Remove molding from around existing pocket door.
Replace pocket door with regular door.
Cut the existing door out of frame.
The family handyman expert rick muscoplat will show you how remove a pocket door and install a new one.
An old favorite gets a new look with this updated pocket door.
Pocket door costs vs.
Replacing a regular swing door with a sliding or pocket door is an efficient way to take full advantage of more room area.
Bypass or pocket doors give more space in a room and can be installed in the space where a hinged door already exists but there are some things to consider.
Cost skill level start to finish day.
The cost of a pocket door is not much different since it is simply a slab rather than a pre fitted interior door with a cut handle hole.
Putting the door in the wall frees up the usual swing path area of the standard door and allows the wall usually hidden by a swing door to be used as a part of the rest of the room.
Over time an interior pocket door can become outdated worn or warped causing it to track poorly or not close properly.
Regular doors a standard hinged interior door costs anywhere from 60 to 1 000 depending on the type and features.
Remove the old pocket door from the opening and detach the hardware so it can be reused on the new one if necessary.
Bypass doors require twice the width of an ordinary door so you will need to enlarge the door opening unless you are replacing double doors.
How to replace a pocket door.
You can remove the old door by tilting it downward and removing it from the rollers.
Remove strike side jamb cut out steel track above.
Electric drill with screwdriver attachment.
This means taking down the old swinging door removing the jamb and disassembling the wall framing.
To hang a pocket door you need a rough opening that is twice as wide as the door itself.
Carefully cut drywall and pocket door frame to allow a 2x4 stiffener on hinge side of the new door.