Remove molding from around existing pocket door.
Changing a pocket door to a regular door.
In some older homes a sliding pocket door was used to create privacy and separate a living room from a parlor or dining room.
Step 2 move door to the fully closed position and remove it from the upper track by pushing the bottom of the door out then lifting up until the rollers detach from the metal track at the top.
A pocket door slides into a metal and wood cage that is installed as the walls are framed.
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.
Cut the existing door out of frame.
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.
This means taking down the old swinging door removing the jamb and disassembling the wall framing.
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.
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.
Remove strike side jamb cut out steel track above.
To hang a pocket door you need a rough opening that is twice as wide as the door itself.
Before we get into pocket door installation it s important to understand the function and design of this door type.
Slide the door fully into the pocket opening and remove the wood casing and door stop on both sides and top of the jamb.
The family handyman expert rick muscoplat will show you how remove a pocket door and install a new one.