Secret to install it right: bottom glides

Pocket doors can be a good solution when a hinged swinging door interferes with another door or takes up needed space in a room or closet. Or as in the case in my house it is used for added privacy to close off the hallway to the bedrooms.(see the picture below)

Earlier this week I installed a pocket door and was reminded I should show my readers how pocket doors should be done. When pocket doors are done right, with good quality hardware they will function properly for a lifetime.  They glide open and shut effortlessly and work great.  On the other hand, they can also be a real thorn in your side if done carelessly.

This is the important step that even professional carpenters often times do wrong.  See these little pocket door bottom glides?  They should be adjusted and installed right after the door is hung and leveled.  The pocket door bottom glides should not be easily visible.  I see these more times than not surface mounted after paint.

Here is a picture showing the pocket door bottom glides adjusted just right, so the bottom edges of the door glide smoothly across the plastic glides.

The pocket door bottom glides keep your door sliding smooth and prevents the door from rattling and knocking inside the wall pocket when you slide the door into it.

The door glides should be hidden behind the door jamb.  So in order to achieve this hidden look (which looks so much better) the carpenter has to mount the door glides before the jamb and casing are done.  Very little extra work is needed, however, the back side of the door jamb will need to be notched around the pocket door bottom glides.

When done right, the door operates smoothly, but you can not see any of the internal hardware.  If you have a pocket door, look and see if these pocket door bottom glides are surface mounted, or recessed (hidden) or completely missing.

If you are having issues and are unhappy with your pocket door, let me know the details of the problem so I can help you get it fixed once and for all.    Good luck with all of your DIY projects!  -Steve

The post Install it right: Pocket Door bottom glides appeared first on How to DIY right.