Pocket Door

Bevie
by Bevie
Can a pocket door be added to an existing wall. There is a regular swing in door in our guest bedroom and it’s getting in the way. There is a long wall where a pocket door could be installed but not sure if this can be done without having to rip out part of the wall.

  7 answers
  • 2dogal 2dogal on Feb 24, 2018

    To install a pocket door, yes, you have to rip out part of the wall in order to install the hardware. How about one of those barn doors instead? They work on the same principle, but the hardware installs on the outside of the wall.

  • Kim Kim on Feb 24, 2018

    To install a pocket door, there needs to be a “pocket” in your wall that is currently full of studs. If you really want a pocket door but don’t have the tools or experience, get a contractor (with license and references) to do it. That will give your guests the most privacy and get the swinging door out of your way.

    😊

  • S. McManus S. McManus on Feb 25, 2018

    You’ll need to take out one side of the wall, reframe it for the door, hang the door hardware, and put the wall back in. It is not an easy project unless you’re very good at carpentry.

    • Bevie Bevie on Feb 25, 2018

      Thanks for the advice. Didn’t realize it was such a big job.

  • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Feb 25, 2018

    Most likely your home is 2 x 4 construction. To put in a proper pocket door you need to frame a 2 x 6 wall. You need to find out if it's a load bearing wall, if it is there will be a little extra work that will need to be done. In the wall, there can be no electric or plumbing where the door will be. It can be done but you will be tearing out and rebuilding the wall.

    • See 1 previous
    • Shore grandmom Shore grandmom on Feb 25, 2018

      A barn door would be much easier. Keep in mind that it will take up a little bit of room in your hallway. Check the width of your hall. You need to keep it wide enough to get furniture in and out. Also, make sure there are no switches or outlets the will be in the way when it slides down the hall. Good luck with your project.

  • Mogie Mogie on Feb 25, 2018

    We have a lot of electrical wires etc. running thru the wall I wanted to put a pocket door on making the idea impractical.

  • 27524803 27524803 on Feb 25, 2018

    Most of the large home improvement stores carry pocket door kits... but they will require some alteration to your walls.... you might consider installing a sliding barn door instead.. the hardware mounts to the wall above the doorway and the wheels will mount to almost any style of door.

    Note: there are two types of barn door hardware the "C" channel type and the "rail" type... either one will work... it is all a batter of style choice. The rail type of hardware can be found online for as little as $60... and Tractor Supply is one source for the C channel type.... Google search: sliding barn doors to see different styles... and Pinterest.com will have lots of ideas for you too.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Dec 23, 2021

    We had 2 pocket doors installed on the advice of the contractor and are glad we did, he did have to remove 1 side of the walls to do this. The areas would not look right with barn doors.