How to Install Pocket Door Hardware
Pocket doors are slightly different than traditional hinged doors becuase instead of swinging open, they retract into the wall. Although installing hardware on these doors is not especially difficult, it is more challenging than installing hardware on a hinged door. However with the right tools, it can be done in a matter of minutes.
What You'll Need:
- Tape measure
- Hardware
- Drill
- Jig saw
- Saw horse
- Locate the track on the pocket door and then carefully screw it into the top of the opening in the wall. This will be a rough opening that is approximately twice the width of the door itself. When installing the track make sure it is 1-2 inches away from the edge of the rough frame, as room for a jam will be needed later.
- Place the wheeled hanger units that come with the track into the track before continuing.
- Take the actual door and carefully place it on the sawhorse, you may need assistance wtih doing this. Once the door is on the sawhorse, attach the two hanger plates to the top of the door, starting to install them three inches from each edge of the door. Make sure that the plastic levers on the unit are all on the same side of the door. The plates should come with screws, these need to be completely tightened before proceeding.
- Screw the rubber bumper into the middle of one of the edges of the door. Whichever edge this is will become the trailing edge of the door and will be inserted into the open pocket in the wall.
- Cut a notch on the front side of the door, opposite the trailing edge, to insert the door pull. This can easily be done with a jig saw. To determine the proper side of the notch for the pull, you will need to read the installation instructions, as it varies depending on the pull. Put the pull into the notch and tighten completely.
The hardware for the pocket door is now complete and can be placed inside the door frame, when placing the actual door make sure the tailing end of the door with the bumper goes into the wall first.