How To Install A Pocket Door

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Shannon from www.house-impr... shows you how to install a pocket door.
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Video © 2016 SKS Media. Videos produced by SKS Media (House-Improvements.com) are provided for informational purposes only. The information contained in the videos is intended to give general guidance to simplify DIY (do it yourself) projects. Because tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, building codes and local regulations are constantly changing, SKS Media cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained therein. Further, SKS Media will not accept any claim for liability related to, but not limited to, omissions, errors, injury, damage or the outcome of any project. It is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. The viewer must always take proper safety precautions and exercise caution when taking on any project. If there are any questions or doubt in regards to the element of a project, please consult with a licensed professional. SKS Media conducts all matters in accordance with the laws of Saskatchewan, Canada.

[@douglaspatterson1082]

I love the fact you showed that you installed your top rail backwards instead of editing it out. You showed how real you are and the fact that Shit happens during construction.

[@jeffalley4417]

Just watched this, looked up at my pocket door (new construction)... I said, "shit, I did It wrong!" Hahaha I love this guy. Hes helped so much building my own house. Glad he took the time to do everything

[@jameszhang1109]

@@jeffalley4417Did nothing but laughed and subscribed.

[@jameslund221]

I was also saying too myself oh sh!#, I installed my track backwards. lol

[@TommyB427]

Finally!! You showed how to physically raise the door and hang onto those little pins. No other video that I have found showed it like you did. Thank a lot.

[@marcuscicero7345]

I am a 63 yr. old carpenter who has never installed a pocket door. Hung a lot of doors, but never a pocket door. with the background of viewing this fine video, I would have no problem with this procedure. Nice fit Shannon!

[@danielcarter3609]

-

[@lemsy]

I'm just about to install my first pocket door, and so I've been working through a playlist of 15 pocket door installations. This was by far the best. Others skipped over what I needed to know, did not adjust the camera to show the details, made bad assumptions about my situation, or just time-lapsed through the installation. I feel more confident after watching your video. Thank you, Shannon.

[@daryoushkaviani8639]

Hi, I just wanna to say thank you your video was helpful for me to install my pocket door to give you a thumbs up thanks

[@kaedeanhammond9658]

I have 7 pocket doors in my home installed in 1999. I have never been satisfied with how they rock back and forth in the pocket and thought the installers left something out in the pocket on the floor to hold them stable. I watched all the way to the end and see there are simply 2 little plastic pieces to attach to the frame to hold it in place as it glides! Hope I can find some. None of them have hardware as they are on closet doors but now know how to install if I want those added. Thanks SO much for taking the time to film and post on youtube for a gal trying to learn.

[@HouseImprovements]

Most hardware store will have replacement parts for these.

[@shawnferrie6990]

Thank you for the clear instructions on how to install a pocket door. I am attempting my first lol I really appreciate the step by step and the details such as, the offset on the door latch. !

[@rchandos]

This, like others, is a great idea! I really appreciate the step-by-step approach, showing every detail, and the realistic nature of the video, showing all of the pitfalls and mistakes that we know we are always going to encounter. Much better than some of the more brief slicker videos that are on the web these days. thank you very much!

[@HouseImprovements]

we try to keep it real

[@tmmyjay]

Good stuff. Been a licensed contractor since 1992 and have only removed pocket doors. This cleared up a few Q's.

[@Z22ZINFS]

As usual, you make the best DIY videos. I've used your videos before and shared them with my son-in-law when he was doing initial construction on his home back in 2017. Now I'm finally getting around to completing a bathroom in my basement. I don't want to waste space with a swinging door in a room rarely use. Thanks much!

[@Z22ZINFS]

I love your error. Thanks! Although it is not a Biblical proverb in the book of Proverbs, it's still true; "A wise man learns from others mistakes". God bless you and keep up the good work. I'm installing my pocket door this week.

[@imout671]

Thank you! Customer hired me to frame her bathroom remodel with a napkin drawing and someone else demoed it and they gave me all the old pocket door parts to reinstall with zero instructions. I had no idea how that thing went back together. You helped me a lot

[@SmileCentral]

Excellent, we are installing one soon, and this really helped! I liked seeing the "anatomy" of a pocket door at the end, and appreciate the clever planning ahead for all the steps. 👏👏👏

[@davidcalitri1025]

Fabulous detail and instructions. For the record we installed our header backwards the first time too! Lol. So glad you showed that. Ty

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks for watching!

[@navjitkaur8193]

perfect Shannon... i was zero at the beginning.. confused when opened pocket door package. couldn't understand (rather confused) to see hardware attached. now after watching your video, i feel much confident & i can do it ...great thanks for wonderful guidance dear....

[@lawdog516]

I love your videos because your not afraid to admit you made a mistake, God only knows we all make a million mistakes when building, thank you for all your informative videos

[@HouseImprovements]

Yep we try to "keep it real"

[@GhostKind101]

+HouseImprovements lol

[@mariaconstandinou8515]

I love your videos and how you show step by step how you do things. I was calling out "You've got it the wrong waaaay! Don't put more nails in!!!" Love how you don't edit that out. Showing us the entire process is so important.

[@johnmunoz8845]

I so appreciate your video. I'm getting ready to install a pocket door and I feel so relieved I found your video. This was a blessing. I was very impressed with the details and professional advice. Thank you for your great info.

[@williamstubbs9737]

very helpful, and you did a nice job of mortising that plate. I also like how you don't try to cover up mistakes. , which means you're an honest and humble man of character. well done!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thank you very much!

[@gobleworldwide6891]

You ll make an excellent teatcher you r clear and calm is refreshing to watch your videos .

[@HouseImprovements]

thanks

[@gobleworldwide6891]

I mean teacher .

[@nrcontractor1]

Thanks for this video. I had To install a pocket door today for a customer and the instructions sucked. It was very similar to the one you had. You helped make it very easy to do. Thanks

[@bobvilla2508]

Mans got strong hands to be able to start a sawzall into metal with one hand and zero slipping.

[@bhogg92]

Thank you so much for posting all of these videos. We had a flood in our house several months ago that ruined our floors so my wife and I decided to gut everything downstairs and start over. We removed all of our non load-bearing walls (which was pretty much all of them) and insurance is only covering the initial loss of floors and Sheetrock 4' up. We've done all the demo and rebuilding ourselves to this point to save money. I've used your videos to build all of my stud walls around the perimeter of our house and to install three pocket doors. Our house is unique, it was built in the mid 1940's, its a block and slab structure, with metal rafters spanning from one side to the other to bear the load of the roof. It has been a challenge to remodel and without your videos it would've been even worse. The last thing I have to figure out is how to attach 2x4s to the metal rafters so I can hang Sheetrock for the ceiling. Wish you were in SC, I'd love to get your input on how to do it.

[@tomvoell]

Nice job! After checking out a number of other videos, this was the first one that was actually useful! Thank you.

[@kathleeneichler8906]

Thank you, my husband is going to be installing 2 pocket doors in our home, we had a professional do the first two and it's painfully obvious he had never done this type of door install before, I will be sharing your video with him... and perhaps we will have more success. ~sigh~, we've learned that just because someone SAYS they know how... it's not always true. *U* Kathleen

[@HouseImprovements]

You can do it!

[@kathleeneichler8906]

@@HouseImprovements Shared this video with my lover and he thought it was the best instruction video he had seen, and he's been watching LOTS of them. THANK YOU... excited to see these doors installed. *U* Kathleen

[@tpalshadow]

This is the best channel on the interwebs for do-it-yourselfers. Thank you Shannon!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thank you sir, please spread the word!

[@OverlordZim]

Best instruction video on KZbin. All of the other videos spend so much time describing the obvious steps but completely brush over the important items...such as the best way to level the track in relation to the floor and so forth.

[@russbuilders3103]

The pocket door frame is a Johnson Hardware 1500 series that can be bought at the you-know-where big box hardware store. By the way, great video Shannon!

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks

[@ladykenja2700]

- As usual, your clear, concise instructions & demo makes this project seem "do-able." Truly appreciate your attention to detail & being able to convey the necessary info in a meaningful way which defines a true & dedicated teacher. Thanx.

[@ty84848]

Hi Shannon, you guys saved me again. I am about to install 2 pocket doors in my basement and I have found your video incredibly informative as usual. I will let you know how it goes... On another video a tip was to paint the aluminum track with flat black spray paint prior to installation so that it is more hidden when you look up into the door frame after installation. I thought this was a good idea. Thanks for all the info and the great demonstration.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks , good idea.

[@crackertracker1176]

Thanks for information on the install. I have plans to install a pocket door in the near future. It's nice to see it done before doing it myself, I think it helps to keep from having problems.

[@HouseImprovements]

You're welcome, Jay.

[@robertedwards8686]

Best complete pocket door installation I’ve seen to date. Thanks you!

[@cosmokeytrancemusic]

I have always wanted to see one of these installed from start to finish. Thank you very much for taking the time to make easy to understand, quality videos.

[@ironmanstan]

Thanks for this video! I searched and found the same pocket door kit and thankfully they updated the trolley to have 4 wheels on each instead of 3. I have found the instructions in the kit to be confusing but your explanation was so much better. Thanks again! You are a true professional!

[@bobbysoutdoorexperience4954]

Best pocket door installation video on KZbin in my opinion.

[@jb121993]

Am building my house right now and considering same type door for my bathroom. This video brings me to a yes on this type door. Very Well Done!

[@sppencer]

how far is your house, jb??

[@anthonycardoza6905]

Your tips where most helpful, I was able to get the door up with do bugs, had my doubts about the latch and trim work, but your video was the key to my success! I will be following you for more tips advice and suggestions of the making of my new home remodeling Thanks again.

[@YOassron]

Cannot get over how great this video is --- i bought the Stanley Pocket Door kit and it has all the parts that you showed. Thanks for detailing how the jambs were placed in and cut, that is where i was struggling so this video covered all of that and more.

[@TheCHRISCaPWN]

Thank you for this. It is exactly what I needed! I've got 2 pocket doors to install this week. I really appreciate the information.

[@oneill6291]

Sick! Thank you! Great video. I'm a carpenter but I haven't done these in so many years I needed a refresher for the house I'm working on, lol.

[@GunsHarleysUSA]

Thumbs Up' Shannon....Very nice job and the video was loaded with information on installing a Pocket Door. Thank you for your time involved in making these helpful videos!!

[@HouseImprovements]

you're welcome

[@robbinhooddprinceofthieves3653]

Thank you brother...your a life saver...

[@williamdunaske4601]

Thank you for a great video. 5 1/2 years later and it’s still helping people like me with their projects.

[@colten1d]

Thanks for the excellant video. I have done pocket doors over 16 years ago. I have 4 to put in now. So this is a nice refresher course on the what and what not to do. Thanks again for the upload.

[@HouseImprovements]

You are welcome!

[@michaelbingham-hawk1906]

One thing I feel is lacking with shows like fixer upper, or property brothers is HOW you do something. Your videos are the answer to that

[@richardhoffmann1858]

I grew up working for my dad in home improvement. I’ve done a few of these. Great job I like some of your tips and techniques also I’m a Milwaukee fan myself.

[@timothystone4918]

Ha ha! I generally don’t need to use KZbin to figure things out, but on this project I did. I was desperate because my directions were poor at best. First mistake was I put the header in backwards also! Your video is great! I was able to fast forward through the no brainer parts and get the information I needed.Thank you

[@willbaxter5272]

Getting ready to install a pocket door for a client and it has literally been 15 years or more since the last one I did, and I've only done 2, maybe 3 ever anyway. I am using a little different (mostly prebuilt wooden framed) style/type but the essential hardware is the same. I appreciate the step by step refresher here. Like I said, its been years, so I thought I would look at a few videos to get my mine wrapped around it. I know it is an older video but very informative. Thanks.

[@ferraridriver2685]

Shannon, That video detailing the installation steps required to properly install a pocket door were terrific. Thanks for making it.

[@tomsolley4360]

For the last half of the video, I was wondering why you didn't adjust the rear bumper to make it flush with the frame. Then at the end, you showed that the back was still open, and that you were planning to place a strip of wood for it to hit....Nice! Extremely helpful, and love the header too!

[@paulferrazzani]

Terrific presentation, showing everything that comes with doing this type of work. I've installed two, with the same system about 13 yrs ago. This was a good refresher for me because, I have a couple more to do, in the upcoming weeks.

[@mickeymentel]

Very informative. I use your site all the time. Just finishing up a total house reno and at times i got stuck on something. Your site always helped out. Thanks Phil

[@HouseImprovements]

Great to hear

[@dennish1919]

You've done it once again. A quality vid for those of us who want to be carpenters. Thanks for investing in us !!

[@HouseImprovements]

LOL, thanks for watching us.

[@superman123441]

I was able to install the same pocket door in the fall 2020. I put the soft close and open. This video, along with many of your other videos was very helpful. Thanks for putting these together.

[@HouseImprovements]

Great to hear!

[@wjstewdog]

Thanks for showing your mistake and not redoing the video it's nice to see even pros make mistakes and work thru them. thanks for the video.

[@jeanr4641]

I think we got the same pocket door set to install. The only reason I had confidence to install was because I saw this video and it was clear and concise. Never installed a pocket door before and happy to report it installed great!!! Thanks so much for this upload

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad I could help!

[@soahcalm]

thanks to you I have perfect vinyl siding installed on the side of my kitchen and now that i'm getting ready to do a pocket door... I will simply watch your video a few more times and i think it will go well.... super informative, patient and perfectly explained.. I do keep joking about how that super canadian electrical current must be what makes those power tools glide so perfectly thru the wood when my own saws just about burn thru it before they cut.... :-) very very glad i found your page.. thanks so much..I recommend you to everyone i can..

[@jeffreyvictor3678]

Just finished putting in my Johnson pocket door. I had to make similar cuts as I too have a 2-4 door for my master bath. This video gave me the confidence to do the job right the first time. I'm glad you even left the mistake in where you installed the "pocket" on the wrong side of the threshold. Lesson learned! I only wish you went into detail a little more on the included hardware, as my kit was short of screws and wasn't sure which screws to use where. Also, there is no need to drill a hole through the metal backing on the included studs. Just flip them over and there are two pre-formed holes for attaching to the rail system. Great video!

[@bamaboy1212]

Yep, I've made mistakes too. You hung your studs upside down.But other videos aren't as detailed as yours and you showed me what I needed to know,thanks.

[@keithhalls8177]

Excellent video we have so much in common regards carpentry in the UK with carpentry in the USA thankyou retired carpenter in the UK

[@HouseImprovements]

I'm actually in Canada

[@tomtomczyk6052]

Very helpful, good details and tips, glad i'm not the only guy who turns things backwards from time to time! keep them coming.

[@HouseImprovements]

thanks. If you do not make the odd mistake you are not learning ! LOL

[@beav420]

Wonderful video. One of the best DYI videos I've ever watched. Now I'm ready to get to work!

[@evanwjenkins]

Thank you for taking your time with this tutorial. I've seen about 15 other videos, and will be saving this for when I'm installing my pocket.

[@shaungrinsted9419]

Great video and love the fact you made a mistake just like we all do but didn’t edit it out

[@TeachandTugTravels]

I’ve done a lot of work on our rentals. I have built garages, remodeled house is completely, but I’ve never install the pocket door but that’s on my list for this week. Thank you so much for the video you took your time and explain a couple things I was having trouble with in my head. So thanks again look forward to checking out your other videos.

[@jgl2117]

Man, your video instruction is the best. I moved to West Africa from Chicago. I decided to build my house and wanted to install a pocket door on the master bathroom. So I watched a dozen of videos but yours is simple, clear, and the best. Now I can educate the carpenters here to produce and install my pocket door. Most carpenters here have no idea about making and installing Pocket Doors. Is it ok to use 2x4 metal studs that the door slides between and then add a 2x4 wood inside the studs to make them stronger and provide more meat to screw the drywalls on to? Those tiny metal studs that came with the track look flimsy to me. What do you advise? I have followed your channel since 2019. How to hang a door and How to frame a wall were the first 2 videos I watched on your channel and they are still among the best videos for learning and DIY projects. Thanks for doing these excellent videos.

[@HouseImprovements]

You can do that if you like. Thanks for watching

[@AulanderSkinner]

Great video!!! I like how you kept your mistakes in there as well. I will be installing one soon and appreciate seeing all the things that could happen. Awesome job!

[@BruceHAnderson]

The hole for the latch needed to be in the center of plate, not the center of the opening. I will be installing two pocket doors in existing walls soon, and this was very helpul.

[@nharua2881]

Very nice as usual Shannon! I always enjoy your various videos on home improvements. When I search on KZbin and see your vids, I know I can stop looking for an informative, direct and detailed video. You are an asset to your profession. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@deborahalcock5706]

Excellent video. You make it look so easy. Now I have a better understanding of what my contractor will have to tear apart to accomplish this feat. Looking forward to the demolition. LOL

[@jeffhowat4619]

Love you honesty and integrity of work ethic. Great videos. Thank you.

[@HouseImprovements]

You're welcome.

[@tcbridges]

This is a really super Video on the pocket door install. You really take the time to instruct on the project. Please keep up the great videos. Thank You

[@harveyotoole2029]

I found the instructions that came with my kit were hard to follow. Your video was very clear and made my install very easy. Great video.

[@HouseImprovements]

Glad it helped!

[@shanemann9531]

Your pocket door video was awesome never change you're the best

[@HouseImprovements]

Wow, thanks!

[@damonthompson1886]

Hey Shannon awesome job! I did like the way you came behind yourself on installing the tracking backwards, that was perfect. Its videos like these that show the common mistakes we can make on projects and how you kept your poise and professionalism...*****...this will be my first pocket door and I'll admit, I was a little apprehensive, but after the video, I'm ready...God bless,]!

[@tvted6880]

Shannon, awesome video. I am renovating my bathroom and adding a wall with a pocket door. This video is exactly what I need to guide me. Thanks!

[@frankb.3556]

Best pocket door video on the internet!

[@ruffxm]

The first thing I thought as you were nailing the jamb was I hope he throws on glasses in case the nail misses the hole and hits metal. Nice job mentioning it. And good video overall - I like that you showed the use of a lockable latch since it was a bathroom - I will be doing the same thing and wondered about a locking mechanism. Other videos skipped over that. Thanks.

[@duaneradecke4651]

Nice video. I have 3 doors with the metal frames installed that I need to finish trimming out. Your video will go a long way in helping me accomplish that task. Well done and Thanks.

[@MrLadiesfirst]

Well done, I'm glad you showed the raw footage (mistakes and corrections) I'm prepping my wall for a Pocket Door, just as soon as I remove my 1925 Asbestos Flue I found hidden inside the wall.

[@tastetest3514]

I was so happy to find this video. Love your videos, I've been watching/using the information for years. You've always made me feel like I can do this. You are so down to earth. Put my fears at ease...I Put my own window in thanks to you. And a sliding back patio door. So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thank you so much. Please subscribe to my channel if you have not already!

[@Maxid1]

That's a solid core door, I don't think I've ever messed with other than hollow core doors. I've never installed one, but I've removed and refinished existing ones.

[@tonyhall338]

Your videos are the most helpful and informative on KZbin, period. Thanks for sharing.

[@HouseImprovements]

Thanks Tony

[@roadninja6168]

You cut hours of frustration out of my project. Thanks!!!

[@jakealderman2169]

Another thorough video. Always a pleasure to watch your videos Shannon. You make it look effortless!

[@HouseImprovements]

Ahh, thank you

[@ytska6219]

This will be a great help on my 36” laundry pocket door. THANKS 👍

[@johnbrowniv]

Great channel. Appreciate the overviews and hands-on demo!

[@rickdelve]

Thanks Shannon. You do great work. Whenever I have a project, your site is my first stop for information on what I need to do and prepare. Cheers...

[@HouseImprovements]

That's great, you're welcome.

[@odessanelson569]

Thanks. This was very informative. I was about to use a swing door on my bathroom but after seeing this project, definately pocket door for me.

[@sergekanev3514]

Very clear and detailed instructions! Thanks for posting this!

[@andrewspearns]

Great video, would like to point out that the steel studs have an up and down orientation. The top had two holes in the steel for attaching to the rail header. You drilled a hole and installed them upside down.

[@HouseImprovements]

OOPs!

[@ericschliebe7041]

Hey Shannon just want to say thank you for the videos. I'm in the trades myself and am early on in it and the videos have helped me take on new jobs with confidence. Appreciate it!

[@HouseImprovements]

Your welcome , good luck in your career

[@Chrispy9393]

Honestly this is a really nice video. I was very intimidated by installing a pocket door. My wife & I are going to use one in a wall I'm putting up to divide a giant bedroom. Framing a wall is real simple but the pocket door just looks scary. I'll be doing this in the next week or so. Thanks!

[@Richarde67]

Great. One of the best demonstration videos I have watched. I especially liked the video showing the correction adjustments. Real-life. Thank you.

[@kriscatoe7773]

I’m in the middle of using this exact system. I had a 2 questions that were perfectly answered in the video. Thank you for the step-by-step! Liked and subscribed!

[@intruder341]

Nicely done. I wouldn't be afraid to try it after seeing you do it.You made it look easy my friend!

[@HouseImprovements]

Great, thanks!

[@Le_Comte_de_Monte_Felin]

Always enjoy your videos - pick up a tip (or three) from each one. Timely post as I have a salvaged pocket door I saved from a remodel job - no instructions, naturally & while I could 'figure it out' it's always good to see someone with common sense go through things in a logical, easy to follow manner. And folks should learn something else from this video: If you install something backwards or incorrectly the first time... so what?! LEARN from it! (Sometimes the mistakes cost money but most of the time - you can fix it.)

[@HouseImprovements]

Awesome, this is a video we've been wanting to do for a long time.

[@mirooovuujjj7918]

Always enjoy your videos

[@egoldthorp1]

This was the best video I found with the most detail, though there was a couple of mistakes it put a smile on my face nonetheless. Now I feel very comfortable installing a pocket door. Great job. Hopefully I don’t install backwards......lol!

[@davidbrewer7937]

I rebuilt our home a couple of years back following a fire which gutted it. We installed a couple of these doors but I have a tip for anyone who wants one: Use a solid wood door with some weight to it. Don't select a hollow panel door because the light weight of the hollow door is really off putting when you use it. Apart from that they are a really great way to get the maximum use of small rooms like an on suite bathroom.

[@brianbridgeo147]

you are quite the instructor- an excellent video - we are just in the process of redoing our bathroom and this helps me immensely- thanks -

[@kenwalker7550]

Great video Shannon.. probably the best pocket door step by step out there. aaaaand cut 😆👍🏻

[@HouseImprovements]

Thank you!! 😁

[@jaiminpatel8186]

I watched your video ..... found very informative for my pocket door project I am gone about to do it. Thanks Shannon