from my gaucho, this enable me to open it when the gaucho is in the bed position. I would believe you loose a small amount of storage with the sliders. Mine move easily but stay put when left close, but I believe that is dependent on when or who built it that day.

Greg

[jlrray]

You can list the pro's and cons till cows fly, but in the end, whatever pleases your eye visually will win. I think there is a place for both. Ambulances often have both types of doors. I know that our newer rigs are getting more and more ingenious with storage options and placement. In our rigs, there seems to be a lot more use of sliding smoked, plexiglass doors. They can all be locked, but usually can easily be tampered with due to the tolerances of the slider rails along the top and bottom. The sliding doors provides access without having to impede into the adjacent area. I used to think that sliding doors (like on fire apparatus) would be good for durability; however, they seemed to get gummed up easily with time and they take a fair portion of the storage compartment.

for security, you can always go the cheap route and purchase one of these:
http://www.technologylk.com/product_vie ... t_ID=10377

but there are probably tons of better and cleaner options available. You could try rockler.com or any wood working online store.

Truth is, everything is replaceable. Sometimes, you'll just have to fabricate your own parts :P

Joe