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Build an Interior Wall with Pocket Doors

Learn how to divide a room by building an interior wall. Try more half-day projects with host Steve Watson from Don't Sweat It!

Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-106 -- More Projects »
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Before: One Large Space
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After: Two Unique Rooms
Materials:

2x4s
1x2s
drywall
45-minute joint compound
2 pocket doors
two 36" pocket door hardware sets
1-1/4" drywall screws
wood glue
molding to match existing base and crown molding
primer
paint
220-grit sandpaper
drywall tape

Tools:

electric miter saw
hammer and nails or nail gun
cordless drill
measuring tape
straightedge
taping knife
mud knife
level
utility knife

Tips:

• Be careful when nailing up trim and drywall. If the nails are too long, you’ll nail the pocket doors open within the wall.
• Pocket doors are a huge space-saver.

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Figure A
Steps:

1. Cut and remove crown and base molding where you want to build the dividing wall (figure A). Be careful not to damage the wall.

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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
2. Glue and screw together the 2x4s to build a pony wall (a smaller, non-load-bearing wall) to hang the track for the pocket doors (figure B). Attach to the ceiling by screwing through frame into the ceiling joists (figure C). Make sure frame is level (figure D).
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Figure E
3. Install a bottom plate by nailing a 2x4 to the floor, making sure to keep the bottom plate and the pony wall at the top level with each other.
4. Finish framing the wall for drywall by nailing the 1x2s nine inches apart to the pony wall at the top and the bottom plate on the floor (figure E).
5. Install the door track, according to manufacturer's instructions, by screwing up through the track into the pony wall.
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Figure F
6. Measure and cut drywall to size and attach to the studs with 1-1/4-inch screws (figure F).
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Figure G
7. Apply thin layer of joint compound (mud) (figure G). Press tape into mud and cover with another layer of compound. Cover screw heads with compound to fill depressions. Spread a second layer of mud to joints, feathering out to minimize seams. Let dry and then sand mudded area smooth.
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Figure H
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Figure I
8. Prime and paint pocket doors as desired; let dry. Attach wheels to the top of the doors (figure H) and hang onto tracks (figure I).
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Figure J
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Figure K
9. Cut the crown, base and door molding to fit using the miter saw. Attach with nail gun (figure J and K).
10. Prime and paint wall as desired.

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Also in this Episode
Don't Sweat It : Episode HDSWT-106
•Outdoor Pond Installation
•Build an Interior Wall with Pocket Doors
•Installing Outdoor Lighting
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