Install a Pocket Door
A pocket door is a nice feature to have in your home. It is not complicated and easy to install. If you want to create another large passage from room to other room without the need to sacrifice any space then installing a pocket door is the best solution. The big difference about having a pocket door is that it neatly slides into the wall unlike a regular door that needs to swing out. Think of it as a gadget with a special sliding feature.
Pocket doors are usually found in historical homes but have grown well popular as time changed. Nowadays to purchase as pocket door, there are many options just to choose the door shape. They even come in kit which you can choose according to the weight of the door being hung. They even come in different size and color. Here are the steps on how to install a pocket door.
You will need:
- Pocket door hardware kit
- 2 Pocket Doors
- Casing Lumber
- Drywall Tape
- Construction Adhesive
- Damp Towel
- Tape Measure
- Level, Hacksaw
- Framing Lumber
- Drywall
- Joint Compound
- Paint
- Sandpaper
- Pencil
- Hammer
- Hacksaw Paint Brushes
Steps:
- First, make sure to choose the right pocket door hardware kit as this is very important to avoid any mistakes later on in the process. Make measurements for the frame of the door according to the door\’s manufacturer. Make sure that the heading is leveled and the opening is plumb. As you are framing the two doors, you will notice that the space will seem too big.
- Then, take a handsaw and cut the pocket door track and the door header from the kit. Cut those to fit the length of the opening. After the cutting, mount the door header and track the assembly with the fasteners and brackets. You can find the brackets and the fasteners included in the pocket door hardware kit.
- Next, take the stiffeners from the hardware kit and install according to the instructions included. Fasten to secure them. Fix the door bumper to the stud at the rear of the pocket once they are in place. Before mounting the doorplate on the top of the door and place the hangers onto the track, paint your door to suit the décor in its surroundings.
- Hang the door and tweak it to find the correct height and plumb by using the built-in adjusting nuts. Attach the drywall to the frame by using construction adhesive and use drywall tape to smooth any seams or joints. It is not recommended to use nails to install the drywall as they can damage the doors.
- To make sure that the door is located at the center of the pocket, install the adjustable door guides at the front of the pocket opening. Then, secure the side of the jambs by fastening them and proceed with the same step on the head jambs as well. Screws are the right tools to fasten the head jambs as you can remove the pocket door easily if needed.
- Fasten the door casings with finishing nails. To ensure a secure hold to the casing, spread glue on the miters and adhesive to the back of the casing.
Additional Reading:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2108871_install-pocket-door.html
Image Credit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ann-dabney/2908344938/
