How to Install Pocket Cabinet Doors in the Kitchen

Cabinet doors are often a focal point in the kitchen. When you are looking to reface your cabinet doors, you should consider using pocket doors. Traditional pocket doors are common in older homes where the door, in two pieces, is hidden on either side of the wall. They are pulled out from both sides and join in the middle. Cabinet doors that are made like pocket doors are made slightly different. Instead of the cabinet doors sliding mysteriously into an alcove, they are opened, pulled front, and then pushed to the sides of the cabinet. Cabinet doors of this type come in various sizes and are not often seen, making them highly popular in homes. The following article will show you how to install pocket cabinet doors in your kitchen.

Remove the Old Cabinet Doors

Open the cabinet doors and locate the hinges. There are two hinges per each door with 2 to 3 screws per hinge. Use your screwdriver to remove all of the screws from the hinges attached to the inside of the cabinet. The door will then easily be removed. If you're going to keep these cabinet doors then remove the hinges from the door. If you purchased pocket hardware and a new door, you don't have to worry about saving the door.

Setting the Track

Pocket cabinet doors use a series of 4 tracks that the doors slide on. Place the bottom tracks first and then the top tracks. Depending on the pocket door hardware you may need to place them away from the cabinet sides. Consult the instructions to make sure otherwise you can place the tracks flush against the inside of the cabinet. The back of the track should be flush against the back of the cabinet. This can also vary depending on the hardware you purchased.

Drill a series of pilot holes through the holes on the track, and affix them in place with the wood screws. If you wish to have a stronger bond, you can apply a small amount of wood glue into the pilot holes. Place all 4 tracks into the cabinet. You can also use single cabinet doors depending on the size of the cabinet.

Cabinet Doors

The cabinet doors open and close smoothly due to the wheels placed on them. Each door will have 2 wheels. Depending on the pocket door hardware, the wheels will be part of a bracket that is fitted along the bottom left corner and top left corner of the door. In a two-door system, they would be placed on the top right and bottom right of the other door.

Slightly tilt the door to rest the wheels on the track. Slide the cabinet doors all the way back and again toward the front to ensure proper movement. The wheels have a lock on them that prevents the doors from being pulled too far.