Leaders in manufacturing quality sliding door and entranceway hardware.

COMMERCIAL-GRADE ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE Custom-engineered hardware for commercial and high-end residential projects, including specialized applications and project-specific finishes.

75 YEARS OF ENGINEERED PERFORMANCE Precision-manufactured in Burlington, Ontario, using premium North American-sourced materials for long-term durability.

SPECIFIED ACROSS NORTH AMERICA Trusted by architects, designers, specifiers, builders and distributors. Known for fast lead times and exceptional customer service.

Featured Sliding Door Systems

Catch ‘N’ Close

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Catch ’N’ Close®

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Pocket Door Systems

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Exposed Barn Door Systems

Exposed Barn Door Systems




TRUSTED BY

Leading names across North America

KNC products are specified on projects ranging from landmark developments to luxury residences.

HIGH-RISE & MIXED-USE

Condominiums, commercial towers & mixed-use developments

HEALTHCARE

Hospitals, long-term care, assisted living & healthcare facilities

HOSPITALITY + WORKPLACE

Luxury hotels, restaurants & corporate workplaces

LUXURY RESIDENTIAL

High-end residences & custom homes

From the Blog

Insights & Inspiration

Two Ways to Pocket a Door: Recessed vs. Proud Installations

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Two Ways to Pocket a Door: Recessed vs. Proud Installations

Pocket doors are a go-to solution for maximizing space and achieving clean sightlines—but not all installations look or function the same. Depending on your design intent, there are two distinct ways to pocket a door: recessed or proud. 1. Recessed into the Pocket This method allows the door to fully disappear into the wall cavity when open. The result? A clean, flush wall with no visible door edge or handle, making it ideal for minimalist interiors or smaller spaces that benefit from a seamless look. Best for: tight spaces, contemporary design, or when you want the door to disappear Design benefit: uninterrupted visual lines Functionality note: requires the door and pocket to be precisely aligned 2. Proud of the Pocket Here, the door sits slightly outside the wall when open, with a portion remaining visible. This approach is often used with thicker, heavier, or more decorative doors. It also allows for easier grip or access to pulls. Best for: design features, high-traffic areas, or where complete recessing isn’t practical Design benefit: adds depth and presence to the opening Functionality note: simplifies closing the door by leaving part exposed for easy gripping The KN Crowder Advantage Whether you choose recessed or proud installation, our Crowder Frame™ pocket door systems accommodate both—no compromises required. With patented Catch ‘N’ Close® soft-close technology on both ends, doors glide smoothly and quietly, with no slamming or bounce-back. We offer several types of Crowder Frames: some models support doors up to 300 lbs. [136 kg], while others accommodate doors as narrow as 18 in [457 mm]. Each system is cycle-tested for 150,000 uses and built with Canadian materials in our Burlington, Ontario facility. We've even added a new slot feature for easy in-wall replacement of the soft-close units. Want to see the difference in action? Watch our quick demo to compare the two pocketing styles: This short clip shows both the recessed and proud pocket door positions using our Catch ‘N’ Close sliding door system.

Choosing the Right Sliding Door Hardware for Your Project: A Guide for Architects and Designers

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Choosing the Right Sliding Door Hardware for Your Project: A Guide for Architects and Designers

At KN Crowder, our vision is clear: to be leaders in manufacturing quality entranceway hardware. For architects and designers, specifying door hardware goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about ensuring functionality, durability, and a seamless design experience. Our patented Catch ‘N’ Close sliding door systems are a prime example of how we deliver on that promise, offering superior performance and a luxury experience across a range of applications. The Versatility of Catch ‘N’ Close Sliding Door Systems Our Catch ‘N’ Close system is a patented soft-close mechanism, featured in various sliding door systems that bring a sophisticated touch to any project. Whether you're working on residential or commercial designs, our Catch ‘N’ Close sliding door systems offer a smooth, quiet, and reliable solution every time a door opens or closes. You'll find this system in several of our product lines, including: Exposed flat bar systems Pocket door systems Ceiling track systems Barn door systems Glass door systems Bypass systems Custom systems like the Crowder Sync, which synchronizes bi-parting doors, and the Crowder Slide, the future in privacy control for medical and office doors. This versatility allows architects and designers to specify a high-performance solution that enhances both function and aesthetics. The Technology Behind Catch ‘N’ Close KN Crowder is proud to be the first to use advanced gas spring technology in our Catch ‘N’ Close systems, creating a door-closing mechanism that is truly top of the line. This system can be installed on both the opening and closing ends of doors weighing up to 300 lbs. or as narrow as 18 inches wide. Rigorously cycle-tested for up to 50,000 cycles, the Catch ‘N’ Close system ensures durability and reliability, eliminating door slamming and safeguarding both the door and its hardware from wear and tear. Efficient Installation Our Catch ‘N’ Close systems are designed to streamline the installation process. The closing devices are discreetly integrated into the track, eliminating the need for additional installation steps. In our Crowder Frame pocket door systems, we’ve introduced a Catch ‘N’ Close slot for doors with a minimum width of 30 inches, allowing for easy device replacement without removing the door, trim, or cutting into the drywall. This thoughtful innovation not only facilitates smooth installation but also ensures effortless maintenance over time. Customization to Meet Your Project’s Needs Every project is unique, which is why KN Crowder offers fully customizable hardware solutions. Whether you need specific finishes to match your design vision or specialized configurations to fit unique spaces, our sliding door systems are tailored to meet your exact specifications. We collaborate closely with architects and designers to ensure that our products not only enhance the design but also deliver lasting quality. From modern corporate environments to industrial residential projects, our custom finishes and configurations ensure that the hardware perfectly complements your architectural intent. A Complete Hardware Solution In addition to our Catch ‘N’ Close sliding door systems, KN Crowder offers a range of commercial-grade door locks and pulls, including barrier-free and ADA compliant sets. By providing high-quality locks and pulls alongside our sliding door hardware, we simplify the specification process, making it easier to create cohesive, high-performance entranceway solutions. Why Quality Hardware Matters At KN Crowder, we believe that quality hardware is key to the success of any project. The Catch ‘N’ Close sliding door systems exemplify this belief, offering unparalleled performance, luxury, and durability in a variety of applications. Our commitment to custom solutions, combined with our expertise in entranceway hardware, allows architects and designers to confidently specify products that will perform for years to come. To learn more about how our Catch ‘N’ Close sliding door systems can enhance your next project, or to explore our custom finishes and commercial-grade hardware, visit KN Crowder’s website.

Unlocking the Potential: How Easy Connect Hangers are Changing the Sliding Door Game in Commercial Construction

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Unlocking the Potential: How Easy Connect Hangers are Changing the Sliding Door Game in Commercial Construction

Our newly redesigned Easy Connect Hangers are truly a game-changer for the commercial construction industry. With their multitude of benefits and innovative features, these hangers are set to increase the use of sliding doors in the commercial sector. Let's delve deeper into the remarkable attributes that make our Easy Connect Hangers stand out from the crowd. Firstly, one cannot overlook the significant time and money savings that these hangers bring to big projects with multiple openings. Saving time on installation means more efficient workflows and increased productivity. Additionally, the cost savings associated with reduced installation time can be substantial, making these hangers a worthy investment. The simplicity of the installation process is one advantage that sets our hangers apart. Unlike most other hanger systems, our Easy Connect Hangers boast a straightforward set of steps, including leveling the door while it is up. With the top plate easily slipping onto the stud and leveling taking place using the adjustment rod, installation becomes a breeze. Once level, simply tighten the lock nut, and everything will lock perfectly into place. Such ease of installation not only saves time but also ensures that the final result is of the highest quality. Another standout feature of our Easy Connect Hangers is their ability to hang doors after the drywall has been put up. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with multiple openings on a job site. By allowing doors to arrive later in the building process, this feature eliminates potential damage that can occur to the doors during construction. This added level of convenience ensures that doors remain in pristine condition, providing a polished finish to any project. Safety, too, is a top priority when it comes to our Easy Connect Hangers. We have implemented a design that allows for quick door removal in emergency situations. In scenarios where swift access is crucial, the lock nuts are loosened allowing the door to be removed, providing an essential safety feature. This thoughtful inclusion makes our hangers ideally suited for healthcare facilities and any other environments where fast entry may be necessary. We understand that strength and durability are paramount in commercial construction. Rest assured, our Easy Connect Hangers are built to withstand heavy doors, with a capacity to hang 300-pound doors without worry. To enhance their functionality, consider combining them with our patented Catch ‘N’ Close soft close system to create the ultimate door hardware solution for commercial use. When exploring application possibilities, our hangers are versatile, with complete track and hardware systems for both top and side mount applications, as well as bypass and pocket door systems. This versatility allows for seamless integration into a variety of architectural designs, making them an attractive option for a wide range of projects. The development of our Easy Connect Hangers stemmed from our unwavering commitment to producing high-quality door hardware. Our passion for innovation and our constant quest to redefine industry standards have led us to create a product that delivers outstanding performance and reliability. In conclusion, the transformative benefits of our Easy Connect Hangers are undeniable. From saving time and money on installation to ensuring user safety and accommodating various application types, these hangers exemplify quality and ingenuity. As we continue to push boundaries and pioneer advancements in door hardware, our Easy Connect Hangers will remain at the forefront of the industry, revolutionizing the way we approach commercial construction.

FAQs

Common Questions Answered

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KN Crowder manufactures a comprehensive range of architectural sliding door hardware and entranceway products for commercial and high-end residential applications. Our product lines include sliding door track and hardware systems, door locks and pulls, weatherstrip, thresholds, stair nosing, automatic door bottoms, foot grilles and floor mats, door louvers, and door lites.

Our sliding door hardware includes pocket door systems, barn door systems, exposed barn door systems, ceiling track systems, bypass systems, glass systems, folding systems, and fully custom solutions. Our patented Catch ’N’ Close® technology provides smooth, controlled sliding door operation.

Yes. KN Crowder supplies premium sliding door hardware across the United States and Canada, with a U.S. location in Lewiston, New York. Typical lead times are 5–7 business days.

Absolutely. We welcome sample and specification requests from architects, interior designers, and specifiers. Please reach out via our contact page or email [email protected], and our team will assist with samples, CAD files, and spec sheets.

Catch ’N’ Close is KN Crowder’s patented soft-close technology for sliding doors. It catches and controls the door as it opens and closes, guiding it smoothly into the fully open or closed position. The result is smooth, controlled operation with a door that is virtually impossible to slam.

Catch ’N’ Close is easy to install and, if replacement is ever required, the Catch ’N’ Close device can be replaced without removing the door, unlike many alternative soft-close solutions that require the door to be taken down.

Yes. KN Crowder hardware is specified in demanding commercial environments across Canada and the United States, including high-rise developments, hospitals and healthcare facilities, luxury hotels, and corporate workplaces. Our products can be found in projects such as the Waldorf Astoria New York, Four Seasons properties, and McDonald’s locations.

Our systems are engineered to meet the durability, performance, and compliance standards required for commercial applications.

Product documentation, CAD files, installation guides, and spec sheets are available in the Downloads section on each product page and under Support in the main menu.

If you need something specific, contact our team directly.

Ready to specify KN Crowder?

Access technical documents, CAD files and product information, or contact our team for help selecting the right system for your project.

KN Crowder products are purchased through authorized distributors across Canada and the United States.