How to install a pocket door frame

To save space, I installed a pocket door and since I’ve been asked for one quite a few times, I took all the necessary pictures to write up a tutorial and show you how to install a pocket door frame. How to install a pocket door. I’m using a pocket door kit from Johnson Hardware for a 36″ door.

These kits make installing a pocket door. Be sure to purchase a high-quality pocket door frame with durable hardware. Additionally, the size of the header increases with the weight of the door , so be sure to factor this in.

Most pocket door frame kits specify how big the header should be. The hardware is an improvement over the old-fashioned door in the wall because it can’t stick or come off its track. Installation not that har but for the first time remodeler, the framing is more of worry. Also, you are going to have to make a rough opening in the wall that is the size of the. That could be quite a project,definitely not in concrete, entire section would have to be cut out to fit door and pocket, re frame, sheetrock, etc.

Get at least three prices from different contractors. Well, it helps if the opening is twice as wide as the pocket door you want. If it is not, you need to determine if the wall is load bearing (carrying the weight of roof) or not. I would suggest calling a carpenter if your opening is not. To install a pocket door , start by removing the existing door and the drywall on one side of the wall.

Then cut the exposed studs to make room for the new framing. Next, install the slider track using the rails that came in your pocket door kit. Video made by the manufacturer on how to install their frame kits. You can buy and install a pocket door for as.

The door slides between split jambs inside the wall. A bumper at the rear of the frame or the side of the door keeps the door from sliding too far into the wall, and guides at the floor keep the door from rattling inside the frame. For successful installation, there must be room for the pocket door to travel inside the wall. Installing a pocket door that slides into a wall instead of swinging into the room is a real space-saver.

Plus if you know how to install a pocket door it gives you a problem-solving alternative to offer your customers. Now I’m not proud of it, but I totally bought this. Frame in the opening by installing two 2-by-4-inch studs, called king studs, at a separation equal to twice the width of the door plus inches to allow for the trimmers and jamb. The unfinished natural wood frame can be installed to either side of the door opening.

This domestically produced pocket door frame includes the track, installation hardware and instructions. A pocket door needs a cavity in the wall large enough to store the door when it’s open. As you can see in the diagram the door is hung from a track system on the top and the door slides into the “ pocket ” or cavity to the side of the door opening.

Before you start framing a wall to accept a pocket door you’ll need to choose a pocket door. In order to put in a pocket door , you need to install the frame. Start with the header, which is a piece of 2xboard that will provide support for the door. Cut it to the correct length, as needed.

Open up the door frame using a circular saw and hand saw. Ease of installation-It is much easier to install a hinged door than a pocket door. Boxed roller doors require special framing built into the wall to form their compartment. Regular doors may need some minor inletting for the hinges and latch. Remove the old door frame from the wall.

Frame the new rough opening with a new header and jambs as needed. Finish the top track and face jamb as desired. Doorways that separate a living room and dining room or a toilet closet from a main bathroom area typically have load-bearing walls and make good locations for pocket doors. A primo pocket door project starts with the walls.

Frame them in the optimum location for the rooms you’re dividing. The following instructions will help you install just about any pocket door hardware kit. I URGE you to completely read and follow the enclosed instructions you will find with your pocket door hardware. These systems are really easy to.

Installing the frame is pseudo simple. The frame comes with instructions, and Andy followed them exactly. The most critical part of installing the frame is making sure that the top track is level that way the door will slide properly. Here’s the pocket door frame installed: Here’s some close up action of the leveled top with lots of wood shims. In place of solid studs, the pocket - door frame utilizes “split studs”—one on each side of the door —which the door slides between to open and close.

Pocket Door Installation Tips.