Do all pocket doors suck?

[Cord]

Yea, pretty much all pocket doors suck. They're hard to install, cheaply made and are hard to operate. Have you considered using a sliding door instead? They're popular enough that there are now some cheaper options out there.

 

[CincyFlyer]

I've not had them fall off of the tracks, but I've had the door come off of the trolley because the retainer wasn't properly latched. Had to pull off trim to get to it, put a dab of silicone sealer to hold it in place. I also removed one pocket door as I wanted to insulate the wall (abutted the garage).

 

[yanmars]

My pocket doors are 121 years old, same as the house, very heavy oak, and work great.

 

[handtools]

Another vote for the Johnson brand, I installed 3 in my last house 20 some years ago and they work perfectly today(nephew bought it), new house has 3 Johnson brand pocket doors and they also have worked perfectly for 2.5 years.

 

[Fossil Farm]

We converted a heavy French door into a pocket door. Works great. I think the weight helps keep it on track since it has some beef to it.
We took our time to get the track perfectly level and straight. If the track is not installed properly, it can lead to problems. Good luck.

 

[plowhog]

Have you considered using a sliding door instead?

Is that the sliding barn style door, or something else? I looked at the Johnson and wasn't sure if they include a door or you supply that extra. I will have 2x6 walls but I see they support that dimension.

 

[rd_macgregor]

We have three. One is a hollow-core bathroom door and the other two are multi-pane glass pocket doors. I love having them and wish I had more. Having said that, the bathroom one is a bit stiff and feels tract-house cheap. One of the glass doors runs smoothly, except for a bump in the middle of its run (I have no idea what that is)...the other is smooth as silk, a real joy to use! Sorry, I don't know the brand/supplier; it feels like three different mechanisms, but I suppose it could just be variations in installation(?).
Do these doors need periodic lubrication? If so, how is that done?

 

[Cord]

Is that the sliding barn style door, or something else? I looked at the Johnson and wasn't sure if they include a door or you supply that extra. I will have 2x6 walls but I see they support that dimension.

Yes, this door is in my living room and it used a cheap farm store grade track. The hangers are handrail brackets flipped upside down. There are lots of kits available to do this.

 

[Peter 315]

Johnson 1500HD pocket door frame, Is what the lumber yard I worked at sold the most of.

 

[goeduck]

Yes, this door is in my living room and it used a cheap farm store grade track. The hangers are handrail brackets flipped upside down. There are lots of kits available to do this.

That is nice looking. Good job!