Installing Pocket Doors

Ask Danny, Doors and Windows by Danny Lipford

We are remodeling our utility room and would like to use a pocket door, because of space. Is this something that we as homeowners should be able to do, or do we need to hire a professional. We’ve done a lot of remodeling ourselves but nothing like this. - Linda

Linda,

That depends on how confident you are in your ability to tackle some serious framing and wall repair. While pocket doors are not that hard to install in new construction, they require a lot of work to retrofit to an existing home. The first thing to consider is whether the wall the door slides into contains wiring or plumbing. If so, the pipes or wires will have to be moved or rerouted. Next, check to see if the wall is load bearing. If it is, the wall will have to be supported temporarily and a header of sufficient size installed over the opening. While it’s possible to work around these problems, they make the job even harder than it already is.

If you decide to go ahead with the project, start by taking off the existing door and frame, then remove the drywall on both sides of the space the door will slide into. Pocket door kits are available online containing the track and other specialty parts, or you can buy preassembled units at home improvement stores like The Home Depot. After framing the opening, install the track and boards that form the 2” wide slot for the door. Finish the door on all sides before hanging it on the track. Once everything is sliding smoothly, install drywall using screws that are short enough to keep from going through the ¾” boards around the pocket. A special split doorjamb is available to fit around the slot and track, or a standard jamb can be ripped to size.

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7 Responses to “Installing Pocket Doors”

  1. don Okruszynski Says:
    February 2nd, 2008 at 9:25 pm

    How much labor cost is fair to instal a 24 inch pocket door in new contruction?

    Does it help that I’m in the Phoenix, AZ area?

  2. Official Comment:

    Ben Erickson Says:
    February 25th, 2008 at 4:33 pm

    Don,
    I wouldn’t think installing a pocket door would cost that much more in new construction as long as it was taken into account when the house was being framed.

  3. Celeste Says:
    April 20th, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    Where could I purchase a pocket door.
    Is the total cost of a pocket door comparable to a swinging door?

  4. jennifer Says:
    May 5th, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    We would like to replace two pocket doors, one in the bath and the other between the livingroom and laundry room. Not quite ready to let my husband start taking down walls. Is there another way to replace the doors? Help.

  5. Jessy Abraham Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 10:08 am

    My kitchen door opens to the outside. I want to replace it with pocket doors? Is it is a good idea

    Thanks

    Jessy

  6. joann cummings Says:
    September 20th, 2008 at 8:35 pm

    Danny, I would like to know what kind of paint do I use in the kitchen and family room. I was told to use satin. I thought satin paint was used only in bedrooms.

    Thank you,
    Joann

  7. Annie Shaw Says:
    November 11th, 2008 at 3:35 pm

    What about pocket windows???? Does anyone know how to do that???

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