To check for plumb run a beam from a laser level.
Replacing a swing door with a sliding door.
Next install the hardware.
If you are not too keen on replacing your sliding glass doors with double french doors you have the option of choosing patio doors.
Save the trim to be used elsewhere.
With the hinges attached to the door hold the door into place against the jamb with the hinges in place in the space you chiseled out.
We get so many questions asking us how to replace an existing door with a sliding door so we are covering just that.
The new door should be 3 4 inch narrower than the opening and 1 2 inch shorter.
To hang a pocket door you need a rough opening that is twice as wide as the door itself.
Use a flat pry bar to remove the casing nails securing the door jambs to the wall.
Replacing a regular swing door with a sliding or pocket door is an efficient way to take full advantage of more room area.
In any case for homes with a theme where it makes sense french doors can be a great alternative to a standard sliding door.
If necessary cut through stubborn nails with a reciprocating saw.
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.
Carefully cut drywall and pocket door frame to allow a 2x4 stiffener on hinge side of the new door.
Cut away any old caulk between the door frame and the wall.
Cut the existing door out of frame.
Use a pry bar and a hammer to gently remove the interior door trim.
Hold a hinge flat against the door jamb surface and trace around it with a pencil.
Then attach the bottom door guides track so that the door doesn t wildly sway to and fro when being slid open and closed.
Make sure the opening is plumb and level.
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.
Remove molding from around existing pocket door.
You ll need a set of sliding door hardware as well as a door that s large enough to cover your opening.
You can easily increase your home s energy efficiency by replacing an old glass slider with new insulated hinged doors.
Remove strike side jamb cut out steel track above.
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.
Chisel out a space in the door jamb for each door hinge.
Then attach the hinges with screws.
Start by removing the old slider.
Center swing patio doors.