Tips to Install Space Saving Pocket Doors
by Katherine Lilly on Apr 19, 2016
Not every room and space has the clearance for a swinging door, and in these cases, pocket doors are the perfect solution. Hallway bathrooms, bedrooms in smaller homes, and office buildings are ideal benefactors of these hidden doors. With rising house prices, new homeowners are often forced into a smaller space than they would like, meaning valuable square footage being taken up by swinging doors that could be better utilized with a sliding door.
As with any DIY project, make sure to have all of the items you will need before you begin. Installing a pocket door is a relatively simple process and can be completed with minimal tools. Let’s take a look at the process of installing a pocket door in your home.
Prep Work
If you’ve decided on adding a space-saving door to your home or office, you have a couple of options for installation. You can purchase hanging kits at many home improvement stores and choose to buy the door separately, but it can be simpler to buy a kit that includes the door.
Install the Tracks
Before attempting to work on the door, you want to ensure the hanging tracks are correctly installed. These will keep the door in place and prevent it from becoming derailed. Here’s how to handle this part of the process.
- Use a hacksaw to cut the header and track to the right length.
- Using the bracket and fasteners supplied with the kit, attach the assembly to the top jamb. Affix the endplate to the studs where the door’s sliding action will stop. The track must be level or the door won’t roll correctly.
- Attach the floor bracket to the split jamb stiffeners and then nail the bracket to the floor. Make sure everything is plumb vertically. Now attach the split jamb to the header.
- Repeat the process for the second set of vertical stiffeners, which should be situated in the center of the pocket space.
Add the Door
Now that all your hardware is in place, you can start paying attention to the door. If you prefer, you can install the recessed locking mechanism in the door before you hang it. It might be easier to do this when the door is lying on the ground. OK, now it’s time to hang the door following these steps.
- Install the hanging hardware on the top of the door.
- Slide the wheeled hangers into the header track and hang the door on them.
- Check everything is perfectly vertical and level and then remove the door.
- Close up the door jamb with drywall and paint before reinstalling the door.
- Attach the guides that keep the door steady as it rolls.
- Add a strike plate on the opposite side.
Adding a pocket door to your home is all about the economy of space and requires just a little bit of work. By following these guidelines and the manufacturer’s instructions, it can be a simple process that frees up valuable space in your home.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
95796 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74456 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71821 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
52899 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30639 Views
Latest Articles
How Much Does It Cost To Take A Bath?
Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...
on Apr 8, 2025
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
The Origins of Shabby Chic Furniture
Shabby chic is most definitely less shabby and more chic. Shabby chic has been a popular decorating style for the past 30 years. Many furniture...
Why a Smart Sprinkler Controller is a Smart Investment
If you have been thinking about picking up a smart sprinkler controller, it’s time to pull the trigger. Smart and WiFi sprinkler controllers...
4 Smart Ways to Make Your Yard Safer for Young Children
You do not need to raise your child in a bubble to keep them safe. Kids need the freedom to play outside to stay healthy and develop a sense of...
5 Dead Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Landscape
Landscaping an entire yard is a big job, but a beautiful backyard doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little creativity and a little elbow...
How to Know if Your Furnace Unit Needs to be Replaced
The right heating system will improve your comfort and safety, especially during the winter season. The best heating system will enhance the...