A pocket door is the perfect way to close off a space – without getting in the way of a sloping door. But pocket doors can be hard to work with without the right tools and techniques. Use this guide to install a pocket door and get the most out of every enclosed space.
Prepping the Area
Some pocket doors can be installed outside the wall if the interior structure is opened due to bearing walls, plumbing or wiring. You will need to attach a 1×4 to the floor to support the bottom of the door opening. This can be done using 4d concrete floor nails either hand driven or from a nail gun.
Most pocket doors are installed in a retaining wall. You will need old drywall on both sides of the wall. If you are careful enough, you can salvage old drywall sheets for reuse. Remove the 2×4 from the walls and the bottom plate with a reciprocating saw to allow the doors to fit open. Attach a 2×4 to the back where the new pocket door rests on the support. Go down from the top of the plate so that you have a hole of 83″.
Prepping the Door Frame
Place the door frame prone on the ground and remove the provided track. Attach the track to the top of the bay door using two wood screws or 6d nails. Place the last dowel or nail on the base of the track.
Install the Door Pocket Frame
Place the board in the opening outside. Using a level and a few shims, align the track and face of the door frame pocket. It is best to measure the face of the frame in the existing holes so that a pair of measurements are available between the door. Attach the wood metal or plastic floor to the 1×4 on the floor and attach the back of the bay door to the provided 2×4. You can also attach the trace on the lowered head with a few 6d nails, but be careful not to scratch the nails. on the track or make it uneven. Place the drywall on the outside being careful not to put any screws or nails through the door pocket to fix the interior panels, or get the door hanging.
Entering the door
Attach the pocket door hardware to the door according to the directions. Now insert the roller wheels into the track. Bend the pocket door into the frame, carefully rolling the hardware onto the roller wheels. It helps to have a friend at the steering wheel.
Check the door works and make some adjustments so that the door frame is flush. Apply the provided 1×5 to the door opening and shim as necessary to ensure the door pocket is level with the 1×5 opening. Attach a ¼” fit around the door frame, trace and 1×5. Finish the job by applying door hardware and trim.
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