How to Install a Pocket Door

Once you've chosen your interior door style, you're ready to get started installing your pocket door.
Use a tape measure and measure the space for the door.

Tip: Twice the width of the door is needed to hide the door in the pocket.

One of the most important steps when learning how to install a pocket door is to determine your wall type. Walls with plumbing or electrical wires cannot house a pocket door.

• Use a stud finder to determine if the wall is load bearing or a partition.

Before drilling or removing the old door, be sure to lay a drop cloth on the ground to protect your floors.

• Once you've determined the wall is a partition, you can start removing the old door and frame.
• To begin building a pocket door in an existing wall, take the old door off the door frame and remove the moulding.
• Cut away the shims and nails using your reciprocating saw.

Tip: Remember to wear safety goggles when working with power equipment.

Next, you'll need to remove the drywall from both sides of the wall.

• Double check that you don't have any hidden wires.
• All wires will need to be relocated to a new junction box. Call an electrician if you need help relocating any hidden wires.

• Using a circular or reciprocating saw, cut away exposed studs to make room for the new door and header.
• Trim the nails and pry away the studs with either a hammer or a crow bar.

Now, it's time to begin installing the pocket door. Begin with your header.:

• Read the assembly instructions carefully to determine the new header size.
• Build the new header using your lumber, hammer and nails.
• Most doors are 80 inches, so your new stud should be placed at 84 1/2 inches.
• Most door jambs are 4 1/2 inches above the door frame.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install your specific kit.
Use a level to make sure the door slides evenly and easily to and from the pocket.

• Add the metal studs into the track, using your drill.
• Mount the hangers on top of the door.
• Slide the wheeled carriages into the track.
• Hook the hangers onto the carriages and make sure the door hangs plumb.

• Patch the hole with new drywall, using your drill and screws.
• Touch up any holes with joint compound and sand prior to painting.

Install the pocket door hardware to both the wall and the new door, using your drill.

• Use a finish nailer to attach the trim to the jamb and door studs.
• Paint to match.