- Remove the door and trim. The first and foremost step of removing the pocket door is to remove the trim. ...
- Open up the wall. After removing the trims, there will still be some screws on the track, and you need to remove them all.
- Take out the old track to replace with the new one. There is a hidden part inside the track of your pocket door. ...
- Take out the remaining hardware. Rest of the hardware will include a roller that can be found right on the door panel. ...
- Adjust the Replacement Hardware of the New Door. We’re into the next stage now, where you need to place the new hardware. ...
- Replace the Trim and Wall. So far, you should have created space and hardware to set up the new pocket door. ...
- Put the New Pocket Door Pull. To get done with this step, you need to have a pocket door pull that matches the exact size of the previous ...
- Create an opening and faceplate. To operate with the pocket door properly, you need to create a new latch. ...
- Check the Fittings. We are done with the process of placing a new pocket door in the place of the old one. ...
What are the best ways to remove a pocket door?
- 1.1 Step 1: Remove the pocket door from the track
- 1.2 Step 2: Open up the wall
- 1.3 Step 3: Take out the old track to replace it with the new one
- 1.4 Step 4: Take out the remaining hardware
- 1.5 Step 5: Adjust the Replacement Hardware of the New Door
- 1.6 Step 6: Replace the Trim and Wall
- 1.7 Step 7: Put the New Pocket Door Pull
How do you replace a pocket door?
- Remove the Door and Trim. Begin by removing the door from the opening. ...
- Open the Wall. ...
- Remove and Replace the Old Track with the New. ...
- Replace the Hardware on the Door Panel. ...
- Repair the Wall. ...
- Create an opening for the Latch. ...
- Chisel the Mortise for the Faceplate. ...
How to fix a pocket door that fell off track?
- Before we jump to the conclusion that you need to cut holes into the wall, it is always a good idea to lubricate the rollers to see if this alleviates ...
- You may also want to inspect the screws that were used to hold your sliding door in place. ...
- Sometimes, even metal stud drywall screws are used. ...
How to install, adjust or remove a pocket door?
How to Replace a Pocket Door
- Removing the Door. As the first step of pocket door replacement, you will need to cut a hole in the wall for access to the rollers and the track system, ...
- Removing the Track. ...
- Shimming the Track. ...
- Replace Roller Hardware. ...
- Installing the Door and Frame. ...
Can you replace a pocket door without removing drywall?
If you simply want to replace a pocket door or remove it in order to repair it, you don't have to tear into the drywall! That's great news. All you have to do is lift the door off the sliding track. In order to do that, you have to remove the trim around the door.
How do you get a pocket door back on its track?
1:293:51How to fix a pocket door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you tighten these lock nuts down to secure it in place so it doesn't slip off its supports.MoreAnd you tighten these lock nuts down to secure it in place so it doesn't slip off its supports. Again and after that when you put on the molding. And you're done.
How do you remove a pocket door pull?
0:4311:01How to Replace Pocket Door Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI use a utility knife to cut through the paint and caulk at the base of the stop a strip of woodMoreI use a utility knife to cut through the paint and caulk at the base of the stop a strip of wood that runs along the jamb. Next I use putty knives and pry bars to lift off the stops.
How do you fix a broken pocket door?
Step-by-Step Guide on how to repair a pocket doorUnhinge the door. To diagnose the problem, you first have to remove the door. ... Lift the door out of its track. ... Check the system for damage. ... Replace damaged rollers. ... Remove faulty tracks. ... Install a new track. ... Test the new track. ... Install the door.More items...
How do you release pocket door rollers?
Slide the door until it is sticking out about 3 to 4 inches and release the clip; you might need to use a screwdriver for this. Some doors require that the clips stay open until the door is removed from the hanger. To remove the door from the track, lift it up slightly until the rollers come off.
How do you fix a sliding door that is off track?
0:353:19How to Repair Sliding Doors - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can tell the rollers are worn if they are hard to turn or if you can wobble them from side toMoreYou can tell the rollers are worn if they are hard to turn or if you can wobble them from side to side to get at the rollers remove the screws holding the bottom bar of the door in place.
How do you remove an internal sliding door?
0:549:13How to replace a sliding cavity pocket door - remove and install - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPut them on the side. Same thing on the other. Side. Remove that remove the plate once again.MorePut them on the side. Same thing on the other. Side. Remove that remove the plate once again.
How do you use a pocket door wrench?
The pocket door wrench is used to adjust the bolts on the door hinges up or down. What is this? Turning the nut clockwise will raise the door, and it'll be lowered when you turn it counter-clockwise. Take care that you don't end up with a crooked door!
How much does it cost to fix a pocket door?
Existing Wall Pocket Door The cost to install a pocket door in an existing wall during a remodeling project ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 or more. The price will vary quite a bit depending on your project's complexity, but it typically includes wall demolition, as well as any plumbing and electrical work you may need.
How do you replace an old pocket door with a new one?
1:383:29How To Remove And Replace An Existing Pocket Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDoor your new pocket door will need a latch the same style as the old door measure the old door andMoreDoor your new pocket door will need a latch the same style as the old door measure the old door and mark out the same location on the new door using a jigsaw cut the opening for the latch.
What is pocket door?
Pocket doors are a charming feature used in many homes. These doors allow you to hide them in the wall to create a wide opening without any obstruction. The problem with these sliding doors is they may need repairs from time to time. This may leave many homeowners wondering how they go about fixing something they can’t see because it is hidden in ...
Why are pocket doors obstructed?
Sometimes pocket doors can be obstructed from opening if they are too long for the doorway opening. You may have installed carpet or tile to the flooring surface that has raised the overall floor height. This means you need to trim the length of the door – this can easily be accomplished by using a saw to plane the edge of the door to fit it to the new opening height that you now have.
How to fix top gaps in door?
Top gaps require a raising of the door. Start by adjusting the hanger on the door that is positioned the farthest away from the door latch. Use a pocket door wrench to turn the hanger a quarter of a turn at a time until the door is parallel with the jamb.
Why is my pocket door not hanging straight?
You may also notice that one of your doors is not hanging straight, which is also caused by the rollers.
How to raise a door that is too low?
Start by turning the nut with a socket on each hanger clockwise . This will raise the door up. If your door is too low, you can lower it by turning the nut counterclockwise.
Can sliding doors get off track?
One of the most common problems that occur is with the rollers. The rollers of your sliding door are comprised of two parts that tend to get pocket doors off track. The roller is attached to the base, which is joined with the door. As you use your pocket door over time, these parts may begin to separate and get misaligned. Nevertheless, you can easily adjust pocket door bases and rollers and make them functional again.
Can you raise a pocket door?
Take into account that you will only be able to raise the door to a certain degree. Too much upward height can cause the pocket latch to misalign, making it impossible to operate the door effectively. Adjusting the Hanger. Another adjustment option for your pocket door is to adapt the side movements.
Why are pocket doors good?
Pocket doors can be terrific additions to many homes. They help you free up more interior space, minimize obstructions, and promote better design flow. However, pocket doors do present some additional issues too. For instance, they may run into more mechanical troubles because of the added hardware.
Where should the rollers be on a pocket door?
The rollers should be there on the top of the pocket door so just go ahead and take them out. Refer to the old manual if you’re encountering some issues during removal.
Why do you need trim on a door?
The trim or door casing is installed to do two things. First off, the trim conceals any gaps that cannot be filled in easily. Secondly, the trim is an additional element that can elevate your home’s décor. If you like the existing door casing and would like to keep it, doing so is absolutely an option.
Why is my door battered?
Certain issues could start to affect it, thus necessitating either repair or removal. The door itself could be badly damaged due to wear and tear or other factors. Regardless of why it’s damaged, you probably don’t want a battered door hanging around inside your home, meaning replacement is necessary.
Can you fix a pocket door that is not sliding?
Upon installing new carpeting or flooring, your pocket door may no longer slide into place as easily. That could turn out to be a real issue and one you can only fix by removing the door first. Once removed, you can trim the door and then put it back in place to get it working properly again.
Can rollers and tracks damage pocket door hardware?
The rollers and tracks are susceptible to damage as well. The rollers and tracks could end up misaligned over time. The rollers could end up coming off the tracks. Meanwhile, the tracks themselves may start to come loose and struggle to hold the pocket door hardware together.
Do pocket doors need to be removed?
The track and trolleys will have to be removed completely if you want to keep the pocket door working as intended. Removing the track and the trolleys is a more involved job that could take longer to complete.
Remove the External Hardware
Your pocket door likely has plastic guides that keep the door from slipping off the tracks near the base of the trim. Remove those and any other hardware you can see.
Remove the Trim
It’s important to be gentle and controlled when removing the trim from a wall, especially if you intend to re-use that trim in the future. Use a sharp utility knife to slice through the paint film on the door trim. Then pry off the trim with a small pry bar, moving slowly so that you don’t damage the trim.
Lifting a Pocket Door Off of J-Track
Older pocket doors are typically mounted on what’s called a “j-track.” To get a pocket door off the j-track, tilt the bottom out and lift the door straight up so the wheels are freed from the track. Once you’ve done that, remove the pocket door from its cavity.
Disconnecting a Pocket Door From Trolleys
Instead of sliding freely along a j-track, new pocket doors have trolleys that clip onto the track. With these, disconnect the trolleys from the track with a screwdriver. This process may change depending on the style of pocket door you’re working with. Usually, though, it’s as simple as opening a few clasps.
How do I repair a pocket door?
It is important to gently remove the three sections of door trim so that they can be reused. Use a putty knife and prying tool to carefully pry away the trim. With the trim removed, remove any nails or brads from the trim by pulling them out from the back side.
Why does my pocket door jut out when I open it?
The pocket door might be in place and slide as normal, but it does not meet the door casing squarely when closed. Also, because of this unevenness or misalignment, part of the door may jut out when the door is open.
How long is a pocket door track?
So if the pocket door is 30 inches wide, the track is actually about 60 inches long. The pocket door hangs from rollers that ride on this metal track. Some adjustments can be made to these rollers and to the metal track to help ...
What to do if your door track is out of level?
If the track is greatly out of level, it will need to be removed and reinstalled level. With the door track removed, hold the bubble level up against the track's attachment point. If the attachment point is not level, screw plastic shims in place.
Can pocket door track be loose?
Over time, with repeated use, the pocket door track may become loose. The visible, accessible half of the track can be tightened without having to remove the door or the trim .
Do pocket doors slide out?
Pocket doors are great space-savers. They slide out when you need them and conveniently tuck away when you don't need them. While pocket doors work flawlessly most of the time, sometimes they come off track, get stuck, or become misaligned. Some pocket door problems can be fixed without removing trim or drywall.
Can you fix a pocket door without removing trim?
Some pocket door problems can be fixed without removing trim or drywall. Most issues require the removal of trim—but it's usually only select areas of trim. Plus, there are ways to remove and replace the same trim without damaging it or the surrounding walls. Featured Video.
How to fix sticky, noisy or just plain broken pocket doors
Do you have a pocket door that sticks or doesn't open or shut all the way? Don't replace it if you don't have to—just install a new track, new rollers or both, and your pocket door will work like it did when it was new.
Pocket Door Overview
You don’t need to be a coal miner to venture into the deep, dark pocket of a sliding door, but it helps. Once you’re equipped with a new track, rollers and a good flashlight, we’ll show you how to get in, replace the broken hardware, and get out before the weekend’s over and the search party comes looking.
Tips for removing doors
Remove painted-over screws. Cut the paint seam between the door stop and the casing, but don’t remove the casing. Pry off the door stops with a stiff putty knife. Remove the pocket door.
New track and pocket door rollers
Cut an access hole in the wall with a drywall saw to remove the old track and install a new one. Check for obstructions before pounding the saw through the plaster or drywall to start the cut.
Required Tools for this Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
Required Materials for this Project
Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.
What to do if you find a mismatch in a pocket door?
If you find any mismatch, you may look for adjustments where necessary. If you have gone through the previous steps of removing a pocket door and setting a new one up, you might have noticed that pulling the trim out is one of its very first steps. But there are some cases when you don’t want to do that.
Can you replace a pocket door with a new one?
Pocket doors are quite a familiar part of modern homes. But sometimes, they get worn out, and you are in the essence of replacing it with a new one. But when you get on track, the pocket door removal process seems not to be so easy. And you need help in case you’re new to such operations.
1. Figure Out What Kind of Pocket Door You Have
Pocket doors come in two main styles, either top-hung or a floor-track model. The former is more common, while the latter is typically something you’d see in older homes. A look up and down will tell you where you need to focus your attention.
2. Check the Rollers
This one is our first of two easy fixes. Grab a flashlight and inspect their position on the track. Sometimes, the roller may slip out, causing the door to fight you when you want to open or close it. If one or more is out of place, you can simply pop it back into the track carefully. Don’t fight it if it doesn’t budge.
3. Clean the Track
Sometimes, debris gets in the track and can interfere with the operation of the pocket door. Even small stuff can cause issues. Run a damp paper towel through its length, and try the door again. If it works, your problem is solved. If not, it’s back to the rollers.
4. Inspect the Rollers
Some models may have an adjustment screw to allow you to lower or raise the pocket door. Wood can warp over time, which can affect its fit. Seasonal effects on the shrinkage of the structure can also play a role. A clearance of about ¼” is ideal.
5. Remove the Casing Along the Top of the Door
You’ll find this task easy or a pain, depending on the number of coats of paint there are on the casing. You can use a putty knife, an all-purpose utility knife, chisel, or the end of a hammer if it’s really stubborn. However, be careful as you go to avoid damaging the frame and drywall.
6. Remove the Door from Its Track
How you do this task depends on the type of roller. You’ll see single, double, or J-style sets. Older pocket doors have a simple hanger pin that you’ll have to release first. The issue you might run into is one of adequate clearance to pop off the door.
8. Examine the Rollers
This step involves looking at the existing hardware for signs of damage. Sometimes, you’ll find a bent one is the culprit if someone forced the door open or slammed it. If it’s an older set, you might consider replacing them even if they are still intact since you have the door off, anyway.
What is the best hardware for pocket doors?
What is the best hardware to use? Metal hardware is best when it comes to pocket doors. With the use of metal, objects can be installed more solidly. Any minor mishaps can affect the mobility of the pocket door, so using solid hardware works best.
Can you attach a pocket door to a track?
Unfortunately, no. The assembly of standard pocket doors and RV pocket doors are similar. However, RV pocket doors have a latch mechanism to attach them to the track. It would help if you separated the latch mechanism first before getting to the doors’ wheels.
