Pocket doors are a brilliant solution when you need to save space or you want a wider door opening in your home without the large hinged internal doors. Quietly tucking themselves away into a wall cavity when not in use, they’re perfect for smaller homes or where you want the flexibility of an open plan living space.

But like all things that move, they need a little TLC every now and then to keep them sliding smoothly and silently for as long as possible. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn pocket door that’s refusing to budge or just looking to keep things in tip-top shape, regular servicing of your pocket door system can make all the difference.

Are pocket doors hard to maintain?

Not really! While they are a slightly more complex door system due to the hidden frame, the benefits of pocket doors far outweigh the amount of regular maintenance and care needed to prevent any issues.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to maintain and service pocket doors, as well as issues that could arise and how you can remedy them – ensuring they glide as effortlessly as the day they were installed. Say goodbye to squeaks, jams and wobbles, and say hello to hassle-free doorways!

Pocket Door Myths Busted

Sadly, there are a few misconceptions out there about pocket doors, but they really have come a long way over the last couple of decades thanks to some serious research and development.

Now, pocket doors are a serious contender when it comes to how you structure your home, thanks to their unrivalled ability to save space and improve accessibility. So, we wanted to debunk some common myths about pocket doors so you can make a fully informed decision when choosing your internal doors:

They’re Delicate Creatures: Not true! They’re sturdy and can last a lifetime with minimal maintenance.

They Need Frequent Attention: False again! Much like regular hinged doors, a little bit of care every few months is all they need.

They Require Professional Help: Nope! Unless you’ve got a major problem, most pocket door maintenance can be handled with basic tools and a can-do attitude.

They’re Flimsy and Unstable: When properly installed, they’re as sturdy as a regular hinged door. The secret lies in quality tracks and a solid frame. Once those are in place, your pocket door will stand firm in the door opening, even if you’ve got a house full of energetic toddlers or a herd of playful pets.

They’re Hard to Install: While retrofitting pocket doors is more of a challenge than factoring them into a new build, with the right kit and suitable know-how, you can install one without breaking a sweat. If you’re not the handy type, a professional can get it done in no time.

They’re Prone to Getting Stuck: With proper installation and regular maintenance (we’re talking about a quick clean and lubrication here and there), pocket doors should slide smoothly for many years. The key is to keep the tracks clear of debris and ensure the rollers are in good shape. It’s a bit like maintaining a bicycle, keep it clean and oiled, and it’ll ride well for years.

They’re More Expensive Than Regular Doors: The cost of pocket doors is comparable to traditional doors, especially when you factor in the space-saving benefits and the potential increase in property value. It’s like investing in a good pair of shoes – you might pay a little more upfront, but the comfort and longevity make it worthwhile.

They’re Difficult to Repair: Wrong! Most issues, like a misaligned track or a sticky roller, are simple fixes. With a few basic tools and a little patience, you can keep your pocket door in top-notch condition.

They Aren’t Suitable for Heavy Use: Quality pocket doors are built to handle frequent use without a hitch. With durable tracks and robust construction, they can endure the daily hustle and bustle just as well as any other door.

What are common problems with pocket doors?

First thing first, it’s important to clarify that when we say common problems, we don’t mean you WILL encounter them, they’re just the most likely problems to present themselves over time.

Here’s a breakdown of some common problems you might encounter with a pocket door system, along with practical tips for addressing them.

Difficulty in Sliding

A pocket door can become difficult to slide if the track is dirty, damaged or misaligned. This can lead to a door that feels stuck or doesn’t move smoothly.

Regularly clean the pocket door track to remove debris and dust. Lubricate the track and rollers with silicone spray. If the problem persists, check for misalignment and adjust the track or the door accordingly.

Misalignment Issues

Over time, pocket doors can become misaligned, this could be due to the doors themselves, the frames or even the subsidence of the building, making it hard to close them properly.

Check the alignment of the door and adjust the track if necessary. This might involve tightening screws or realigning the rollers on the track. If the problem is more severe, you might need to call a professional to re-hang the door.

Noisy Operation

Pocket doors can start making noise when opening or closing, which is often due to the rollers or track needing maintenance. More often than not, applying a lubricant to the track and rollers will ensure smooth and quiet operation. Make sure to use a lubricant that is suitable for sliding door mechanisms, like a silicone-based spray.

Difficulty in Locking

Locking mechanisms on pocket doors can become problematic if they are not properly aligned or if the lock itself is worn out.

Check the alignment of the lock and strike plate. Adjust them if necessary to ensure they match up perfectly. If the lock is worn out, you may need to replace it with a new one.

Damaged or Worn Tracks

The tracks that pocket doors slide on can become worn or damaged over time, leading to issues with the door’s movement.

Inspect the old track for damage and replace it with new track if necessary. If only a section of the old track is damaged, you might be able to replace just that part. Make sure the new track is installed securely and aligned properly before operating the door.

Difficulty in Accessing for Repairs

One of the main issues with pocket doors is that the hardware is hidden inside the wall, making a repair more challenging.

Many pocket doors have removable panels or trim that allow access to the track and rollers. If you’re comfortable with minor carpentry, you can remove these panels to access the hardware. For a more complex repair, it might be necessary to call a professional.

Damage to the Wall

Over time, pocket doors can cause wear and tear on the wall around the pocket, particularly if the door is misaligned, not sliding smoothly or hardware is protruding.

Ensure that the door is properly aligned and slides smoothly to minimise damage to the wall. If the wall is already damaged, repair any issues and reinforce the area if necessary.

Lack of Sound Insulation

Pocket doors generally provide less sound insulation compared to standard hinged doors, which can be an issue in rooms where noise reduction is important.

Consider adding acoustic seals around the door to help reduce noise. You can also install soundproofing panels inside the pocket to improve the door’s sound insulation properties.

If soundproofing is something you’re keen to have and you’re yet to buy your kit, some pocket door systems feature soundproofing as part of the design.

Limited Handle Options

Due to their sliding nature, pocket door systems need specialised handles, which can limit your options compared to standard doors.

Look for pocket door-specific handles that match your decor. Many styles are available that can suit different aesthetics, from modern to traditional.

Incompatibility with Some Locking Systems

Some locking systems are not compatible with pocket doors due to their sliding mechanism.

If you would like to add a lock to your pocket doors for extra security (if they lead to a conservatory for example), choose a lock specifically designed for pocket doors, such as a hook latch or a sliding bolt lock. These are designed to work with the unique requirements of a pocket door and provide secure locking options.

How to Stop a Pocket Door From Rubbing

If you find your sliding doors are starting to stick, rattle or are noisy, there are a few things you can do to try and remedy the issue. Here are some maintenance tips to help you fix a stiff or noisy pocket door:

• • Clean the tracks: Regularly clean the track and rollers of the pocket door to remove dust, dirt and debris that can accumulate over time. Use a vacuum cleaner, soft brush or microfibre cloth to clean the tracks thoroughly.

• • Lubricate moving parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the rollers and tracks of the pocket door to keep them moving smoothly. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can attract dust and dirt, leading to excessive buildup and potentially affecting the door’s operation.

• • Check for signs of wear: Periodically inspect the door panels, tracks and hardware for any signs of wear, damage or misalignment. Look for loose screws, worn-out rollers or warped tracks and address any issues as quickly as possible to prevent further damage.

• • Adjust the alignment: Over time, as new walls start to settle, it’s possible for the pocket door to become misaligned or start to rub against the frame, so you may need to adjust the track and hardware as needed to ensure proper alignment. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with a professional for guidance on adjusting the door’s alignment.

• • Clean and lubricate hardware: Clean and lubricate the door handles, any locks, door stops and other hardware components regularly to prevent corrosion and to make sure they operate as they should. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the hardware, and apply lubricant as needed to keep it moving correctly.

• • Inspect any seals and weatherstripping: If you’ve added seals or weatherstripping around the edges of your pocket door, check for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn-out or damaged seals as these could affect how the door moves on its track.

• • Test the operation: Periodically test the operation of the pocket door by opening and closing it several times to ensure smooth and effortless movement. If you notice any stiffness, resistance or unusual noises, investigate the cause and address it quickly to prevent the issue from getting worse. Like most things, prevention is always better than cure!

Can you fix a pocket door without removing the frame?

Fixing a pocket door without removing the frame can be challenging but not impossible. Here are some tips on how to address some of the common issues with pocket doors while avoiding the hassle of removing the frame:

Track and Roller Issues

Some pocket door systems have an access panel at the sides or top of the door frame that allow you to locate and reach the track and rollers without having to remove the entire pocket door frame. Check if your pocket door system has these panels and carefully remove them. If the door system doesn’t have an access hole, consider adding one to the stud wall that houses the frame.

If it’s misaligned, you can often adjust the rollers and pocket door track through the access panel. There are usually small screws on the rollers that you can turn to raise or lower the door to the proper height needed.

Fixing the Door Jamb or Strike Plate

If the door doesn’t latch properly when closed, or there’s an issue with the strike plate alignment, loosen the screws on the strike plate and adjust its position. Tighten the screws once the latch aligns properly.

If you’ve installed a timber lining kit and you find the door isn’t meeting the door jambs correctly, you may need to adjust the jamb slightly. This might involve adding shims or gently tapping the jamb into place.

Tightening Loose Hardware

Loose or worn handles or door hardware can cause operational issues and wall damage. Check all visible screws on the handle and any exposed hardware. Tighten them with a screwdriver.

If any parts are worn out or damaged, replace them with new ones. Just make sure they’re compatible with your pocket door system.

Dealing with Warped or Damaged Door Panels

If the door panel itself is warped or damaged, it can affect operation or the doors may gape slightly when closed.

For minor warping or damage, consider using wood filler and sanding to smooth out imperfections, and then repaint or refinish the door as needed.

If the warping is more significant, you might need to trim the door slightly. This can be tricky without removing the door, but a careful approach with a plane or sander can sometimes help.

When to Call a Professional

If the door is significantly misaligned, the track is heavily damaged, or you’re just not confident you can do the best job, it might be time to call in the professionals. They can often address these problems without removing the frame, thanks to specialised tools and expertise.

By following these tips, you can tackle many common pocket door problems without the need for a complete frame removal, saving time and hassle while keeping your door, and home, running smoothly.

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Have a question about how to fix pocket doors? No problem! Just get in touch with our internal door experts who are always more than happy to help.