How to Install a Pocket Door Over a Staircase

Determine if the wall is a load-bearing wall. This type of wall is typically located near the center of the home and usually runs perpendicular to the floor joists. If the wall is load-bearing, do not proceed with installation of a pocket door; this can compromise the structural integrity of the home.

Measure the door with a measuring tape to ensure that sufficient wall space is available to contain the door.

Cut the drywall covering the wall that will contain the pocket door with a reciprocating saw. Use a sledgehammer to remove the drywall. Remove the drywall nails with the claw end of a hammer.

Add 4 1/2 inches to the height of the pocket door and mark this distance on the exposed wall studs, measuring from the floor up. Cut through the studs at these marks with a circular saw and remove the lower sections of the studs.

Cut a section of 2-by-4-inch lumber equal to the width of the door. Place this section on the bottoms of the cut studs to form a new top plate. Drill pilot holes through the top plate into the bottoms of the studs with a drill, and insert 4-inch wood screws through the pilot holes with an electric screwdriver to secure the top plate to the studs.

Measure the distance between the top and bottom plates. Cut sections of 1/2-by-4-inch lumber to this length with a circular saw. These sections will form the new studs -- you need two sections for each 16 inches of door width.

Stand two studs between the bottom and top plates so there is a 1-inch gap between the studs. Drill pilot holes through the studs into the plates at 45-degree angles and insert 4-inch wood screws to secure the studs to the plates. Add another pair of studs for each 16 inches of door width and another pair at the edge of the doorway.

Place the door track on the top plate through the 1-inch gap between the wall studs. Secure the track on the top plate with wood screws.

Insert the pocket door through the 1-inch gap between the studs. Lift the door to secure it to the track. Open and close the door to make sure it works properly.

Measure drywall sheets to cover the studs. Cut the drywall sheets as necessary with a utility knife, using a metal straightedge as a guide. Install the drywall with 1-inch drywall screws.

Apply drywall tape to the exposed edges of the drywall to form smooth edges. Fill in screw heads and seams with drywall compound. Sand the drywall with a palm sander to smooth out the compound.