COMMERCIAL-GRADE ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE Custom-engineered hardware for commercial and high-end residential projects, including specialized applications and project-specific finishes.
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.
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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
Blog
If you are researching sliding door hardware, you may come across terms such as soft close, soft-close doors, self-closing doors, or dampened sliding systems. At KN Crowder, our patented version of this technology is called Catch ‘N’ Close. Catch ‘N’ Close is KN Crowder’s patented soft-close sliding door technology designed to capture a sliding door near the end of its travel, slow its movement, and guide it smoothly into its fully open or fully closed position without slamming. It helps reduce noise, improve safety, minimize wear on hardware, and create a more refined user experience. Catch ’N’ Close is integrated into select KN Crowder sliding door track systems for pocket doors, barn doors, exposed barn doors, ceiling-mounted doors, glass doors, bypass doors and custom sliding door applications. Explore our sliding door systems featuring Catch ’N’ Close soft-close technology, each engineered to provide smooth, controlled door operation in both commercial and residential settings. How Catch ‘N’ Close Works Traditional sliding doors can slam into the frame, bounce back, or stop short of their intended position. Catch ‘N’ Close addresses these issues by engaging during the final portion of the door’s travel. Once engaged, the mechanism captures the door, slows its movement, and guides it smoothly into place. Because the mechanism is integrated directly into the track system, it maintains a clean appearance while delivering controlled and reliable performance. KN Crowder offers Catch ‘N’ Close across a variety of sliding door hardware systems, making it easy to integrate into a wide range of residential, commercial, and architectural applications. The Benefits of Catch ‘N’ Close Quieter Spaces Door slamming can be disruptive in both residential and commercial environments. Catch ‘N’ Close eliminates the hard impacts associated with traditional sliding doors, helping create quieter and more comfortable spaces. This makes it particularly valuable in hotels, condominiums, offices, conference rooms, healthcare facilities, bedrooms, and bathrooms where acoustic comfort is important. Improved Safety By controlling the door’s movement during opening and closing, Catch ‘N’ Close helps reduce the risk of accidental impacts and finger injuries. The system is especially beneficial in healthcare environments, educational facilities, senior living projects, and family homes. Its controlled operation also helps protect doors, frames, and hardware from unnecessary wear caused by repeated slamming. Easier Operation Once the mechanism engages, the user no longer needs to manually push the door completely into position. Catch ‘N’ Close guides the door the rest of the way, creating a smoother and more intuitive experience while preserving the clean aesthetics that make sliding doors such a popular architectural choice. The Technology Behind Catch ‘N’ Close KN Crowder was the first to use gas-spring technology to create a sliding-door closing system. The Catch ’N’ Close devices are integrated directly into Catch ’N’ Close sliding door track systems and can be specified at both the opening and closing ends of the door. Depending on the system selected, Catch ’N’ Close is available for doors weighing up to 300 lb and doors as narrow as 18 inches. Catch ’N’ Close has been cycle tested for up to 50,000 cycles without failure, demonstrating dependable performance for demanding commercial and high-end residential applications. Installation and Maintenance Catch ’N’ Close devices are integrated directly into the sliding door track system, requiring no additional installation steps or visible add-on components. No routine maintenance is required. For Crowder Frame Pocket Door Systems with doors at least 30 inches wide, KN Crowder incorporates a dedicated service slot. If a Catch ’N’ Close device ever needs to be replaced, it can be accessed through this slot without removing the door or trim or cutting into the drywall. This serviceable design helps minimize the time, cost and disruption associated with device replacement. Explore our Pocket Door Systems featuring Catch ’N’ Close. Which KN Crowder Sliding Door Systems Are Available with Catch ’N’ Close? Catch ’N’ Close is integrated into select KN Crowder sliding door track systems, including exposed barn door, pocket door, barn doors, ceiling track, bypass, glass and custom configurations. These systems are suitable for a wide range of commercial and residential applications, including hotels, condominiums, private residences, healthcare and long-term care facilities, offices, conference rooms and educational facilities. This range allows architects and designers to specify Catch ’N’ Close across multiple door types and spaces within the same project, providing consistently smooth, controlled opening and closing throughout. Explore KN Crowder’s complete range of Catch ’N’ Close sliding door track systems to find the right solution for your next project. See Catch ‘N’ Close in Action The best way to understand the difference Catch 'N' Close makes is to see it operate. As the door approaches its final position, the mechanism automatically engages, slowing and guiding the door into place without slamming or bouncing. Watch the Catch 'N' Close demonstration video to see the system in action, or view the Catch ‘N’ Close replacement video. Visit the KN Crowder Video Library for additional product videos, installation resources, and technical information. Specify Catch ’N’ Close for Your Next Project Contact KN Crowder for product and specification assistance or for help locating an authorized distributor for your project. Questions About Catch 'N' Close What makes Catch ‘N’ Close different from other soft-close systems? Catch ’N’ Close uses KN Crowder’s patented gas-spring technology to capture and control the door during the final portion of its travel, preventing it from slamming. The devices are integrated directly into Catch ’N’ Close sliding door track systems and can be specified at both the opening and closing ends of the door. The result is smooth, controlled operation without visible add-on components. Can Catch ‘N’ Close be added to any KN Crowder sliding door? No. Catch ’N’ Close cannot be purchased separately and added to a standard KN Crowder sliding door track system. Catch ’N’ Close systems are engineered and supplied as complete systems and must be ordered as such from the outset. Some KN Crowder system families are offered in both standard and Catch ’N’ Close versions. Replacement devices are available for systems originally supplied with Catch ’N’ Close, but they cannot be used to convert a standard system into a Catch ’N’ Close system. How durable is Catch ‘N’ Close? Catch ‘N’ Close has been cycle tested for up to 50,000 cycles without failure, ensuring reliable long-term performance. Its controlled operation also helps reduce impact-related wear on doors, frames, and hardware. Why would a commercial building use Catch ‘N’ Close? Catch ‘N’ Close is well suited for commercial environments where smooth operation, reduced noise, and long-term durability are important considerations. Applications such as healthcare facilities, hospitality spaces, offices, educational facilities, and residential developments can benefit from improved door control and reduced impact on surrounding hardware. By helping eliminate slamming and uncontrolled movement, Catch ‘N’ Close supports a quieter, more comfortable environment while helping extend the service life of the overall door system.
Blog
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.
Blog
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.
FAQs
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our team is ready to help with any specification or project inquiry.
Contact UsKN 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.
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.
