How to Install a Pocket Door

Pocket doors are a great way to create a large passage from room to room without having to give up any space. While a regular door needs room to swing out, a pocket door neatly slides into the wall. Commonly found in historic homes, pocket doors are becoming more popular and installing one in your home is a project that can be done fairly easily if your door framing is open

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 Pocket doors
• Pocket door hardware kit
• Framing lumber
• Casing lumber
• Drywall
• Drywall tape
• Joint compound
• Construction adhesive
• Paint (matching wall paint)
• Damp towel
• Sandpaper
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Hammer
• Hacksaw
• Paint brushes

1. Frame the door to the measurements recommended by the door manufacturer. It is essential that the heading is level and the opening is plumb. The space will seem big because you will be framing the width of two doors.

2. Using a hacksaw, cut the pocket door track assembly and door header from the kit to fit the length of the opening. Mount the door header and track assembly with the fasteners and brackets included in the pocket door hardware kit.

3. Install the stiffeners included in the hardware kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the jamb stiffeners are plumb before fastening them. Once they are in place, fix the door bumper to the stud at the rear of the pocket.

4. Make sure your door is painted or finished to suite your decor, then mount the doorplate on the top of the door and place the hangers onto the track. Now hang the door, tweaking it for correct height and plumb using the built-in adjusting nuts.

5. Use the construction adhesive to attach the drywall the frame, and use the drywall tape to smooth any joints or seams. It is important not to use nails when installing the drywall because they can damage the doors.

6. In order to center the door in the pocket, at the front of the pocket opening install the adjustable door guides. Then fasten the side jambs, and lastly the head jambs. Use screws when fastening the head jambs, so you can remove the pocket door if necessary.

7. To finish the project fasten the door casings with finishing nails. Spread glue on the miters as well as construction adhesive to the back of the casing, insuring it to hold.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you choose your pocket door hardware kit according to the weight of the door being hung. There are different kits for different door weights.