The Evolution of Sliding Door Hardware: From Marathon to Husky 120 Pro
Sliding door solutions have come a long way – with an evolution driven by a powerful combination of advanced technology and changing customer trends.
Over the years, innovations in materials and technology have significantly transformed sliding door systems – enhancing their durability and performance whilst also reducing installation time and required maintenance. Meanwhile, customer trends toward minimalist interiors, open-plan living, and space-saving solutions have fuelled demand for systems like pocket doors, soft-close mechanisms, and exposed barn-style tracks.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the evolution of sliding door hardware, highlighting some of P C Henderson’s most iconic systems—from the early Marathon to new systems including our Husky 120 Pro.
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The Starting Line: Marathon
The story begins with Marathon — a functional system built for reliability and endurance. Its defining feature? Marathon was designed with a one-piece ball cage track to create an extremely durable system. So much so that Marathon is still a popular choice amongst our customers, over 60 years later.
Marathon caters for wooden doors weighing up to 90kg each and is also available for fire rated sliding doors.
A New Framework: Husky
The development of the Husky range took sliding hardware to the next level. In terms of design, Husky systems feature a box-section aluminium track and 4-wheeled nylon hangers for improved weight distribution, quiet action and smoother performance.
Husky 100 came first, which was tested for doors up to 100kg - a significant increase in weight capacity compared to earlier systems. Husky Sliding remains a best-seller in the P C Henderson range because of its versatility and durability.
Husky 120 Pro was then launched in 2022 with a higher weight capacity of 120kg. The system features an anodised aluminium track and nylon rollers for an exceptionally smooth performance and low initial friction.
Going Invisible: The Rise of Pocket Doors
As trends and styles shifted toward minimalism and space-efficiency, demand grew for sliding doors that disappear into the wall — leading to the evolution of pocket door systems.
This trend saw the development of our Pocket Door kit – a popular and well recognised DIY product for wooden doors weighing up to 60kg designed with ease of installation as a priority. The introduction of Pocket Door Pro came a few years later when the demand grew for heavier doors in high traffic areas such as commercial buildings. This system was designed with aluminium uprights for enhance rigidity as well as an optional timber liner kit.
Bold & Exposed: Barn Style Sliding Doors
Then came the rustic and industrial trend – where owners of both modern homes and traditional properties were opting for exposed, statement hardware systems such as barn door styles. Systems such as Rustic 100 and Rustic Top Mount significantly grew in popularity here due to their exposed flat bar track and barn style hangers allowing homeowners to combine form and function with dramatic visual impact.
The Finishing Touch: Soft Close Innovation
In recent years, the sliding door evolution has turned to soft close technology to increase the user experience. Once seen as an optional upgrade, customers are now seeking soft close as a standard across any industry.
Soft-close options are available across multiple P C Henderson systems, including Husky 120 Pro, Pocket Door, Pocket Door Pro and Rustic 100.
What’s Next?
With growing trends in automation, space optimisation, and smart home integration, the future of sliding door systems is headed toward even smarter, more sustainable solutions.
The Journey Continues…
P C Henderson are always looking for ways to improve their products – whether this be through use of modern technology, finer materials or as a response to customer feedback and growing trends.