411homerepair.com

Tips to Install Space Saving Pocket Doors

by Katherine Lilly on Apr 19, 2016

Not every room and space has the clearance for a swinging door, and in these cases, pocket doors are the perfect solution. Hallway bathrooms, bedrooms in smaller homes, and office buildings are ideal benefactors of these hidden doors. With rising house prices, new homeowners are often forced into a smaller space than they would like, meaning valuable square footage being taken up by swinging doors that could be better utilized with a sliding door.

As with any DIY project, make sure to have all of the items you will need before you begin. Installing a pocket door is a relatively simple process and can be completed with minimal tools. Let’s take a look at the process of installing a pocket door in your home.

Prep Work

If you’ve decided on adding a space-saving door to your home or office, you have a couple of options for installation.  You can purchase hanging kits at many home improvement stores and choose to buy the door separately, but it can be simpler to buy a kit that includes the door.

Install the Tracks

Before attempting to work on the door, you want to ensure the hanging tracks are correctly installed. These will keep the door in place and prevent it from becoming derailed. Here’s how to handle this part of the process.

  • Use a hacksaw to cut the header and track to the right length.
  • Using the bracket and fasteners supplied with the kit, attach the assembly to the top jamb. Affix the endplate to the studs where the door’s sliding action will stop. The track must be level or the door won’t roll correctly.
  • Attach the floor bracket to the split jamb stiffeners and then nail the bracket to the floor. Make sure everything is plumb vertically. Now attach the split jamb to the header.
  • Repeat the process for the second set of vertical stiffeners, which should be situated in the center of the pocket space.

Add the Door

Now that all your hardware is in place, you can start paying attention to the door. If you prefer, you can install the recessed locking mechanism in the door before you hang it. It might be easier to do this when the door is lying on the ground. OK, now it’s time to hang the door following these steps.

  • Install the hanging hardware on the top of the door.
  • Slide the wheeled hangers into the header track and hang the door on them.
  • Check everything is perfectly vertical and level and then remove the door.
  • Close up the door jamb with drywall and paint before reinstalling the door.
  • Attach the guides that keep the door steady as it rolls.
  • Add a strike plate on the opposite side.

Adding a pocket door to your home is all about the economy of space and requires just a little bit of work. By following these guidelines and the manufacturer’s instructions, it can be a simple process that frees up valuable space in your home. 

Doors / Garages 3939 Views

Latest Articles

Grooved Composite Decking: Benefits and Best Practices

Composite decking has become increasingly popular over the last decade thanks to its durability, low-maintenance, and natural wood-like appearance....

on Nov 23, 2023

Innovative Materials in Modern Rainscreen Systems

In today's world of architectural advancements, the materials we use to protect and adorn our structures have evolved dramatically. Within this...

on Aug 25, 2023

Benefits of Aluminum Windows for Homeowners

Aluminum windows have emerged as a popular choice among Australian homeowners, offering a compelling combination of energy efficiency and modern...

on Aug 10, 2023

Investment Tactics for Premium Condominiums

Singapore continues to be a magnet for property investments, with its robust economy, political stability, and appealing real estate market acting...

on Aug 3, 2023

10 Essential Questions to Ask During a Sunroom and Lanai Consultation

When considering the addition of a sunroom or lanai to your home, a consultation with a professional lanai contractor is crucial. This initial...

on Jul 24, 2023

Sponsored Articles

Actions

More DIY Articles

Plumbing Problems During Christmas

Most people take various plumbing installations in their homes for granted. It is only when a problem manifests that they come to realize just how...

Plumbing / Basements

5 Signs it is Time to Resurface Your Floors

Hardwood floors are a sophisticated addition to your home and do add to the homes resale value. However, there is no secret that hardwood floors...

Improvements / Remodeling

Useful Tips When Looking for Metal Beds

Beds with frames made of metal can either look contemporary and fresh or give an antique touch to the room, depending on the design and the...

Bedroom / Furnishings

Light up the World - Lighting Architecture

A home can be beautified by its architecture – the doors, the halls, the pillars, and the arches; or by its decorations – the wallpapers, the...

Electrical / Lighting

Few Tips to Set Up Your Own Home Office

Work from home culture is on the high. Virtual office comes with the advantage of more productive work hours and saving time and money on...

Bedroom / Furnishings

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2023