Adding A Pocket Door To An Existing Wall

The total space should be about twice as wide as the door.

Adding a pocket door to an existing wall.

If the pocket is not deep enough the door will not recess completely into the wall. To install a pocket door start by removing the existing door and the drywall on one side of the wall. Be sure to screw the brackets into the studs. Next install the slider track using the rails that came in your pocket door kit.

Make sure the frame is level. Glue and screw together the 2 by 4s to build a pony wall a smaller non load bearing wall for hanging the track for the pocket doors. Before we get into pocket door installation it s important to understand the function and design of this door type. To install a pocket door in an existing wall you have to remove drywall and it s easier to uncover the entire wall instead of trying to work in a limited opening.

There are double sliding doors that meet in the middle and one sided sliding doors that meet the wall along the door frame when closed. Then put the hardware and door into the slider track. Attach to the ceiling by screwing through the frame into the ceiling joists. This can be done with plenty.

In some older homes a sliding pocket door was used to create privacy and separate a living room from a parlor or dining room. Pocket doors are easiest to install during the new construction phase but can be added to existing walls with the proper planning and tools. Installing a pocket door in a load bearing wall requires replacing the old header with a longer one. A pocket door slides into a metal and wood cage that is installed as the walls are framed.

Doors in these walls will have headers usually laminated beams over their openings. Pocket doors slide into the wall and disappear completely from view. Cut wall space. Detail description of how i installed a pocket door frame kit without damaging or removing one side of the sheetrock drywall.