I am installing a pocket door and I'm wondering what size jambs most people use when finishing the door (2X4 construction, 1 3/8" door width)? Specifically, the 2 jambs for under the under the track, the 2 jambs for either side of the door when it is open, and the full jamb for when the door is closed.

Also, do most people go with pretty basic stuff shapes, or do people get fancy with the milling of the jambs?

Thanks in advance.

 

Don't know what everyone does, but ripping standard jambs to suit is common. Not odd looking that way.

 

Use whatever is used throughout the house. When finished, it should look like any other door in the house. One side will be a standard jamb, the door side, as suggested above, can be a cut down jamb.

 

Standard jamb width with 1/2" drywall on each side of a 2x4 wall is 4 9/16". The split jamb is usually about 1 3/8". Normally these have a 1/16" or 1/8" roundover on the edges.

You can either buy jamb stock or use solid wood.

 

Thanks. I'm finishing a basement, so there are no other doors in place. But, your reply has made me consider how I will handle the other doors, so that everything can work together.



Thanks. Does the door casing get nailed to the split jambs?
Is so, will the rounded edge pose a problem?

 

Yes it gets nailed to the split side jambs. When you install casing the standard is to leave a 3/16 to 1/4" reveal or step around all edges of the jamb. Some guys will not nail the casing to the TOP piece of split jamb, and instead nail the casing high. Then they install the top piece of split jamb last (so that it fits between the sides) and install it using finish screws so that it can be removed someday if you need to remove the door or get to the adjustment nuts.

You do not usually install casing flush with the edge of a jamb.

Also, when you nail the casing and the baseboard over the "pocket" part of the door, be sure to use short nails. Long nails that penetrate too far will either scratch the door when you slide it, or nail the door in the open position.