In this economy, you’ve got to love your home. But sure, there are a few things you’d like to change, right? That bathroom door of yours that rams into your towel rack every time you open it? Or that living room door that just seems to take up way too much space? Could you blame yourself for wanting a few upgrades here and there?
Times have changed, and you no longer have to live with the same problems for two decades until you finally decide you’ve had enough. Pocket doors can solve these annoying problems and look great while they’re at it! They slide neatly into the wall and give you back space and freedom! But we get it, installing a pocket door can sound overwhelming. You’re not a contractor, and you couldn’t put a door handle to save your life.
But you can, and here’s how (if you mess up, you always have the option of professional door installation in Providence.
What Is a Pocket Door?
A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears into a hollowed-out space inside your wall when opened. No door swing. No obstacle.
It’s perfect for:
- Bathrooms where space is tight
- Hallways with zero clearance
- Closets that constantly get blocked
- Laundry areas where nothing fits
- Any room where every inch matters
Why You Want One:
- Saves 8–10 square feet of usable space
- Gives you a clean look
- Reduces clutter
- Solves layout headaches without remodeling your entire home
But First, Is Your Wall Ready for a Pocket Door?
You’re excited to get to installing a pocket door, but you need to ask yourself a very important question: Is the wall load-bearing? If it is, installing a pocket door can still be done, but you’ll need professional support.
Do you have plumbing or electrical work going on inside the wall? Use a stud finder or call someone who knows how to trace what’s hiding in there. And lastly, do you have the width to work with? A 30-inch door needs at least 60 inches of clear wall space, 30 for the opening, 30 for the door pocket.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
You’ll find a lot of guides online telling you to hoard all sorts of tools to get the job done right. We’re here to tell you only what you really need:
Tools:
- Stud finder
- Measuring tape
- Drywall saw
- Drill & screws
- Level
- Utility knife
- Hammer
- Safety glasses
Materials:
- Pocket door frame kit
- Pocket door slab
- Recessed handle
- Extra 2x4s
- New drywall
You can find almost all these things either at your local hardware store, Home Depot, or lying around your dad’s shed.
Step-by-Step Guide on Installing a Pocket Door
1. Measure EVERYTHING
Take your time here. Measure the width and height of your existing door, your available wall space, and confirm that your new door will have room to hide.
Mark where the pocket will go with painter’s tape; it’ll help you visualize before you commit.
2. Remove the Drywall
Use your utility knife and drywall to carefully cut open the area where the pocket frame will go. Take this time to also remove any existing studs, insulation, and old nails. Since this is the messiest part, you’ll want to have a vacuum ready.
3. Install the Pocket Frame
In this step, you’ll install:
- The top rail
- The steel supports
- The rough opening for your door
Make sure everything is level since even a small tilt can make your door drag or not close fully.
4. Hang Up the Door
Once the frame is in place, you’ll need to attach the rollers and hang your door on the track. Slide it in and out several times to make sure it’s smooth and aligned. You might be eager to reinstall the drywall as soon as you’ve done this, but don’t! Test it first.
5. Patch Up the Wall
Reinstall the drywall over the pocket frame, tape, mud, and sand until it’s ready for paint. Take your time here. The smoother the wall, the cleaner the finish.
6. Add the Hardware
Install a flush pull handle so the door can slide into the wall without catching. If you need privacy, for example, in the bathroom or bedroom, you can always add a pocket-door privacy latch kit.
Also Read: How to Repair a Cracked or Damaged Door Frame
To DIY or Not — That is the Question
We’ll give it to you straight.
You can install a pocket door yourself. But if…
- Your walls are old and full of surprises
- You’re not sure what’s behind the drywall
- You don’t want to spend your weekend covered in dust
…then it might be faster to let professionals handle it.
And by professionals, we mean none other than Providence Door Company. For door installation in Providence, repairs, and any other help you might need, we’re your go-to partners.
Pocket doors are a great home upgrade, and once you install one, you’ll start imagining every room with one! Get in touch with us today to get you hooked!
