To measure for a pocket door, you need to determine the required rough opening width and height based on the size of the door slab you plan to use.
Measuring for a pocket door involves calculating the necessary rough opening dimensions in the wall where the door will slide. This calculation depends directly on the width and height of the door panel itself.
Calculating Rough Opening Dimensions
Based on standard practices, including the method outlined in the provided reference, here's how to calculate the rough opening:
Rough Opening Width
To find the required width for a single pocket door rough opening, you need to account for the door slab and the pocket frame system.
- Calculation: You double the width and add 1” more for the width.
- Formula: (Door Width * 2) + 1" = Rough Opening Width
- Example (from reference): For a 36” wide Single Pocket Door, you double the width (36” + 36” = 72”) and add 1” (72” + 1” = 73”). So your width opening would be 73” wide.
This extra width accommodates the door sliding into the pocket frame, which occupies space equal to the door's width, plus a little extra for clearance and the frame components.
Rough Opening Height
The height calculation includes the door slab's height plus the space needed for the track, hangers, and structural header above the door.
- Calculation: For your door height, you would add your door height plus 4 1/2" inches.
- Formula: Door Height + 4.5" = Rough Opening Height
- Example: If your door height is 80”, the rough opening height would be 80” + 4.5” = 84.5”.
Summary Table
Here’s a quick summary of the calculations based on the reference:
| Measurement | Calculation Formula | Example (for a 36" wide door) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Width | (Door Width * 2) + 1" | (36" * 2) + 1" = 73" |
| Opening Height | Door Height + 4.5" | 80" (Door) + 4.5" = 84.5" |
Note: The example calculation for height uses a standard 80" door height for illustrative purposes, as the reference only provided the width example.
Remember, these measurements provide the rough opening size needed before installing the pocket door frame kit. Always double-check the specific requirements provided with your chosen pocket door hardware kit, as there can be slight variations.
