Pocket Doors - How To

FYI This is the Level You want to use: amzn.to/1QmL3Ut
Pocket Doors are tricky, but follow these tips and you'll have a smooth sliding door that will work well for a few decades. Hafale Hawa Jr & Sugatsune are two of my trusted brands!
Best, Matt Risinger
Risinger Homes in Austin, TX
For more on this topic visit my blog at www.MattRisinger.com

[@jeansteele8823]

I'm about to get a new bathroom and have decided on a pocket door. I am very glad that I watched your video as I feel I have a lot more knowledge -- like using the best track system. Thank you.

[@m9k5j]

Thanks for the video. I've watched several and this is the only one so far where plywood was used for the wall rather than just boards. Seems sturdier to me. I liked the camera angles by the way.

[@shaunlowe5108]

Love this video. I've pot in several different types off picket does recently. Great idea with the pin. I would have nvr thought of that. But I look forward to using thenext chance I get...

[@Jungla694]

Dude who are you talking to? I'm over here!

[@mvred100]

hidden pin idea is cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@Nickolasmb]

I don’t understand why people post so many negative comments. You do a great job and keep it professional. This video appears to be directed more towards the contractors then the DIY audience. Which is fine by me. Keep it up!

[@TaylorMadePlans]

Thanks for the great info! I was speaking in Norman, OK last week and one of the attendees is a follower of yours. Best Lynn Taylor

[@wildmaninmt]

I did a johnson pocket door on a remodel about 20 years ago. They gave you half metal half wood studs. Finishing the wall will plywood is a awesome idea as those Johnson studs included in their kit bowed in once the drywall was installed.

[@rogerroger5585]

Better title would be "Pocket Doors - General overview"

[@chaser9363]

i agree otherwise is just click bait🤔🤦‍♂️

[@bugen3029]

Spot on.

[@tedkaras723]

Matt - Can you video the finished door? I am curious how your carpenters finished the concealed guide rod. Thanks.

[@tiralie]

Thanks, good video as usual with lots of useful spoken and visual info. I think I would want to put a nylon bearing on that rod so it doesn't wear into the bottom groove of the door...but that's just me. I prefer you either looking into the camera interspersed with wide shots or voice overs rather than the side of head shot.

[@buildshow]

+Timothy Raleigh Thanks for the feedback. Best, Matt

[@HUBERTOWKA_ADK]

Timothy Raleigh I'd suggest to add a small extender on the bottom of the door ( even a 2x4) and install manufacturer's suggested guide set back at lest 1" and then router the bottom of the door for guide. Also add a stopper on bottom inside the wall cavity so door doesn't jerk when pushed hard in. If you use regular metal framing (2x3) on both sides of the door, you'll be able to do outlets and switches on the wall. Don't forget to secure all wires, and I'd install brush gaskets on jamb. Remember to issue paneled door bigger on top and pocket side so that all rails and stiles are uniform. Best ;)

[@kyzenlanx]

Hey Matt, just wondering how the flooring was finished in this instance? (I sent you the image of my printed bearing guide version of this on insta). When I designed the print I made the height of the guide equal to the finish floor level, so there's a clean line to terminate the flooring. I've always wondered how this install was completed. Cheers, Ken.

[@ahmedsabah787]

Great video Matt as usual. I am in the process of re-doing 2 sliding door ( v noisy) and want to order the hawa jr 80 B from hafel - do you know if I need to buy the soft move accessory? thanks

[@maciejfassa4394]

Thanks for info. I am buying doors from Dako this week. I will instal them myself now.

[@josargor8179]

i like the rod guide for the door. makes a more clean work.

[@stateniland]

What can I do to improve the rough operation of my pocket doors? Without opening the wall. Thank you Joe

[@tcbridges]

What was the hardware you suggested to use. Just getting ready to put 2 in a new build my self. Thanks

[@thelisamicheller]

Hafala? Wth did he say? Not helpful at all! Don’t use regular places or hardware, but I’m not gonna tell you where or what.

[@ciaran6309]

Thanks Sam.

[@tetsudo1111]

The most important part of a clean pocket door installation is to NOT LEAVE IT TO THE FRAMERS

[@joegemma]

Great video as always, Matt. I think the content was on point as well. Not every video has to be a full tutorial. Keep up the solid work. Looking forward to tomorrow's video!

[@matteotrace2299]

i guess it is pretty off topic but does anybody know of a good place to stream newly released movies online ?

[@robertaylor9218]

Matt, I'm conflicted on the 1/2 ply, what​ do you guys use to prevent warping or deflection?

[@LetterpressDreams]

Love your videos -- big fan! Do you have any videos on a type of pocket or barn door that has two parts but as you pull out the one, the back end of that panel then pulls out the second part? I need to put in a bathroom door with a minimum opening of 32" but only have 16.5" on one side to play with. Thanks in advance -- really hoping you've done that before.

[@donniephillips4228]

Great video thanks

[@johnpuccetti9383]

When do you paint or stain?

[@turboflush]

Curious. As a diyer.. how would i go about getting these better products? I would think most companies dont want to deal with diyers and low end contractors. They are after big money repeat business. Europe makes some nice sliders.

[@jimmycollrow146]

With that pin to guide the door it's a good idea to extend the groove at the bottom of the door with two pieces of plywood glued and brad nails

[@jamesoncross7494]

Matt, great tips. I think for the average homeowner, the key is to use 3/4 plywood on the outside before you put your sheet rock on. That stiffens the wall so it isn't flimsy. Just use the standard kit at the home store but add the 3/4. That's the key.

[@troyb3394]

When you were talking about the hardware I could not understand the name of the two brands you mentioned could you tell me what you said or link them?

[@therealdq]

He said Hawa, a European manufacture of premium hardware . The distributor he mentioned is Hafele. It is a common mistake that people associate these two companies as being the same. They are not. Below is a US-based online store that sells the Hawa Junior door as shown in the video. Note: He was not kidding about the price. The hardware is expensive! But you get what you pay more. www.betterbuildinghardware.com/collections/door-systems/products/hawa-junior-80-b-hardware-for-sliding-wood-doors-1 application.hawa.ch/productfinder/Src/Productfinder/dsp_detail.aspx?artID=182658&languageID=En

[@richardrasmussen1481]

I have stucco walls over concrete board. The pocket door was taped and caulked shut. My problems are the channel and wheels have a semi sphere wood design for the tracking. Also the floor was raised at sometime. I dont have room to get door out so I can cut it down some. Very frustrated...Time for demo I guess.

[@donalso]

I am definitely pinning heretofore. I thank you sir!

[@muzzymuz8642]

I think you mean hereafter

[@michaelstiller2282]

1st, paint and install the door as soon as you have it delivered, as it will limit the pocket door slabs movement. pocket doors twist, warp and crown, MDF doors are the worst pocket doors. 2nd, know what hardware is going to be installed on the door, the gap between the door and the jamb needs to account for the thickness of the hardware. its a big deal if you don't want a big gap around the door. 3, a pocket door slab is 1 inch taller and 1 inch wider than you jambs, it's a custom door, the door is bigger than a typical door. it's done to hide the void between the door and the jamb when the door is closed.

[@kooale]

Super helpful advice Michael, THANKS A LOT

[@95thousandroses]

Innovative. Two things though. Neat how yall just used plywood for the walls instead of those terrible studs that come with kits. Although I wonder how much that plywood is going to warp. Most construction grade I'm use to loses its mind unless well secured. Maybe a cheap cabinet grade ply would be better? Second is the soft-close mechanism. While they work they are great, but in my experience, all soft-close mechanisms are prone to failure. Hopefully WHEN it fails, it won't negatively affect the performance of the door. Nice vid, thanks for taking the time to make.

[@hooplah1983]

I had the exact same thoughts. I love the idea of the plywood but most ply wood I find has a bow to it in the beginning or develops one.

[@hotdawg9840]

Matt do a complete waterproof bathtub shower or tile install. Id love to see one professionally done now days to prevent and interior rot. as well as dry wall rot. So basically preventing framing rot. And finish product rot

[@jonathanagnew]

Sweet hat, Sam

[@goldenbergconstruction1656]

I would have been a much better carpenter if we had youtube in 1975!

[@kathleenwalton3311]

Hafele hawa junior pocket door kits. couldn't get the other one

[@davetuscani]

Where could I buy the hardware you’re suggesting?

[@gregoryvschmidt]

And a solid core door, preferably 1 3/4. “ thick. Cheap doors are as much a problem as cheap hardware

[@glendavis1266]

How about a video on how to take apart and existing door, very possibly not a high grade unit. Home built in 2003. This door at the bottom has a metal fastener that squeaks when your walking on adjacent floor. So how to get to it is the principal issue.

[@smirvolous]

Great

[@ra1der5]

Just looked up the Häfele Hawa Junior hardware recommended in this vid. $940... just for the HARDWARE, no door. Plus tax and shipping, I’m probably looking at close to $1,100. And he suggests using different hardware for the floor pin. I knew pocket doors were expensive but... POW! (insert image of jaw dropping and head exploding)

[@paulscott4091]

After reviewing your video, I was wondering how you obtained over $800 worth of Haefle pocket door hardware and only using portions of the kit? The track & hanging hardware used can not be purchased a la carte or "Off the Shelf". Using Birch ply, pine stock? Nice if it was cost effective somehow. Tossing most of the kit seems strange unless you have a way to obtain special, otherwise my crews would scold the waste. Myself as an Architect and person with carpentry skills would like to be able to accomplish this without having my clients not find this quality not cost effective?

[@gracilism]

+Paul Scott You can buy them separately on petersonpocketdoor . com

[@timaphelps]

I see lots of points you missed. How bout start with design all pocket doors to be in a 2x6 wall. Like in your video.

[@jimporter]

Good videos Matt enjoy watching them here in the UK, however really don't like the looking to the side of the camera. I know it is a style but really, really don't like it. Imagine you me talking to you at a party and I spend my time looking at someone off to your left you would hate it, same applies to the video, you're not talking to me you're talking to someone else over my shoulder.

[@TheAxecutioner]

Shout out to Sam !!

[@chimar18]

Totally

[@edh5149]

looks like the chisel used to pocket the doors hardware flush needs some sharpening...else a pair of glasses helps... even better, a router with a template is best, you can still finish with the chisel if you love using em.

[@tylerstorer287]

I hate you. ;) After every video I watch of yours I think of all of the thousands of times I've done things wrong....or a least different... your tips are super solid dude.... Keep it up dude you rock. Peace from NE Portland....

[@gateway8833]

I was hired by a security door company to install steel security pocket doors for safe rooms. The installation was almost exactly like this. Except the doors weighted up to 2000 pounds.

[@followme8238]

The permanent floor pin: looks like it won’t allow the door to be removed in the future

[@josephbland4587]

Can you post-add a comment with a link to the pocket door hardware?

[@buildshow]

I'm using Hafele Hawa Jr Pocket Door track system

[@kerryfrost5501]

I'd like to see Sam actually do the work so I know how to do it.. now I only know it exists

[@jeffdouglas5719]

Most important part is to make it level. It did not look particularly level to me. Inside the lines is not good enough. And on a tiny torpedo level? 1/16" out on 12" is 3/16" out on a 36" door. You'll need the soft touch to keep it form slamming into the frame.

[@hotdawg9840]

u should make sure people know to not use ANY FASTENERS that will exceed in the trim and sheetrocking and finish trim process and scratch the door.

[@cdw3423]

Why not make all the doors pocket doors?

[@TheMonalisaST]

happy new year, i'm looking for pocket door 60" with when fully slide in for my laundry room could you please advise

[@theresaa.ziegler7584]

Not familiar with the hardware names and a little hard to understand the names. Could you post the names? I think one comment said Hafel hardware. Otherwise informative. Have enjoyed other videos as well.

[@therealdq]

He's using Hawa hardware... www.betterbuildinghardware.com/collections/door-systems/hawa-wood-door-system

[@questioneverything2152]

Good hardware, solid core door, good lock latch and pull handle. Frame the wall with 2x6 if you can. Do not get Stanley pocket door shit kit from Home Depot.

[@davidb8865]

Why 2x6?

[@questioneverything2152]

David Bianco More room for 1-3/4” door and if door is 8 ft tall there is too much flex in the studs that come with pocket door kits. With 2x6 wall you can favor door to one side and install switches and plugs on one side. 2x4 works, I’m just not gonna use it unless I absolutely have to.

[@evergreenhomesohio304]

My client’s keep sending me videos of your jobs and saying “we should do this!”

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

You forgot to say on the buildl show

[@Drewcipher5150]

Not much of a " how to"?

[@gianniutube]

I was also a bit disappointed to get so few tips, one of which was "spend more money on a better brand".

[@buildshow]

+Gianni Quilici give me something more... What would have helped make this a better video?

[@gianniutube]

+Matt Risinger First off, thank you for replying. I am a subscriber and I admire your work. The production value is always very high, which I really appreciate. Having said that, I was really expecting more hands on instructions from this video. I wanted to see the project from start to finish with the potential issues along the way in each phase. It would also have been nice to see more of the build to visualize this better. In all honesty, this may be a very simple project with little to explain but it felt short.

[@harrygirgin2911]

a better video with you not in it. you just repeat what the other person pretty much said. stop babying ypur viewers.

[@garethkalber7236]

This is not a DIY channel it's a building show that demonstrates best practices. Maybe the title was a little misleading but it doesn't warrant the negativity you guys are throwing. I'm a high end builder in New York and I learned about the soft close track. Those are going to be standard in my jobs from here on out. Great job as always Matt.

[@cjf3838]

Why have two camera angles if you are always looking at one camera? I know that doesn’t affect the message delivered but from a production perspective it is a bit odd.

[@Tearsaint]

Where are you looking

[@margepaz]

why do you look away from the camera?

[@nolanconville6523]

two camaras, but yeah it's super annoying. reminds me of zoolander for some reason

[@Jungla694]

1:50 Sam does not look like a Finnish carpenter. I would say Central American or Mexican.

[@ramonalee1]

That’s great but how do you find such an experienced person? I want to change my swing out door to a pocket door.

[@luisrivera6794]

Sounds fucking hard

[@skeeter0144]

So it's a DIY video but the take away is that this job is best allocated to (his) master carpenter and not just some finish craftsmen.

[@micahwatson9017]

😂track wasn't level.

[@1personalt]

the camera is off to the side.. p

[@jorgegordillo7078]

When you mean cheap that is home depot and lowes

[@mybluebelly]

Oh look everybody, a mexican worker !

[@jimmycollrow146]

There was only maybe 3/8 of an inch install that pin to guide the door????? Needs to install the door over pin?? There's a lot there not telling you to here !!!!!

[@christopherharrelson2088]

That camera angle with you talking to whatever wall is terrible and drives me nuts.

[@timjballin]

Matt: the camera is to your left. Camera guy: please let Matt know where you are next time.

[@saturnguytwelvesg127]

What about spider nests in the pocket? That's what I can't help thinking about.

[@davidd837]

Why do you have such a weird camera angle?

[@lazynut81]

Who are you talking to? How to what?

[@wackrow]

Hey our eyes are over here.

[@lindamorgey6736]

Woodglut is nice for that.

[@donwold1622]

This is NOT an instructional video. It's a commercial for Hafale Hawa Jr products. Way off the mark for DYI folks like me.

[@fo727]

Hey Matt, Great video, but your camera shots are bizarre, especially at the end. There your thanking us for watching but your not looking at me. I know this is a popular technique, but it looks goofy. Watch the tv news, the anchor never talks to a mystery audience. They always address me, or you the audience. Your closing shot is especially weird when your thanking us for watching and asking us to subscribe. Who are you talking to. Weird man! If you want to use a couple of camera angles, simply turn and address the other camera, like they do in studios. There they have a red light so the talent knows which camera to address.

[@Telly-Vision]

Why is he looking left of frame, rule of thirds ? , why does the camera have to pan up ? , poor camera work

[@jessicasommy1741]

I'm so sure that you can make it too guys. Just look for Stodoys.

[@2mozz]

The most important step is to level the track. He uses a six inch level 🙄

[@dannywilsher4165]

And it wasn't level....

[@daddyfix8781]

I have a Stabila level, and while it is fine, I don't think it does anything my less expensive Craftsman does not.

[@jonjorstad2491]

Stabila's have a lifetime warranty 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@crazysteve2112]

How dare you compare a Crapsman level w/Stabila! I have a 12 year old Stabila 72" and it is still perfect!

[@geemanfunman1267]

To much wall space taken away more waste of materials and time. Not worth it. Simple barn door will do that and more

[@SuperMirer]

Barn doors suck for powder rooms and bathrooms. Do nothing for sound, smell, etc. Stupid trend.

[@marinusvanderlubbe7673]

its not level

[@talusranch990]

Who is he looking at the whole video.......dude

[@BAW310]

It's "artsy"

[@geraldolanzero6502]

Not much detail here. Waste of time

[@stevelee5291]

when the "soft-close" fails...3 to 6 years max THEN your premium door will have to be ripped out anyway

[@jimmycollrow146]

This installation is totally over simplified there are many other problems that you may have to deal with

[@Louwebster0798]

Why aren't' you looking at us????

[@19dperez84]

It’s already installed smh

[@BeniBularu]

I would say if show tips you don’t just talk about obvious issues you need show people how to fix them. What’s the point

[@cabbyhubby]

Pocket doors have a well deserved " bad reputation" they just don't work as well as a hinged door

[@crushsmith7534]

Lol and put a cheap door in and throw out 1/2 the track after bragging how great it is... Fail

[@21boxhead]

premium is like 1000 bucks no thanks

[@stevelee5291]

show the work...not your face dude

[@jimmycollrow146]

Matt do not give advice if you're not going to tell the whole story

[@stevelee5291]

Matt is in the way...why so many close-ups ups of your face? irritating...let to carpenter explain it, you ruined a possibly good video

[@LightGesture]

Just gonna say, that track is NOT "perfectly level". it's high on the right side. i like my perfectly level to be RIGHT smack dab in between the lines, evenly. not just in between them, lenient to a side.