How to Adjust Pocket Doors

Pocket doors help save space in small areas.

Pocket doors have been a design option in homes for over a century, with modern applications that are common to bathrooms, closets and room separation walls. The functionality of pocket doors depends on their adjustment at the top track to maintain proper closure and alignment. Knowing how to make the necessary adjustments to the doors ensures years of problem-free service.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Level
• Small stepladder or step stool

Instructions

Adjusting a Single Pocket Door

1. Determine from which side of the door the top rollers are visible by looking into the track space above the door. All the adjustments to the door are made from this side.

2. Slide the door closed against the jamb. Check the door edge to see whether the door touches the jamb at the top or bottom. The misalignment at the jamb will be reflected in the space between the top of the door and the jamb trim.

3. Stand on a stepladder to access the door rollers for adjustment. Use a screwdriver to adjust the door's roller alignment screws situated between and just below the roller wheels on each roller assembly. (This adjustment screw is typically slanted down for screwdriver access below the jamb trim.)

4. Adjust the side of the door with the widest space between the top of the door and the trim by turning the adjustment screw to raise that side until the vertical edge of the door is plumb.

5. Check the jamb side of the door by closing it to determine if any further adjustment is still needed. If so, slowly adjust the rollers until the door closes tightly against the side jamb.

Adjusting Double Pocket Doors

1. Determine from which side of the door the top rollers are visible by looking into the track space above the door. All the adjustments to the doors are made from this side.

2. Slide one of the doors to the closed position and check the leading edge with a level. The door should be plumb. If the door is plumb, return it to its open position and repeat this step with the other door. If neither door is plumb, determine which is closer to plumb and go to Step 3.

3. Stand on a stepladder to check the alignment of the top jamb casing and the top edge of the door. Use a screwdriver to adjust the door's roller alignment screws situated between and just below the roller wheels. Adjust the side of the door with the widest space between the top of the door and the trim by turning the adjustment screw to raise that side until vertical edge of the door is plumb.

4. With the adjusted door closed, move the other door against it to determine which of its rollers must be adjusted to align this door.

5. Repeat Step 3 with this door. When properly adjusted, both door edges and tops will match alignment.

References

• Ask The Builder: Solving Pocket Door Problems