How to Measure for a Pocket Door

How to Measure for a Pocket Door

How to Measure for a Pocket Door

We manufacture Hartford Building Products (HBP) Pocket Door Frame Kits for:

  • 2x4 wall construction

  • 2x6 wall construction


Before You Measure

Check the wall area where you plan to install the pocket door:

  • The wall must be clear at the opening and inside the pocket area

  • Make sure there are no obstructions, such as:

    • Electrical wiring

    • Plumbing pipes

    • HVAC ducts or returns

If any of these are present, they will need to be relocated before installation.


Rough Opening Measurements

Single Pocket Doors

  1. Determine your door width

  2. Double the width and add 1 inch

Formula:

  • (Door Width × 2) + 1"

Example:

  • 36" door → (36 + 36) + 1 = 73" rough opening width


Double Pocket Doors

  1. Determine the width of each door

  2. Double each door width, then add them together

Formula:

  • (Door Width × 2) × 2

Example:

  • Two 36" doors →
    (36 × 2 = 72") × 2 = 144" rough opening width

  • Doors meet in the center using a converging door kit (included with double kits)


Door Height

Add 4 1/2" to your door height.

Example:

  • 80" door + 4 1/2" = 84 1/2" rough opening height


Ordering Your Frame Kit

Always order based on your actual door size, not the rough opening.

Example:

  • Door Size: 36" × 80"
    → Order a 36" × 80" Pocket Door Frame Kit


Key Tip

A pocket door can be any size, as long as:

  • You have the correct rough opening, and The wall cavity is clear and unobstructed   

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