Repairing Guides

how to repair old pocket doors

by Dr. Roberto Stanton Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

  • Lubricate Pocket Door Rollers. If the pocket door is hard to open and close, the door rollers may need to be lubricated. ...
  • Tighten Pocket Door on Track. Over time, with repeated use, the pocket door track may become loose. ...
  • Remove Pocket Door Trim. Most other pocket door repairs require you to remove some of the trim. ...
  • Replace Pocket Door Track. In some cases, you may need to remove the entire pocket door track and replace it. ...

Part of a video titled How to Restore Historic Pocket Doors | This Old House
1:57
4:14
So i picked up a couple of screws. And i'm going to have to probably modify this hole just a littleMoreSo i picked up a couple of screws. And i'm going to have to probably modify this hole just a little bit so i can get the head of the screw to fit in. There. See that head fits in there.

Full Answer

How to remove and replace an existing pocket door?

​How to Trim a Pocket Door

  • Solid Core vs Hollow Core. Most pocket doors come with a solid core at the bottom. ...
  • Measure and Mark. To begin the process of trimming ​the door, you will need to mark the length you need to remove. ...
  • Cut the Door. You will then need to cut your door where you have marked it using a circular saw. ...

How to fix a pocket door that fell off track?

The Main Steps

  • Lubricate the wheels with the drip oil product to ensure that they can move around easier
  • Run your fingers down the track to ensure that it’s smooth with no deformities like a bend or slight dent in the track
  • If you do feel deformities, fix with pliers by softly squeezing the track back to normal

More items...

How can I lock a pocket door?

Methods of Locking Pocket Door from Both Sides

  • Pocket Door Lock. The best thing you can use for a pocket door is a pocket door lock. ...
  • Get Hands on Keys. Since the beginning, the most convenient way of locking any sort of door is to use the key. ...
  • Thumbturn. When you have a pocket door, more than keys, thumbturns are preferable. ...

How do you remove a pocket door?

Removing a pocket door without removing the trim may seem hard to do but it’s not that difficult if you follow these simple options: The first option is to open the door all the way and tilt it off the track. You can then remove the roller and the door might slide out. Or cut the door in half and lift it off the track.

image

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 repair a pocket door?

1:5311:01How to Replace Pocket Door Hardware - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing I'm going to do on my pocket door makeover is take out and replace this track upMoreThe first thing I'm going to do on my pocket door makeover is take out and replace this track up here now here in the door opening I get up here no problem and undo the screws. But over here they're

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 adjust a pocket door without removing trim?

0:512:35Adjusting Pocket door rollers [pocket door 101] amazon link - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo by pulling up on that side. This will get not tighter but the bottom. The bottom will get looser.MoreSo by pulling up on that side. This will get not tighter but the bottom. The bottom will get looser. So and vice versa if you pull up on this side it'll open up this gap. And close up the bottom.

How do you repair a pocket door that has come off the track?

1:293:51How to fix a pocket door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo to get the door off its tracks you just slide it off and of course it's got a little locking nutMoreSo to get the door off its tracks you just slide it off and of course it's got a little locking nut to hold it in place once it's in the right. Position. Well most of these systems have two rollers.

How do you put an old pocket door back on track?

0:351:43Pocket Door Repair by Anthony Gilardi - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTake the molding off first to get to the frame. Taking the frame off releases the pocket door. ThenMoreTake the molding off first to get to the frame. Taking the frame off releases the pocket door. Then once the frame is off the pocket door can be removed.

Are pocket doors hard to fix?

The tracks and hardware in a pocket door frame are largely hidden inside the wall. If they need repair or replacement, access can be very difficult. Double pocket door hardware uses a longer track that holds two separate door panels, which can make them even harder to repair.

Why are pocket doors not more popular?

Pocket doors were popular in the late 1800s, especially in Victorian houses. They had a resurgence of popularity in the 1950s. But because pocket doors from the past ran along raised tracks on the floor, the tracks were a tripping hazard, so builders and homeowners avoided pocket doors when possible.

How much is a pocket door kit?

During a new construction, pocket doors will cost between $500 and $1,000. As part of a remodeling project, their cost will be in the $1,000 to $3,500 range. These prices reflect both parts and labor. These doors hide inside a wall cavity instead of swinging out from a hinge.

How do you lift a pocket door?

Pocket doors are installed with adjustment in mind. Look for the narrow space at the top of the door where the nuts meet the hanger. Turn the nut clockwise to raise the door and counterclockwise to lower the door. If the door leans crookedly, adjust the opposite nut for an even hang.

Are pocket doors less expensive than regular doors?

Pocket doors are more expensive to install because they usually require construction to a home's structure. Both doors have a nominal cost of $400 for an average 30-inch solid wood door. However, the installation cost of a new barn door is anywhere from $100 to $300 per existing wall.

How long does it take to install a pocket door?

Installing the pocket-door frame and hardware and hanging the door usually takes less than 30 minutes.

Are pocket doors outdated?

Pocket doors are not a common door type found in homes today but have actually been around for centuries. In the past, the door type was actually considered a standard feature in an upscale home but this gradually went out of style. Swinging doors became the new 'It' feature and homes continue to use such doors today.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

What is a top hung pocket door?

DEFINITIONS. A. Top-hung pocket doors are unique because of their hardware. 1. There are two types of hanging hardware for pocket. doors:

Why is my door binding?

Binding is usually caused by vibration or house. settlement, a loose or warped stop molding, or. warped door. 4. A door that is balky or will not move at all may. result from disconnected, broken, missing, or loose. rollers. In this situation, the door will need to. be removed and the rollers repaired or replaced.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9