Remove molding from around existing pocket door.
Replacing a swing door with a sliding door.
To check for plumb run a beam from a laser level.
Start by removing the old slider.
Center swing patio doors.
Save the trim to be used elsewhere.
Remove strike side jamb cut out steel track above.
Then attach the hinges with screws.
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.
Use a flat pry bar to remove the casing nails securing the door jambs to the wall.
We get so many questions asking us how to replace an existing door with a sliding door so we are covering just that.
Use a pry bar and a hammer to gently remove the interior door trim.
Cut the existing door out of frame.
Next install the hardware.
You ll need a set of sliding door hardware as well as a door that s large enough to cover your opening.
Chisel out a space in the door jamb for each door hinge.
Make sure the opening is plumb and level.
We wanted to give her a sliding barn door for the pantry doors because they are visible from so many rooms in the house and giving this space a custom look would not only serve a function it would look beautiful on the wall.
If necessary cut through stubborn nails with a reciprocating saw.
If you are not too keen on replacing your sliding glass doors with double french doors you have the option of choosing patio doors.
Hold a hinge flat against the door jamb surface and trace around it with a pencil.
You can easily increase your home s energy efficiency by replacing an old glass slider with new insulated hinged doors.
Carefully cut drywall and pocket door frame to allow a 2x4 stiffener on hinge side of the new door.
This means taking down the old swinging door removing the jamb and disassembling the wall framing.
The new door should be 3 4 inch narrower than the opening and 1 2 inch shorter.
Once the railing is up and the door is cut to form if need be the next step is to screw in the door rollers and brackets to the upper end of the door according to the hardware kit sspecific install instructions.
Cut away any old caulk between the door frame and the wall.
Use a template to mark the holes for your door hardware then drill the holes making sure to hold the drill perpendicular to the floor.
In any case for homes with a theme where it makes sense french doors can be a great alternative to a standard sliding door.
To hang a pocket door you need a rough opening that is twice as wide as the door itself.
Then attach the bottom door guides track so that the door doesn t wildly sway to and fro when being slid open and closed.