The Nifty Door Solution That's Perfect For Houses With Pets Or Small Children

If you live in a household with pets and small children, you know how nerve-wracking it can be to have an open staircase. There are solutions to prevent stair-related accidents, like gates that close off the top or bottom portion of the stairs, but they are often bulky and can be an eyesore for the space. One clever way to keep your stairs safe is to install a half-pocket door, which essentially means it can "disappear" into the wall. Pocket doors hang on tracks instead of hinges and slide into a cubby instead of swinging open and closed. Choosing one of these doors is a great way to reduce clutter while still focusing on functionality. 

Before diving into a DIY pocket door project for your home, it's important to examine the wall where you plan to install it. These types of doors need to be able to slide inside an internal wall, so you cannot use walls that contain electrical or plumbing components. It's also important to make sure the wall is not load-bearing. It is possible to install a pocket door into a load-bearing wall, but it's not something to handle alone. If you run into this issue, reach out to a structural engineer or contractor for expert assistance.

The steps to install a half-pocket door will vary depending on the type of walls you have in your home. However, there are some general steps that will apply to most projects. You'll need to start by removing any trim work and then cut into the drywall to get to the framing. Adjust the frame size, and add a header to hold the track. Buy a pocket door kit for the hardware and mechanisms you'll need, like the Villar Home Designs Store Soft Close Pocket Door Hardware Frame Kit. Attach the track to the header, then the hangers to the half-door, and slide it into the track.

You'll want to test the overall movement and make sure the door glides smoothly and doesn't stick. Patch up the drywall, slap on the trim, and paint to blend in with the wall. Add a latch to keep it closed when not in use, and you're good to go! The stairs are an underrated place in your home for a pocket door, and it makes a great project because the installation is usually cheaper to DIY. If you're looking for ways to customize the door, consider adding a baby-proof lock for extra security or upgrading it with a DIY makeover using stencils and paint.