I will be installing a handful of new pocket doors in new construction. Can anyone recommend a particular track kit or one to avoid? The Johnson 1500 kit seems to be OK to me…but I have no experience with these. Planning to hang solid wood 36″ doors.
Any comments/hints would be great!
Thanks much
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Replies
As others have noted in the past, Johnson is probably the most used. I have two of them. They install easily, but your wall on either side of the pocket is pretty soft. If you can live with it's flex, then no problem. Otherwise you might need a fully framed wall on each side.
I'm a DIY amateur so every job is a prototype for me. I put a 5 foot pocket door in my cabin by splicing two Johnson kits to carry a pair of joined 32' flush doors. Even with such complications I found Johnson easy to use. Seven years later they still hang straight and slide smoothly. Not bragging, just pleased.
Johnson also has oversize and heavier weight units available on special order for larger doors or tall ones. There's a trick for wider doors too.
Never had a problem with one and I must've installed at least 50.
Excellence is its own reward!
OK, maybe I have had a problem but it wasn't Johnsons fault that I nailed the door wide open.
Edited 3/28/2002 11:53:13 PM ET by piffin
Cloud, dang, I can't figure out how to just add a post so I'm replying to the most apropos...to stiffen up the walls, plan on a 2 x 6 wall. Throw away the flimsy 3/4" metal clad studs, and use straight 2 x s turned sideways. Hang the track level and cut the door above the carpet...
BB
BS Billy- Good idea on the 2x6 wall. Would help prevent nailing the door open, too!
:o) Ken
Johnson.
OOhhhhh,you doesn't has to call me Johnson....
My name is Raymond J. Johnson Jr.
You can call me Ray.........
:)what the heck was I thinking?
Or you can call me Jay...
Or you can call me R.J. ...........what the heck was I thinking?
Or you can call me R.J.J. .......what the heck was I thinking?
Consider tilting the track slightly, so that the door drops slightly as it closes. Saves wear on the carpet. Of course, you adjust the door so it stays plumb & level in its travels.