Sliding interior doors are a space-saving, modern alternative to traditional hinged doors, making them ideal for small rooms, closets, or open-concept homes. Proper installation is key to ensuring they operate smoothly, securely, and safely—whether you’re installing a pocket door (slides into the wall) or a barn door (slides on a track above the doorway). Following a step-by-step approach will help you avoid common mistakes and achieve a professional-looking result.

First, prepare the installation area and gather the necessary tools and materials. For pocket doors, you’ll need a pocket door kit (which includes the track, hardware, and door slab), a stud finder, a level, a drill, a saw (circular or jigsaw), a tape measure, a pencil, and shims. For barn doors, you’ll need a barn door kit (track, hardware, door slab), a drill, a level, a tape measure, a pencil, and a stud finder. Before starting, ensure the doorway is properly framed: for pocket doors, the wall must have a cavity (typically 2x4 or 2x6 framing) to accommodate the door when it’s open; for barn doors, the header above the doorway must be strong enough to support the track and door (use a stud finder to locate wall studs, as the track will need to be anchored to them).

For pocket door installation: Start by removing the existing door (if replacing) and any trim around the doorway. Use a stud finder to mark the wall studs and the center of the doorway. Install the pocket door frame (from the kit) into the wall cavity, ensuring it’s level and aligned with the doorway. Secure the frame to the wall studs using screws, making sure it’s stable. Next, attach the track to the top of the pocket door frame, following the manufacturer’s instructions—ensure the track is level, as an unlevel track will cause the door to stick or slide unevenly. Install the door hangers (from the kit) onto the top of the door slab, then hang the door on the track to test its movement. Adjust the hangers as needed to ensure the door slides smoothly into the pocket. Finally, install the door guides (at the bottom of the doorway) to keep the door aligned, and replace the trim around the doorway to conceal the pocket frame.

For barn door installation: Begin by measuring the doorway to determine the length of the track— the track should be twice the width of the door to allow the door to fully slide open. Use a stud finder to mark the wall studs above the doorway, as the track will need to be anchored to them (if studs are not aligned with the track, use toggle bolts to secure the track to the wall). Hold the track against the wall, align it with the doorway, and use a level to ensure it’s horizontal. Mark the screw holes on the wall, then drill pilot holes and attach the track to the wall using the screws provided in the kit. Install the door hangers onto the top of the barn door slab, ensuring they are evenly spaced and aligned with the track. Lift the door onto the track, then install the stops (at the ends of the track) to prevent the door from sliding off. Add the door pull (on both sides of the door) for easy operation, and install a floor guide (at the bottom of the doorway) to keep the door from swinging.

After installation, test the door to ensure it slides smoothly without sticking or rubbing. For pocket doors, check that the door fully retracts into the wall and closes securely. For barn doors, ensure the door aligns with the doorway when closed and doesn’t sag or wobble. Make any necessary adjustments—such as tightening screws, adjusting hangers, or trimming the door (if it’s too long)—to improve performance. With proper installation, sliding interior doors will provide years of reliable use, saving space and enhancing the modern aesthetic of your home.