How To Remove And Replace An Existing Pocket Door

Step by step detailed instructions on removing and replacing an already installed sliding pocket door with a brand new slab door. Quick and easy without opening or damaging any walls.
Tips:
-Once the old door is out check for nails or screws so you don't scratch the new door.
-Clean the old track and rollers before installing the new door.
- Re use the old guide at the bottom on the new door.

[@charlotteprescott-ruland9121]

Thank you! I’m about tired of my husband claiming the whole wall (sheetrock) has to be replaced. I knew there had to be a way. I’ll do it myself! Thanks again!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

No problem hope it helps and it works out for you!

[@Jaycren86]

You just Saved a Marriage.

[@28FlyingDutchman]

Mine says the exact same thing! We've had a busted pocket door for over six years because he won't fix it. Anytime I set out to try to fix it myself, he gives me a thousand reasons why we can't and tells me to leave it alone. I must add he is also severely autistic and can't handle anyone else fixing things that he should be fixing himself. Much appreciation to Tools that Build for showing me how to fix it, and it is a relatively simple fix.

[@punkybush]

Same. I just sent the video to my husband. I figured he was wrong. 😂

[@deseriedonae8639]

Thank you! This is just what I was looking for. Clear, simple and concise, I appreciate your style.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you I hope it helps!

[@Jaycren86]

Yes well said.

[@MrGrenfert]

Wonderful video!!!!! I was able to remove our door in under 10 minutes, just in time for our flooring installer to get back to work. Thank you!!!!!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Glad it helped!

[@311DaveR]

Great video, and appreciate the fast pace!! Awesome. Huge THANKS!

[@bwuh]

Simple. Concise. To the point. Great video.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you

[@johnnyt8182]

Nicely done. Exactly what I needed to see. Now to go and do it!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hope it helps! Good luck!

[@ricrdop01]

Thank you much for this vid. Saved me from cut a big hole in my wall and replace sheerock and repaint great part of wall..

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you, glad I could help.

[@lilmissrosco]

Same!!!

[@jaguiar4567]

Great video. straight to the point. simple instruction. thank you

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thanks hope it helps

[@mylesadams1662]

thank you! only video i could find that explained how to get the door out and back in. most other videos skipped that vital step LOL

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you hope it helps!

[@mylesadams1662]

@@ToolsThatBuild yes it did! have a door on my bedroom again. :)

[@patiberg-myfaeriedoor5573]

Great vid! Easy, clear instructions! Thank you!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you hope it helps!

[@dr.earlfitz-patrick803]

Thank you, Sir. This instructional video was easy to follow and understand.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hope it helps

[@stevekucharek7299]

Thank you for this awesome and easy to understand video. Much less intimidating now!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Appreciate it, good luck!

[@dennisharper7102]

Thank you! Short and sweet and to the point!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hope it helps

[@edwinjackson9339]

Good video. Saved my marriage 😁

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you glad it could help!

[@Heart_Of_Artsy]

thank you! my dad kept saying we needed to remove the entire wall

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hope it helps!

[@nealhere]

Still Great timeless information. Question... If you did not need to remove the "casing". were you just updating? Thanks for a great video. Hope you have a great new year. All the best neal sw fla

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey thank you, the trim on the side the door swings toward or through will usually need to be removed to access the inner trim which also needs to be removed so the door can tilt enough to come off the track. (The molding covers the inner trim usually) The other side of the doors trim can be left on I just removed this ones for updating.

[@georgesg99]

Thank you, I was told I could not replace mine. Going to attempt it. Thanks for sharing.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Glad it could help. It’s really surprisingly easy to do. Just make sure your new door matches the old doors dimensions.

[@georgesg99]

@@ToolsThatBuild thank you so much for the response! Very nice of you! I will let you know how it went.

[@andoniades]

@@georgesg99 how'd it go?

[@georgesg99]

@@andoniades went well. We were able to replace it. It took patience but got it done…

[@Quast70]

Perfect how to. Thanks!

[@jgoddess63]

Thank you. Very clear and concise.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hope it helps!

[@sarahva]

I have the same exact ugly door to replace!! Thanks!

[@laurenashleysexton]

Our current pocket doors don’t work properly, it’s an older house that we had bought and we think the track needs to be replaced. My husband has replaced the wheels on them several times. Is there anyway we can replace the track without ripping out the wall?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Yes it’s just a pain to do. The track is just screwed up into a header in the door frame. The screws at the back of the pocket that are hard to get need to be removed on an angle using really large bit extensions and a drill/impact. Once the door is removed unscrew the track and replace in the same way. I’m also assuming you have tried cleaning the existing track? Dust and debris is often the cause.

[@jatinderdosanjh8596]

Thanks a lot for knowledgeable video. Very helpful

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hope it helps thanks

[@williamarias444]

Excelente, thanks for the video. It was very helpful

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Glad it could help!

[@ramin4freedom]

Great video thanks! Can we change the track without opening the wall?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

You can but it’s quite difficult, the track is screwed up into a solid blocking at the top. (Assuming you have the same style of pocket door) so you need a really long bit and a lot of patience to get to the screws in the pocket

[@gatorr4life]

How do I figure out if it’s the wheels or the track that is the problem? When I retract the door back into its cavity, about 3/4 of the way in, it starts to get exponentially more difficult to push. What’s, in your opinion, the most common cause of that? Do the wheels generally give in over time? This door is at least 30 years old, probably longer. Came with the house most likely. I got three of them and I’m trying to upgrade everything that needs it. I hope I don’t have to cut a big hole in the wall to get to the back part of the track. Im going to do exactly what you did. Take all the trim off and pull the door- inspect it for wear and tear. Thx for the wonderful video. Great job.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

hey I would replace the truck and rollers if possible once the door is off you can usually use a really long bit and unscrew the track and replace it out the empty door opening. It sounds most likely like a dirty track or an obstruction on the track if it is rolling fine the first 3/4.I would start by removing the door replacing the rollers and cleaning the track. if that fails then remove the door again and replace the track.

[@gatorr4life]

@@ToolsThatBuild Will do! Thank you, good sir.

[@experthandymenservicesofna7224]

Are all pocket doors a standard 36'? Measured my opening and it read about 35 3/4.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

They are not all standard but it should be wider than the opening. That’s why you have to remove the trim on one side. The trim keeps the door from swinging out on its own. Once the trim is off your opening should be slightly larger than 36” and it will swing up.

[@experthandymenservicesofna7224]

@@ToolsThatBuild 👍!

[@mikejenks4075]

Looks good. Great vid thanks sir.

[@Bb-k4gd]

Looks like a handyman will be needed for this one ☝️ my door is not even standard size.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Handyman is not a bad idea if your unsure. That being said none are standard size. The width can be matched at the store where you buy your slab door and then the bottom will most likely need to be trimmed. It can be done at home or some stores offer it as a service.

[@Bb-k4gd]

@@ToolsThatBuild Oh ok thank you!! Maybe take the old door as sample 👍🏻 , was thinking on sanding and painting and replacing trim but door, trim n frame have several coats of paint, not sure what’s more practical … (Most everything else it’s updated).

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@Bb-k4gd ya depending on where your going taking the door is a good idea. You can comment the measurements here and I can let you know how far off you are. Trim is the cheapest part to replace and the easiest. If you’re replacing it you don’t have to be as careful removing it. My advice would be to remove it and if it comes out nice paint away but if it breaks from being so old and painted then you know to replace it.

[@Bb-k4gd]

@@ToolsThatBuild Thank you so much!

[@user-si2oc8kr4o]

How do you replace the pocket door if it is wider than the door opening? In other words, the door does not fully slide out from the wall space. The door is 30” wide, but the door space is only 27.5” wide. Thanks.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Generally speaking that shouldn’t be the case if it’s a 30” wide door, remove the trim as shown in the video and the 27.5” opening will also be 30”. Usually the frame inside the wall that the door goes in and the door jamb come as a set.

[@aalhaj2321]

Thank you! Can I close off the opening with a door jamb to just have a doorless frame?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Of course you can just remove the jamb and add your desired new door jamb and the hole will be hidden. A pocket door is never in any load bearing situation so the framing is fine to just cover up esthetically.

[@aalhaj2321]

@@ToolsThatBuild Thank you!

[@captain.america]

Useful video. Thank you

[@SabuWorshipChannel]

Thanks that was very helpful

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Your welcome!

[@AtHomeDIY]

So you can do this with any door you get at home depot? Just has to be the same height/width as the original door, correct?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Correct this is just a regular slab door from a hardware store. I had to trim a half inch off the bottom but your dimensions will be different so just make sure to double check them.

[@ischristopher]

Can you install that type of hardware on a hollow door? I have to cut the notch out of the door, but I’m worried it will ruin the door because it has to be cut deep than the outer frame. Any advice you have would be great!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

The door in the video is a hollow frame door. I wouldn’t use hardware deeper than the outer frame. If your set on that hardware then go solid core and deal with the extra weight or choose a shallow hardware like the one in the video so it doesn’t need to be cut as deep. Most hollow core doors have what’s called a lock block at the center of the side frames. Its extra depth where you would put the latch to keep it sturdy. Most latches will not be deeper than the frame and the lock block so double check. Hopefully that helps.

[@user-cu3uc1er7n]

What if the old door will not close completely, so it cannot be lift out by pulling out the bottom of the door?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

My advice would be to cut the door so you can get it out and replace the rollers so the new one will slide in. That being said see if you can identify why the old door isn’t rolling if it’s the track or an issue with the wall then you need to correct that first or the new one won’t go either.

[@tmb9126]

I took my like back. I have a different type of pocket door and removed all that trim for nothing. All I had to do was adjust the clasps that hook at the top of the door to the track.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Haha you can keep your like. There is definitely different styles of pocket doors. I would assume you would check the track at the top to make sure it was the same before removing the trim. This video is for full door removal not adjustments sorry if it didn’t help you out.

[@jbbailey1806]

😂 taking a like back 😅

[@deaneng8540]

Done a good amount of doors but never done a pocket door before and your video was well done! Try to estimate the time to do it for a client. How long did it take you to do it but excluding the casings (done a lot of that)?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Thank you. This door not including painting the door, it usually takes 1-2 hours to do. Depending on how ready the replacement door is and what tools you own to add the latch as well as trim the door height. Just removing the door and reinstalling takes 20-30 minutes, especially if your being careful for reusing any trim. Also could be a little longer if it’s your first time.

[@deaneng8540]

@@ToolsThatBuild Thank you for the reply!

[@Jaycren86]

How long did this take. Just purchased some doors at a Demolition Sale.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Not including painting the door and modifying it to fit, the actual swap will probably take about an hour including replacing the trim

[@TheAstralNomad]

Bam! Thank you sir.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Your welcome!

[@jonsparkbbcc]

I was told by a contractor that the weight of regular doors tends to be concentrated on the sides where the hinges are, and that pocket door weight distribution is concentrated on the top where it hangs. Did you buy a particular pocket door withs uch weight distribution, or did you just buy a regular door? I'm trying to get my pocket doors done but I don't want to buy the wrong door!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey, your contractor is incorrect it’s either a hollow core or solid core door. There is no special door for pocket doors, in fact a lot of pocket door kits don’t include the door so you can buy a slab door of your design choice separately. All doors are reinforced on all 4 sides and will work with either hinges or top rollers. You can just buy a regular slab door from any hardware store, just make sure it’s the same dimensions as your current pocket door. The height may need to be trimmed slightly by cutting the bottom.

[@richardmang2558]

mine has a double sided track and each roller has 4 wheels (looks like an old roller skate), two rolling in each track. So, my door cannot swing out.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Ya that’s a different method all together. Slid up makes similar ones. Luckily those are usually very easy to remove. There is usually a bolt between the door and roller that can just be loosened to remove the door

[@StrongLikeBullTV]

Well done.

[@footballfan484]

Thank you

[@minhopark]

May I ask what was the new pocket door? Can I buy it at Homedepot?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Any style of slab door (hollow or solid core) will work. Yes you can purchase at Home Depot or any other big box store. This style is Cheyenne but they should have lots to choose from. Just check your dimensions as they come in different widths.

[@nelsonchan6419]

Excelente Gracias

[@l.bolton9432]

Where did you get the new slab door from? I like the style of it.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hardware store Rona I believe but anywhere that sells doors. The style is called Cheyenne.

[@l.bolton9432]

@@ToolsThatBuild Found it! Thanks for the info. Did you go with the hollow or solid core?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@l.bolton9432 I went hollow core but each situation is different. Depended on privacy and noise concerns

[@l.bolton9432]

@@ToolsThatBuild Gotcha. I’ll probably do a hollow door as well. My tack is super odd in that you can’t remove the wheels from the track. It’s sealed into the track. The pocket door just disconnects from a little plastic lever you turn.

[@stateniland]

What are the best rollers to replace old ones with? Thanks Joe

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Sorry I missed this comment Joe did you find rollers?

[@stateniland]

@@ToolsThatBuild I have not..

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@stateniland rollers aren’t that different from each other and haven’t advanced much. I would remove the door see what’s on there and see what’s available in stock locally to you. Probably won’t be much to choose from as they are pretty basic usually.

[@stateniland]

@@ToolsThatBuild finally for them removed and I shortened the doors for a wood floor going down soon.. the rollers were fine so I kept them.. not really happy but what is offered new isn't much better than what was on the doors already.. ty Joe

[@geokosp7954]

My guy was telling me he has to brake the wall and I was keep looking cause it wasn’t making sense ..thank you

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hope it helps! Definitely don’t need to break the wall all parts can be changed from the opening

[@michaelamyotte8560]

Thank you - very helpful. PLEASE wear eye protection when using a Brad Nailer or any power tool!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Glad it helps and good tip!

[@Tina-ul9rd]

Where to buy a replacement pocket door?

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Any hardware store

[@MrLike2surf]

If my door rolled as easily as that one, great. But mine barely moves and it jams quickly. I can’t adjust the door height because that doesn’t work either. I will overcome it somehow.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

I’m here to help, most likely the rollers and the track are jammed with debris, how old is the door? Can you get the door all the way closed one time? My best advice without info is to remove the door as I do in the video then replace the track and rollers entirely while it’s off. Should glide after that whether you reuse the same door or replace it

[@MrLike2surf]

Thanks. This 1985 door I was able to close, removed trim, but couldn’t lift door off of track due to no space to raise it. I cut both rollers to get door out. Those rollers are no longer available except flimsy import ones. I will order them.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@MrLike2surf ya you won’t find ones built as well anymore unfortunately it’s all out of China now

[@kowen5323]

The ones with an adjustment nut tend to spin if you put even a small amount of extra pressure on it. At first I thought it was a defect, but they all do it. Prime-line products. Junk. If you use them, be sure to never turn the nut with any weight on it. I stopped using them. Too risky.

[@nsal1700]

My door is stuck inside the pocket. How would you suggest I take it out of there? Please don't tell me you would cut it out. 🥴 Thank you for this video!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Need more info. What’s causing it to be stuck? How far in is it stuck? Is there any damage to the door or rail?

[@nsal1700]

@@ToolsThatBuild I can only get it about a quarter of the way out. No damage to the door. I feel maybe it fell off the rail? Because it's difficult to pull out and to push it back it.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@nsal1700 unlikely it’s off the rail more likely there is obstructions on the rail, take a flashlight and see if you can see anything. It’s most likely between the rollers. I would pry the door to the closed position using whatever force it takes, remove the door as in the video and then replace the track and rollers.

[@nsal1700]

@@ToolsThatBuild thank you! I'll try that. 🙂

[@m.m.6757]

I did This exactly but not mine slides the wrong way and the lock is in the wrong place. I’m lost and now have a pile of scrap wood.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

I’m happy to help if I can, your saying yours slides the wrong way? What do you mean? It slides out of the pocket orbit should. Which lock type do you have?

[@davedeacy4687]

Hi, our door is off the track and stuck inside the wall!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hey, that’s unfortunate, you’ll have to muscle it to the opening to get it out or back on track. Otherwise you will have to open the wall. Do you know how it fell off the track? That’s not a very common occurrence.

[@davedeacy4687]

@@ToolsThatBuild The house was built in 1966, so old I guess, it was scrapping and squealing before that.

[@ToolsThatBuild]

@@davedeacy4687 tough without seeing it but the technology hasn’t changed much. I’m guessing the track is damaged and needs replacing.

[@joshswanson9740]

Thank you so much!!!

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Hope it helps!

[@stacyjens8256]

Who else is here because yours is broken? 🙃

[@user-jr6vf5mk9v]

Only one issue that might be worthy of mention. Can not use 18 guage Brad nail on door side of exterior door trim. 18 guage brad nails are too long and will go in to door .

[@ToolsThatBuild]

18 guage brad nails are thickness and come in many different lengths. Yes you can use 18 guage just watch the length. I use 18 all the time.

[@jedsterman]

Mine is not one side of the track. Rollers are on both sides. This is a helpful video for most but not me...😔

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Ya unfortunately not every pocket door is identical. There is a way to remove your door also but it’s not covered in this video

[@ToolsThatBuild]

Ya unfortunately they’re not all the same. You can still remove your door just not with this method.

[@gilbertfranklin1537]

Let's see - that took him exactly 3-1/2 minutes. Based on watching KZbin DIY videos for several years now, it should take me about 3-1/2 weeks, a pocket full of money, and the remains of my Valium prescription to complete. Might as well get started! 🙄

[@ToolsThatBuild]

If you double the Valium intake you could probably finish in 2 weeks. This job is about a 3 hour job for me not including replacement door prep and cost about $100 CAD not including tools. Good luck hope it goes smooth.