How to Repair Old Pocket Doors

Jessica C
by Jessica C
Our old house circa 1910, has a set of beautiful wooden pocket doors. The only problem was that the track was over a hundred years old and was so worn, the doors didn't open and close properly.
We decided to take the risk and remove the doors in an effort to make them useable. This was not an easy task, they sure made things differently back then!
The first step was to remove the doors and trim. Not easily done, these doors are 8' tall and weigh a lot! Then we removed the original track. Isn't it quaint?
The narrow track was replaced with a similar one designed for barn doors. The next step was to attach the new hardware to the doors, then reinstall the doors in the track. Lastly, the holes in the plaster were patched, and the original trim reinstalled.
The only noticeable difference is the new track hardware attaches to the doors with some nuts and bolts at the top edge. More tips and suggestions on the blog.
Jessica C
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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Frequently asked questions
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  1 question
  • Sandy cox Sandy cox on Feb 20, 2016
    My house is probably 1910, also. With the same problem. There are two rooms, 2 pocket doors off the track. Is this a costly project?
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  • Meredith Black Meredith Black on Nov 29, 2015
    These doors & woodwork are just like mine. We leave ours open all the time so never have had a problem with them.
  • Megan Robinson Megan Robinson on Dec 01, 2015
    You could cover the bolts with wooden rosettes - often used in old trim, I think it would fit right in.
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