In some older homes a sliding pocket door was used to create privacy and separate a living room from a parlor or dining room.
Changing a pocket door to a regular door.
A pocket door slides into a metal and wood cage that is installed as the walls are framed.
Before we get into pocket door installation it s important to understand the function and design of this door type.
Carefully cut drywall and pocket door frame to allow a 2x4 stiffener on hinge side of the new door.
The family handyman expert rick muscoplat will show you how remove a pocket door and install a new one.
Remove molding from around existing pocket door.
If not you can buy a pocket door kit which includes all of the hardware for the door and build it into the existing wall.
As long as the measurement is correct for the pocket opening the door is the right thickness and the door hasn t been pre drilled for a standard door lockset or hinges you can use any kind of door for a pocket door.
Slide the door fully into the pocket opening and remove the wood casing and door stop on both sides and top of the jamb.
Cut the existing door out of frame.
Remove strike side jamb cut out steel track above.
Use a pocket door wrench to turn the hanger a quarter of a turn at a time until the door is parallel with the jamb.
If you have a gap at the bottom of the door that is causing rubbing towards the top of your door you can lower the door by adjusting the hanger that is positioned the furthest away from the door latch.
To hang a pocket door you need a rough opening that is twice as wide as the door itself.
This means taking down the old swinging door removing the jamb and disassembling the wall framing.