How to Replace a Pocket Door
When a pocket door becomes warped or will not operate easily, it may be time to replace it. Most pocket door replacements can reuse the existing hardware. The tracks on most doors will be fine to reuse as well. With the right tools and with the help of a friend, you can replace a pocket door. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pocket door
- Utility knife
- Pry bar
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- 1 inch by 2 inch by 8 inch pine board
- Handsaw
- Hammer
- Finishing nails
Instructions
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1
Break the paint seal between the jamb and wall facing trim using a utility knife. This will prevent damaging the trim. Remove the trim on the inside wall by using a pry bar. Remove the inside jamb trim the same way and set both pieces aside for reinstallation later.
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2
Remove the jamb nailer with the pry bar. The jamb trim was nailed to the jamb nailer. This will be more difficult to remove and may break. This will be replaced during the installation process with a new piece.
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3
Get a helper to assist you on the outside of the door opening while you remain on the inside. Close the pocket door and pull the bottom towards you. The friend may have to help by pushing the bottom. Hold onto the door with both hands and maneuver the roller out of the track.
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4
Inspect the existing hardware to make sure it can be reused. Most of the time this is possible.
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5
Remove the existing roller hardware from the door using a screwdriver.
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Position the hardware on the top of the new door. Use a pencil to mark the locations of attaching screws.
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Drill pilot holes where the screw locations are marked with a drill. Attach the hardware using a screwdriver.
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8
Lift the new door into place by maneuvering the rollers into the top track. Push the bottom of the door in until the door hangs straight.
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9
Close the door into the pocket. Measure the jamb from the top of the opening to the floor with a measuring tape.
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10
Cut the 1 inch by 2 inch by 8 inch pine board to the measured length using a handsaw. Nail the new jamb nailer into the jamb with finishing nails. Nail the jamb trim and the wall facing trim back into place.
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