Do all pocket doors suck?

[plowhog]

I'm putting a small office and bathroom in my new garage. Probably should have made it larger but too late for that.

It's designed for a regular door to the small office, and a second regular door from the office to a bathroom. Due to tight space, I think I've already decided to redesign it so you don't have to go through the small office to get to the bathroom. This would result in two entry doors-- one to the small office and one to the bathroom. They could either swing in or out.

Someone just recommended pocket doors since they don't take up space. But every pocket door I have ever had has been problematic-- whether coming off the tracks or whatever. Have pocket doors improved any in recent years?

 

[crazyal]

I've never had a problem with the two in my house coming off the track. The thin studs always seam to be kind of weak so I've screwed some steel angle iron to help keep them straight so they don't rub on the door.

 

[RNeumann]

In general yes! They do make a track and roller system that has two tracks and 4 wheels per “trolly”- 8 total wheels per door. This seems to help too. As stated above adding a little angle iron to the 1x4s can help- especially in the 3-6’ height range. I also like to use solid core doors for pocket doors and I add the little clear bumpers to the end of the door on the latch side.

 

[Redlands Okie]

2 x 4 Wall Pocket Door Frames | Johnsonhardware.com | Sliding | Folding | Pocket Door Hardware

Is a decent brand. Gluing the sheetrock to the frame studs helps stiffen things up. Whatever brand you get keep in mind to use SHORT screws like one inch to fasten 1/2 inch sheetrock. Just a tiny bit to deep and the screw tips will scratch the door.
A option for you might be barn door hanging type. Door style of your choice.

barn door for home - Google Search

 

[quicksandfarmer]

I've installed a couple of the Johnson brand and never had a problem.

 

[prichard]

Do you have a lot of people in and out of your garage and office? Why not just a door on the office?

 

[KennyG]

I've got two pocket doors that are original (40 years old). One works fine and the other doesn't work at all. I've got a couple that I installed with quality Johnson hardware. They are almost 10 years old and work perfectly.

 

[goeduck]

I have two, House is 30 years old. Both work fine but the also don’t get used much due to location. One has been bumped off the rail a few times but I am able to snap it back on.

 

[spitter]

I ve installed hundreds of pocket doors never had a 1 problem . Lots of over sized commercial 3 ' 0" 9' 0" solid core custom installs . Use only Johnson hd track . Follow instructions and you'll b alright.:drink:

 

[thepumpguysc]

According to all the home improvement "EXPERTS" on the DIY CHANNEL they're GREAT.. Lol
I guess it all depends on the material your using.