How to avoid misaligned door tracks during pocket door installation
Pocket doors are a much-loved option in many modern homes, known for their sleek aesthetic and space-saving capabilities.
However, for your clients to enjoy a long-lasting, seamless system, they must be installed correctly.
One of the most common mistakes people make when installing pocket doors is incorrectly fitting the tracks, which can lead to long-term problems like sticking, jamming, or even the door coming off.
In this blog, our experts at Runners discuss the importance of properly fitted pocket door tracks and reveal our top tips for getting it right first time to achieve a truly professional finish.
Why track alignment matters
The track is responsible for ensuring the pocket door can operate smoothly in and out of its cavity and fits flush when closed.
If the track isn’t properly aligned during installation, your clients are likely to experience a handful of issues like sticking, jamming, and uneven movement, which, over time, cause unnecessary wear on the track, rollers, and even the door itself.
Improper track installation can also undermine the sleek aesthetic that makes pocket doors so appealing, making it so that the door doesn’t sit flush with the wall when closed.
For your clients to reap all the benefits of pocket door systems, you must take extra care when installing the tracks to achieve a durable, attractive finish for your clients and ensure they can protect their investment.
Common causes of misaligned tracks
Several things can cause misaligned pocket door tracks, but some of the most common include:
Inaccurate measurements – Even minor inaccuracies during the measuring process can result in misaligned tracks, so make sure to measure your client’s space meticulously and double-check they’re correct before ordering and installing the system.
Skipping the levelling process – When installing the tracks, it’s important to check them with a spirit level, as failing to do so can result in uneven sliding.
Weak mounting surfaces – Unstable wall frames can shift over time, which can throw the door tracks out of alignment regardless of how well they were installed. To ensure the mounting surface is secure, check that the wall cavity can support not just the track, but the weight of the door to be hung, too.
Incorrect track hardware – Using low-quality or mismatched components can prevent proper alignment and smooth operation.
How to avoid misaligned pocket door tracks
When installing pocket doors for your clients, follow these steps to guarantee the tracks are fitted correctly:
Double-check your measurements – When taking measurements in your client’s home, make sure to ensure accurate measurements for the door and wall cavity, and then confirm them so that you can be sure they’re correct.
Consider factors that can change the fit – Make sure to also account for flooring or wall finishes that may affect the dimensions.
Use a spirit level – A spirit level will help you ensure that the track is perfectly horizontal before you secure it in place, but you should use it throughout the installation process to check that the alignment is correct.
Ensure the track is firmly secured – To secure the track, make sure you’re using the correct fasteners to ensure it’s attached to a stable surface and avoid over-tightening any screws.
Invest in quality hardware – Opting for complete pocket door kits, like the ones we supply here at Runners, is the key to ensuring durability and reliability for your clients. We supply both single and double-door configurations, including the Glide, Evo, and Absolute Evo kits, so you’re guaranteed to find the ideal solution for your client’s space, that lasts for decades to come.
Test before finalising – The final step is the check that the tracks are performing as they should. To do this, slide the door along a few times to ensure a smooth operation before sealing the cavity.
If you’re experiencing problems, or need further guidance throughout the process, you can always get in touch with our friendly, experienced team here at Runners. We’re always here and more than happy to help.
Shop high-quality pocket door hardware at Runners
Whenever you’re looking for high-quality pocket door kits for your professional projects, we’ve got you covered here at Runners and we’re proud to support your success with premium products.
Order everything you need for your next job online today for convenient next-day delivery or get in touch with our friendly team by calling 01280 822 288 or emailing sales@runners-sales.com for expert advice and recommendations.