Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Prices and availability of products and services are subject to change without notice. Errors will be corrected where discovered, and Lowe's reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions including after an order has been submitted.

How to Install a Pocket Door

Brian Gregory

By Brian Gregory
Published August 20, 2026

Pocket doors save floor space by sliding into the wall instead of swinging into a room. Learn how to install a pocket door, including how to reframe the opening, install a pocket door kit, hang the door and finish the project.

Skill

Advanced

Time

1-2 Weeks

Key Takeaways

  • Pocket doors save space by sliding into the wall instead of swinging into the room.
  • Check local building codes and determine whether the wall is load-bearing before beginning.
  • Remove the existing door, trim, drywall and necessary framing to prepare the opening.
  • Reframe the opening according to the pocket door kit manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Install and level the pocket door track, split jambs, hangers and door guides.
  • Hang and adjust the door to ensure it slides smoothly and has proper floor clearance.
  • Finish the project by replacing the drywall and installing the jambs, hardware, casing and baseboards.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Note

Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.

Before You Begin

  • Check local building codes before starting the project.
  • Determine whether the wall is load-bearing before removing any framing. A wall that runs perpendicular to floor or ceiling joists or has a beam or foundation post beneath it may be load-bearing. Contact a qualified professional if you’re unsure.
  • Have a qualified professional handle any necessary electrical work.
  • Turn off power to switches and outlets in the installation area and use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the power is off.
  • Check for spacing. Installing a pocket door requires a wider rough opening than a standard hinged door, so make sure there’s enough unobstructed wall space beside the existing doorway to accommodate the door pocket.
  • Consider the finished flooring. Make sure the finished jamb material will cover flooring expansion gaps. Using jamb stock that's the same thickness or thicker than the existing material or reducing the doorway size when appropriate can help cover these gaps.

How to Install a Pocket Door

Pocket door kit dimensions and installation requirements vary. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific kit, but here are general steps for planning purposes.

Step 1: Remove the Existing Door and Trim

  • Remove the existing door from the opening. Take off the hinges and strike plate.
  • Score the caulk around the door casing with a utility knife, then carefully pry off the casing. Use an oscillating multi-tool to cut through the fasteners securing the existing jambs and remove the jamb material.
  • Remove any remaining nails from the framing and take off the baseboards in the work area.
  • You may be able to reuse the existing door slab. The old hinge mortises can typically be positioned inside the pocket where they won’t be visible. You can also install a new slab if you want a different door style or new hardware.

Step 2: Mark and Remove the Drywall

  • Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs around the doorway. Also note the location of any wiring, pipes and ducts and take care to avoid them. For help, see What’s Inside My Wall?
  • Following the pocket door manufacturer’s instructions, mark the area of drywall that needs to be removed for the wider rough opening and door pocket.
  • Avoid positioning a new drywall seam directly above the corner of the doorway, where cracking may be more likely.
  • Cut along the marked outline with an oscillating multi-tool and carefully remove the drywall.
  • Depending on the installation, you may only need to remove drywall from one side of the wall. Removing both sides can provide easier access to the framing.

Step 3: Remove the Existing Door Framing

  • Don't remove structural framing until you've confirmed the wall isn't load-bearing or have an appropriate structural plan from a qualified professional.
  • A typical framed doorway uses a header supported by jack studs, with king studs on either side. A pocket door uses similar framing components, but the opening must be widened to accommodate both the doorway and the pocket.
  • Use an oscillating multi-tool or reciprocating saw to cut through accessible framing fasteners. Work carefully if you want to preserve the drywall on the opposite side of the wall.
  • Remove the unnecessary studs and existing header and cut away exposed nails.
  • On the pocket side, measure the opening required by the pocket door kit. Cut and remove the portion of the wall bottom plate where the new pocket framing will be installed.

Step 4: Frame the New Rough Opening

  • Frame the opening according to the dimensions specified by your pocket door manufacturer.
  • For the installation shown in the video, the new framed opening measures 65-1/4 inches wide by 84-1/2 inches high. These measurements are specific to that installation, so don't assume they'll apply to your pocket door.
  • Install the required king and jack studs. Check each stud with a level to make sure it's plumb before securing it.
  • Build the header appropriate for your wall construction. The video demonstrates a double 2 x 4 header for a non-load-bearing wall. Other installations may require a larger header.
  • Transfer the existing wall stud layout to the new framing. Where applicable, position the short studs above the header at 16 inches on center.
  • Set the header onto the jack studs and secure the framing.

Step 5: Prepare the Pocket Door Kit

  • Pocket door kits differ. Use the measurements and cut lines supplied with your kit rather than relying on measurements from another installation.
  • Prepare the pocket door kit according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • The kit shown in the video has marked cut lines for common door widths. For the 32-inch door in the demonstration, the nailing strip and header assembly are cut at the appropriate manufacturer's marks.
  • Cut the aluminum track approximately 2 inches shorter than the track assembly, as directed for the demonstrated kit. This provides room to insert the trolley hardware.
  • Install the header assembly end bracket.

Step 6: Install and Level the Track Assembly

  • Determine the required track height following the kit instructions. Account for the finished flooring thickness when positioning the track.
  • Use a clamp to temporarily support the header assembly while you position it. Initially fasten through the slotted bracket holes so you can make small adjustments.
  • Use a level to check the track carefully. A level track is critical to smooth pocket door operation.
  • Once the track is correctly positioned and level, drill the required pilot holes and secure the assembly using the specified fasteners.

Step 7: Install the Split Jambs

  • Measure from the subfloor to the top of the header assembly and cut the split jambs to length if necessary.
  • Position one set of split jambs near the door opening and another set between the opening and the wall stud, following the kit instructions.
  • Slide the floor bracket onto the first split jamb with the steel-wrapped side facing the inside of the pocket. Position the jamb against the header assembly.
  • Drill pilot holes and attach the jamb to the header nailing strip using the specified fasteners.
  • Check the jamb for plumb, then secure its bracket to the floor.
  • Install the matching split jamb and repeat the process for the middle jambs.

Step 8: Prepare the Door

  • If you're installing a new slab, prepare it for the pocket door latch before hanging the door.
  • This is also a convenient time to paint or finish the door. Paint all six sides as appropriate for your door.
  • You can also paint the trim before installation.

Step 9: Install the Hanger Plates and Trolleys

  • Position the hanger plates on the top edge of the door according to the pocket door kit instructions.
  • For the kit demonstrated in the video, the plates are set approximately 7/8 inch from each end and centered on the door edge.
  • Mark the locations, drill pilot holes and secure the hanger plates with screws.
  • Insert the trolleys into the track. Align the door with the trolley bolts and connect them to the hanger plates. Engage the locking mechanisms to secure the door.

Step 10: Level and Adjust the Pocket Door

  • Use the adjustment hardware supplied with the kit to level the door.
  • Check that there's sufficient clearance between the bottom of the door and the finished floor.
  • Install the door guides according to the kit instructions. These guides help keep the door aligned and prevent it from swinging inside the opening.
  • For the demonstrated installation, the guides are positioned approximately 4 inches above the floor using the provided slotted holes.
  • Slide the door back and forth several times to test its operation.

Step 11: Install the Door Bumper

  • Install the bumper inside the pocket to prevent the door from hitting the framing or sliding too far into the wall.
  • The video installation positions the bumper about 40 inches above the finished floor. The installer uses a piece of finished split jamb material to determine the required door spacing and adds a wood shim behind the bumper as necessary to establish the proper stopping point.
  • Test the door again and make adjustments before closing the wall. See Step 16 for details.

Step 12: Replace and Finish the Drywall

  • Once the door slides smoothly, is centered in the opening and all the framing is secure, replace the drywall. For detailed instructions, see How to Patch and Repair Drywall.
  • Use drywall screws that won't extend into the pocket and interfere with the moving door.
  • Finish the drywall with joint compound, allow it to dry, sand as needed and paint the repaired wall.

Step 13: Install the Finished Jambs

  • After the wall paint dries, cut and install the finished jamb material around the opening.
  • The pocket side uses finished split jambs on either side of the door. The strike side uses a wider full jamb. Short jamb pieces at the top of the opening conceal the track.
  • Before installing the pocket-side jambs, transfer the locations of the framing jamb nail holes onto the drywall. This helps identify safe fastening locations.
  • Notch the finished jamb material where necessary to fit around the door guides, then secure the jambs with brad nails.
  • On the strike side, use shims to position the jamb plumb and align it with the door before fastening it.

Good to Know

Consider using only a few nails on the removable top jamb pieces. This can make it easier to access the track if the door ever needs adjustment or removal.

Step 14: Install the Pocket Door Hardware

  • Install the pocket door pull and latch according to the hardware manufacturer's directions.
  • Insert the latch bolt into the prepared opening and secure its faceplate.
  • To locate the strike plate, place painter's tape on the strike-side jamb and close the door to mark where the latch bolt meets the jamb.
  • Position the strike plate and strike box and trace their outlines.
  • Use a spade bit to remove material to the required depth. Mark the drilling depth on the bit with painter's tape to help prevent drilling too deeply.
  • Finish the corners and recess with a chisel so the strike plate sits flush with the jamb. Secure the strike plate with screws and test the latch.

Step 15: Install the Casing and Baseboards

  • Cut and install the door casing around the finished opening. Secure the casing with finish nails.
  • Reinstall or replace the baseboards in the work area.
  • Fill nail holes and other small imperfections, then touch up the paint as needed.
  • If necessary, cut the threshold to fit the dimensions of the new doorway.

Step 16: Test the Finished Pocket Door

Open and close the pocket door several times. Make sure:

  • The door moves smoothly along the track.
  • The door remains level.
  • The bottom of the door clears the flooring.
  • The door doesn't rub against the jambs.
  • The guides keep the door aligned.
  • The bumper stops the door in the correct position.
  • The latch lines up with the strike plate.
  • The door can be easily pulled out of the pocket.

Pocket Door Installation FAQs