Retrofitting Pocket Doors in Parlor

We are planning to install a new pair of pocket doors between our front and back parlor – and are hoping there is some good experience/advice here! The archive didn’t quite address retrofit issues. The wall cavity for the doors was boarded up some years ago with cheap plywood and once opened, there is no evidence of doors or hardware but the cavity is nice and clean, wood structure in excellent condition. Looks like the original doors ran on a track along the floor (as did the the doors from the hall to front parlor – doors are gone, but track is still there). We are hoping to install a pair of new doors, but mounted above from a track to keep the floor clear. Can anyone recommend someone for this work? I expect the plaster walls will need to be opened in places to install the hardware? Any hardware suggestions? Will need to source doors, but can’t do so until I know what size… Thanks in advance!

bklyn1111

in Brownstoner Renovation 11 years and 2 months ago

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snowman2 | 11 years and 2 months ago

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rocki36t7 is a shill for ezbz

rocki36t7 | 11 years and 2 months ago

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My first experience with pocket doors was the set in the old house my parents purchased in rural Virginia many years ago. I hadn’t seen anything like them, but they seemed to make perfect sense. They were doors that could be used to close off the five foot opening into the living room, but disappeared into the walls when my mother wanted them open. My parents’ home had an antiquated heating system at the time, so the doors could be shut to keep the living room warm and cozy. When the doors were open, the panels were completely hidden and took up no wall space at all. The doors’ track system appeared to be fairly simple — almost the same as that found on many barn doors. If you want a reasonable cost from a local contractor, I suggest you go to myezbz.com and post an inquiry. I always trust them when it comes to finding reliable contractors.

Rick | 11 years and 2 months ago

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I have a great deal of experience with pocket doors. You can reach me through my website at RickLaddBrooklyn.com. Please email me for an appointment.

RBCG | 11 years and 2 months ago

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We opened up a channel in one of the walls, and attached the track to the opposite wall using side-mounted hardware from Johnson hardware (www.johnsonhardware.com). We then covered up the channel with molding, which is great because if we ever need to adjust things (which happened – one of the kids slammed one of the doors open and the stop popped off), we can just pop the piece of molding off, do whatever we need to do, and put the molding back on. Sorry I can’t recommend someone to do the work: I hung the doors myself, and had a handyman patch the wall where necessary. Johnson has tons of configurations if you want to hang the doors differently.