You have probably always wondered how to make a pocket door in an existing wall, and now you can stop wondering. This guide will walk you through the process step by step so that you can be on your way to having a beautiful new doorway in no time at all
The first thing you will want to do is remove the existing door and doorframe from your wall.
- The first thing you will want to do is remove the existing door and doorframe from your wall. If you have a pocket door already, skip this step and proceed to step 2.
To remove an existing pocket door, follow these steps:
- Remove the screws in the center rail of your frame (where it’s attached to the wall). You can also use a crow bar if there aren’t any screws (this might happen on older doors).
- Use a putty knife or pry bar to gently pry up one side of the frame from its moorings on either side of where it meets your wall. Do this all around until all sides are loose enough that they can be lifted off their hinges with minimal effort and without damaging them or yourself (be careful not to cut yourself while removing these pieces).
Next, locate the studs in the wall where you will install your new doorframe and make sure that they are spaced far enough apart to install a pocket door. If they are not, don’t worry, you can add additional studs to your wall if needed.
Next, locate the studs in the wall where you will install your new doorframe and make sure that they are spaced far enough apart to install a pocket door. If they are not, don’t worry, you can add additional studs to your wall if needed.
- Start by placing a level on the existing framing around your existing doorway and mark where it shows that this framing has a slope downward at an angle of 1/4 inch per foot.
- Make sure that the new framing is level before installing it into place (or else your pocket door will be crooked). If necessary, shim out any high spots until everything is level.
Once you have determined that you have enough space for a pocket door you will want to mark the dimensions of your frame on your wall and cut out the drywall with a utility knife.
Step 1: If you are installing a pocket door in an existing wall, it is important to first mark the dimensions of your frame on your wall. The best way to do this is with a level.
Once you have determined that you have enough space for a pocket door you will want to mark the dimensions of your frame on your wall and cut out the drywall with a utility knife. You’ll want to make sure that everything lines up evenly before you secure it into place with screws or nails at each stud point in order for everything not to shift when opening/closing the door. Also, check for plumb (a vertical line) by standing back and looking at both sides of where each jamb meets up with your new opening; if everything looks even then proceed.
Then, using a level to ensure that everything is even, attach wooden boards called shims to support the frame. Make sure they are flush with your drywall and secure them with screws or nails at each stud.
Then, using a level to ensure that everything is even, attach wooden boards called shims to support the frame. Make sure they are flush with your drywall and secure them with screws or nails at each stud.
At this point, you can add trim around your pocket door in order to make it look like an ordinary wall if you’d like. If not, move on to step three.
When this step is complete it is important that you check for plumb because the weight of an entire door will rest on this frame so making sure it is properly installed and supported is essential for its longevity and security.
It is important to check your frame once it is installed to make sure it is plumb, secure, level, and even. The weight of the entire door will rest on this frame so it is essential that you build a strong base for your pocket door installation. If you want to learn more about how to install a pocket door in an existing wall please contact us here at [insert website].
Now all you need to do is create the actual pocket in which your new door will slide into by installing two pieces of wood directly onto each side of the opening of your new frame and bracing them up with some spacers. This will ensure that everything stays even when you screw them into place permanently.
Now all you need to do is create the actual pocket in which your new door will slide into by installing two pieces of wood directly onto each side of the opening of your new frame and bracing them up with some spacers. This will ensure that everything stays even when you screw them into place permanently.
The next step is to use a level to check plumb (the position of an object where it’s level from side-to-side and top-to bottom), then use screws or nails to secure the wood into place! Finally, use a power drill with either screws or nails for extra security as well as aesthetic purposes so that this new door frame looks finished and beautiful
Conclusion
A pocket door is a great way to add space and functionality to any room without the hassle of installing a traditional swinging door. It is easy to do yourself if you follow these simple steps, but if you find that anything seems beyond your abilities or expertise feel free to call in an expert who can help. So what are you waiting for? Get started today
