How To Install French Pocket Doors

A popular choice for exterior doors steel provides superior security and weather resistance without proper care these doors may rust over time.

How to install french pocket doors. Install the track according to the thickness of the header. Use the long level and carpenter s square to make sure the inside of the opening is square and true. Remove the old frame around the opening with a hammer and pry bars where you want to install french doors. Installation costs do not differ by material.

Reinstall the door and then install the door guides on the inside and outside of the door at the mouth of the pocket. Measure cut and install trim around the door starting with the top header trim piece and then the side jambs. Be sure to screw the brackets into the studs. For the casing trim outside use finish nails just long enough to bite into the 2 x 4s longer nails might extend too far into the door chamber and scratch the door during opening and closing.

Unlike pocket doors and sliding doors french doors command more space for operation. Remove trim carefully so you don t damage it and label the pieces as you go to make putting them back up easier. If needed use a hand saw to cut the track that came with your pocket door hardware so that it s 1 8 inch shorter than the opening. Finish the joints with drywall tape and several coats of drywall compound.

When installing double or french pocket models the largest cost consideration is in the demolition rewiring and framing of the space required. Remove the door and then install drywall over the door pocket using construction adhesive and 1 inch drywall screws. Take the width of the door and layout a radius around the pivot point on both sides of the jamb to see how much space you ll need to allow. To install exterior french doors you can follow similar instructions to those on the previous page for installing interior french doors though you have to remember to seal your opening carefully to protect the interior of your home from the elements.

For doors inch thick install the track flush with the header. Next install the slider track using the rails that came in your pocket door kit. Then put the hardware and door into the slider track. To install a pocket door start by removing the existing door and the drywall on one side of the wall.

Fiberglass doors are a great alternative to traditional wooden doors they are easy to maintain and offer superb durability insulation and versatility in appearance and style. For doors 1 3 8 inches thick install the track 7 8 inches from the header. These are heavier than hollow core wood doors so they will be a little more expensive to secure and install.