You have a small space and you want a partition for privacy or you have a large area of the drawing-room and dining room and you want it separated with something that doesn’t break the symmetry then what can be the solution. Here we give you the option of installing a pocket door.
Here you can ask what a pocket door is. A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears into the wall and takes no extra space and forms a partition that you require. It gives you both privacy and creates a sense of division that doesn’t ruin the aesthetics. So the pocket door is a great option in places where regular space-consuming doors can’t be adjusted.
The whole door settles into the wall and creates a sense of exposure to the fullest and then you get to close the door whenever needed and it gives proper separation from another side
If you want a pocket door and you are thinking of hiring a professional for this job it’s going to cost you a lot. Rather it is recommended to perform this task by yourself. It is a pretty straightforward procedure that you can do on your own and it’s going to save you some money for sure as well
1st you need to make sure that you have all the equipment you need to perform this installation. There is nothing major or industrial scale. All the things you need can be easily available at home improvement stores or you can find them on Amazon
And 2nd the procedure itself. We will guide you in this article step-by-step procedure to install the door properly that it doesn’t mess up your wall and other structure.
Table of Contents
Equipment you need
Following is the list of equipment you are going to require if you want to install a pocket door
- Level
- Tape measure
- Screwdrivers (both flat and Phillips-head)
- Nailer
- Miter saw
- Drill
- Pocket door
- Hardware kit
- Screws
- Finish nails
- Drywall
- Drywall adhesive
- Drywall screws
- Joint compound
- Wood trim
Every pocket door installation needs some basics that need to be fulfilled for the doors to get properly installed and that it stays at its place and be able to use properly
Things to check
Following are the things you need to check before you even think about installing
Load-bearing
Your wall must be able to bear the load of the door. With that, you will decide if you want to install the door here or use which header. If the wall can not bear the load you will not start the installation and it’s going to save you the trouble.
Width
If the wall is not wide enough that the door gets hidden in it then you can not install a pocket door in such a wall. The average pocket door is 30”-36″ wide so the wall needs to be 80”- 84” high
Wiring or pipeline passage
If there is any wiring or pipes running through the wall that can get disconnected so you must carefully check this 1st
Frame kit instructions
Your door will determine the size of the header you require. Heavier doors require a longer header. Check if it’s included in the kit, otherwise, get one
Weight of the door
The installation and hardware used is determined by the door weight some frame support the door of 175 lbs while others only support 75 lbs
Hardware kit
You must ensure that you are buying the door that includes the hardware kit that will help in the perfect fit and balanced installation.
Removal of the current door
If there is an old door mounted already you have to take it down 1st to install the new one
Steps of removal
Following are the steps you have to follow to remove the old door
Step 1
- First You have to unhinge the door
Step 2
- You need to use a saw to cut through the nails on the jamb to get it out
Step 3
- The old drywall needs to be removed so that a new door can be installed
Make new wall space
As now you have removed the old door you need to cut the hole in the drywall next to the existing doorway for the new pocket door. The total space should be about twice the door. If the pocket stays small the door will not completely hide inside the wall.
Header installation
Before you install the door, you have to install the frame. Following are the steps that need to be followed
- The header is a 2×4 piece of board that supports the door. This is your starting point
- You then cut it to the exact length according to the door
- Attach the header
- To confirm that they are on level track the assembly
- Attach the endplates to the wall on the side
Split stud placement
If you are preparing the existing wall, it means you have to remove the studs where the door will mount. They will be replaced with the split stud. That will offer space inside for the door.
There is a possibility that you can put a stud floor bracket directly to the floor but this needs expert advice first.
Once the studs are level the brackets and header can be attached with them.
Preparing the door
You must properly prepare the door as well before attaching it. This includes
- Attaching hardware
- Pairing the door
- Installing door locks
If you don’t do all of that prior to installation, the door will not be installed properly, and doing the paint or locks afterward is going to ruin the door as well as the surroundings
Attachment of the pocket door
After preparing the pocket door you must put the door on the track and check its movement and function. You need to make sure that the door is level this way it will not affect its movement.
Drywall replacement
The track can be taken off temporarily once the door is installed properly. If you have taken the measurements right and left the proper spacing in the doorway you can easily put it back again.
- You must put in the new drywall to cover the door as this is a necessary step you must NOT skip it.
- You must use proper adhesive of high quality and the drywall screws that are going to secure the wall properly
- Joints must be covered with drywall tape and a thin layer of compound. It will secure the whole structure.
- If you need more drywall coating you must be generous with it. This will make sure nothing falls apart.
Door trim installation
It’s important to follow manufacturer instructions for the placement of the door trim. The materials you need may come with the door or require additional purchase. When you install the trim, confirm that you have the right equipment.
You will likely need 16-gauge nails for the jamb, which are thicker and longer. Manufacturers may recommend using 18-gauge nails for the casing because they will provide the support that is easy to hide. A pneumatic nailer could help you place the nails without damaging the casing.
You need shorter nails for the casing so that they do not create a barrier to the channel in the split stud..
Pocket door placement
After you have completed the jamb and casing work, you are almost done. Paint the new wall and jamb as desired. Rehang the pocket door and confirm that it runs smoothly.
Frequently Asked questions
Do I need a special door panel to work with a different system?
No. You can use any door panel of your choice. Please note, your door panel must correspond to a frame size of your choice. The frames we supply are not adjustable in any way. All sizes are specified in the data sheets downloadable from this website.
Each product will have its own door panel restrictions. For example, Singe Standard Kits require your door panel to be not more than 80kg in weight and not more than 44mm in thickness. These vary from model to model.
Are Frames hard to install?
The pocket door system can be used in new build, solid or stud walls, just by including the overall dimension in the wall design. In existing buildings with stud walls, it is a relatively simple job to remove the required amount of the stud-wall to be able to incorporate the frame.
Companies have spent a great amount of research and development to have the simple and easiest product to assemble and install. Assembly of the pocket takes a matter of minutes using horizontals that click together and installation is by simply screwing through the top and end verticals into the wall.
Order of Work
- – Frame assembly
- – Frame installation
- – Door installation
- – Jambs and door post installation
You can plasterboard at any time after frame assembly but before installing the jambs.
Conclusion
We have given you the complete information that how you can install the pocket door by yourself. If you follow these steps properly we hope you will be able to install the pocket door without any issues. Take careful note of the critical points of installation and do not miss them otherwise you will not be able to install properly.