How To Install Pocket French Doors

Whether you are installing interior or exterior doors be sure to plan for space around the door swing.

How to install pocket french doors.

Measure cut and install trim around the door starting with the top header trim piece and then the side jambs. Whether it s an interior or exterior door plays a part too. Hang doors and install door hardware according to manufacturer s instruction. Install the track according to the thickness of the header.

Then cut the exposed studs to make room for the new framing. For the casing trim outside use finish nails just long enough to bite into the 2 x 4s longer nails might extend too far into the door chamber and scratch the door during opening and closing. Finish the joints with drywall tape and several coats of drywall compound. Be sure to screw the brackets into the studs.

Remove the door and then install drywall over the door pocket using construction adhesive and 1 inch drywall screws. Once the frame is in place it s time for the pocket door installation. Take the width of the door and layout a radius around the pivot point on both sides of the jamb to see how much space you ll need to allow. Make adjustments if necessary to make sure doors open and close properly.

For doors inch thick install the track flush with the header. Once everything fits and is plumb secure frame permanently with screws. Fiberglass doors are a great alternative to traditional wooden doors they are easy to maintain and offer superb durability insulation and versatility in appearance and style. Test fit the new doors before securing frame permanently.

Unlike pocket doors and sliding doors french doors command more space for operation. Next install the slider track using the rails that came in your pocket door kit. Installation costs do not differ by material. A popular choice for exterior doors steel provides superior security and weather resistance without proper care these doors may rust over time.

These are heavier than hollow core wood doors so they will be a little more expensive to secure and install. Then put the hardware and door into the slider track. Reinstall the door and then install the door guides on the inside and outside of the door at the mouth of the pocket. To install a pocket door start by removing the existing door and the drywall on one side of the wall.

If needed use a hand saw to cut the track that came with your pocket door hardware so that it s 1 8 inch shorter than the opening.