How to Build a Pocket Door Frame From Scratch

Building a pocket door frame from scratch can be a great DIY project for any Do-it-yourself enthusiast. Learn how to build a door and frame for a pocket door of your house:  http://www.mydiytools.com/pocket-doors If you are planning to build a new house or renovating your old one, consider installing a pocket door as an alternative to the conventional swinging doors or sliding glass doors….

Building a pocket door frame is a great way to customize your shed or garage into a warm, comfortable family space. This video guide will show you how to build a pocket door frame from scratch.

🛠️ What It Is

A pocket door slides into a hidden wall cavity, disappearing when open. It’s ideal for saving space in tight areas like hallways, bathrooms, or small rooms.

📋 Tools & Materials Needed

• Pocket door kit (includes frame rails and roller hardware)
• Door slab (standard size like 80″x30″ or as needed)
• Lumber for framing (2×4 studs)
• Wood shims, screws, drywall, joint compound
• Tools: tape measure, level, saw (reciprocating/miter), drill, router/jigsaw, finishing nailer

⚙️ Step‑by‑Step Instructions1️⃣ Plan & Prep

• Verify wall is non-load-bearing, with no plumbing or wiring in the cavity.
• Measure and mark twice the door width (plus a bit for clearance) to ensure enough space.

2️⃣ Remove Existing Door (if retrofitting)

• Detach door, hinges, trim, and surrounding drywall in the pocket area.

3️⃣ Modify Framing

• Remove studs in the pocket area.
• Install a header across the opening as specified by the pocket kit.
• Frame out the pocket with split studs on each side per kit instructions.

4️⃣ Install Pocket Frame

• Fit the kit’s frame (rails and header) into the cavity, level it, and shim to plumb.
• Anchor securely to studs at the recommended height (typically ~84″).

5️⃣ Hang the Door

• Attach hanger hardware to the door as per kit instructions.
• Lift and hook the door onto the top rollers.
• Level and adjust using the kit’s adjustment screws.

6️⃣ Close & Finish Wall

• When door operation is smooth, reinstall drywall over the pocket opening.
• Tape and mud joints, reshape trim edges for reveals if using a reveal frame.

7️⃣ Install Hardware & Trim

• Install door guide at floor to maintain door alignment.
• Fit latch or privacy lock, then apply casing or trim to finish.

✅ Pros & Cons

✅ Pros	⚠️ Cons
Saves floor space—no swing clearance	Complex to retrofit—requires wall rebuilding
Sleek, modern look with concealed hardware	Adjustments must be precise for smooth operation

💡 Common Mistakes

• Not verifying wall is non-load-bearing can cause structural issues.
• Insufficient space inside wall: kit won’t fit.
• Framing must be exactly plumb and square—tiny errors can cause binding.
• Skipping reveal planning leads to uneven trim gaps.

🧠 Pro Tips

• Use quality hardware like Hawa or KN Crowder for smoother, longer-lasting motion.
• Create a small reveal (e.g., 1/8″) at the top of the door for clean lines.
• Leave access behind trim or use detachable jambs to allow future adjustments.

👷 Who It’s For
Ideal for experienced DIYers tackling projects in hallways, bathrooms, or smaller rooms where door swing is limited, and who are comfortable reframing and drywalling.

Installing a Pocket Door Frame

When installing a pocket door frame, you will need to first build a wooden track for the door to slide into. This can be made using 2x4s or 2x6s depending on how wide you want your door to be. You should use pressure-treated wood for this project since it will be exposed to moisture from the outside environment. You can use tongue-and-groove pine boards for this project as well if you prefer an easier installation process over durability.

Once you have built your track, install it into the opening where you want your pocket door to go using hinges or track hangers (for metal tracks). Then mark where each

How to build a pocket door frame from scratch

Pocket doors can be used as an alternative to conventional swinging doors. They are often found in closets and pantries, but they can also be used as room dividers. A good example would be using the door to close off half of the living room from the rest of the home.

Building your own pocket door frame is not that difficult and it definitely saves you money. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind when you want to build one for yourself.

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your door opening. There are different types of pocket door frames available in the market today, so make sure that you choose one that fits perfectly in your opening. If possible, try looking for a pre-hung kit that comes with all its parts already assembled and ready for installation. This will save you time and effort since all you have to do is install it into place without having any problems along the way.

When building your own custom frame, make sure that all its parts fit together properly so that they don’t fall apart while using them or even worse break down after some time has passed by

Pocket doors are a great way to add extra space to your home. They are also useful when the room you want to open up is small, such as a closet or bathroom. Installing a pocket door can be easier than you think. With the help of a few friends and some tools, you can install your own pocket door in just one weekend.

Use these instructions to help you build your own frame from scratch:

Cutting and measuring lumber for the frame

Assemble frame with pocket door hardware

Install your new pocket door!