A pocket door is a type of sliding door that recedes into the wall frame when it’s fully open. It’s a great option for smaller spaces and tight areas where a standard hinged door would take up too much room. To install a pocket door, you’ll need a pocket door kit, some basic tools, and some patience. Here are the main steps to follow: 123
Measure the space for the door. You’ll need twice the width of the door to hide it in the pocket. Also, determine if the wall is load-bearing or a partition, and if it has any plumbing or electrical wires that need to be relocated.
Remove the old door and frame, if applicable. Use a reciprocating saw to cut away the shims and nails, and pry away the moulding and the door jamb.
Remove the drywall on one side of the wall. Be careful not to damage the other side of the wall or any hidden wires or pipes. Cut away enough drywall to expose the studs and make room for the new header.
Cut the exposed studs carefully with a circular saw and a hand saw. You’ll need to create large enough holes in the studs to allow the pocket door to pass through.
Install a new header using lumber, hammer and nails. The header should be at least 4 1/2 inches above the door frame, and should support the weight of the wall if it’s load-bearing.
Install the pocket door slider kit following the manufacturer’s instructions. The kit should include a track, split jambs, metal studs, hangers, and hardware. Use a level to make sure the track is even and the door slides smoothly into the pocket.
Install the door on the track by attaching the hangers on top of the door and hooking them onto the wheeled carriages in the track. Make sure the door hangs plumb and aligns with the split jambs.
Repair the drywall by patching up the hole with new drywall, screws, joint compound, and sandpaper. Paint over the patched area to match the rest of the wall.
Install the latch hardware on the door and on the jamb. The kit should come with a latch plate, a strike plate, and screws. Follow the instructions to install them correctly and securely.
That’s how you install a pocket door in your home! I hope this helps you with your project
