Adding A Pocket Door To An Existing Wall

Installing a pocket door is not quite as fast a project as installing a sliding barn door on the exterior of the wall but like we mentioned last week we really love it for the sleek space saving benefits especially in an already narrow hallway every inch counts extra privacy and it still gives us that bit of hallway wall space to decorate.

Adding a pocket door to an existing wall.

Be sure to screw the brackets into the studs. Then put the hardware and door into the slider track. Make sure the frame is level. With the old door removed you can cut a hole in the drywall next to the existing doorway for the pocket.

Cut wall space. In some older homes a sliding pocket door was used to create privacy and separate a living room from a parlor or dining room. The total space should be about twice as wide as the door. To install a pocket door start by removing the existing door and the drywall on one side of the wall.

If the pocket is not deep enough the door will not recess completely into the wall. 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. Doors in these walls will have headers usually laminated beams over their openings. Pocket doors are easiest to install during the new construction phase but can be added to existing walls with the proper planning and tools.

Before we get into pocket door installation it s important to understand the function and design of this door type. Installing a pocket door in a load bearing wall requires replacing the old header with a longer one. Detail description of how i installed a pocket door frame kit without damaging or removing one side of the sheetrock drywall. Next install the slider track using the rails that came in your pocket door kit.

A pocket door slides into a metal and wood cage that is installed as the walls are framed. Then cut the exposed studs to make room for the new framing. This can be done with plenty. Attach to the ceiling by screwing through the frame into the ceiling joists.