How to Trim a Pocket Door Jamb

The final touch to installing a pocket door is to attach and trim the door jambs. Trimming the jambs for a pocket door is a much different process than for a regular door. This project requires jambs on both sides of the inside pocket; as well as on the door frame for a professionally finished appearance. Take your time and you will have a perfectly finished pocket door.

Step 1 - Measure the Pocket Side Jambs

Measure the height on both sides of the pocket side jamb. Cut a 1x4 inch board to this measurement. Use a circular saw for this cut. Now, measure the pocket door frame from the edge of the pocket to the edge of the wall. Generally 1x¼-inches but it is best to measure for accuracy.

Step 2 - Cut the Pocket Side Jambs

You are going to rip or cut lengthwise the pocket side jambs. You will need to use the rip blade with the circular saw for this cut. You will be cutting with the grain. The rip blade gives you a clean cut and helps avoid splitting the board.

Step 3 - Attach the Pocket Side Jambs

Take the cut piece and line it up with the inside of the pocket door frame. Make sure it lines up flush. Secure it with screws. It is wise to drill pilot holes for the screws throughout this project, thus avoiding splitting the wood.

Step 4 - Measure the Header

At the top of the pocket door frame, measure the length on each side. Measure the width from the wall to the edge of the pocket door frame.

Step 5 - Cut the Header

Cut a 1x4 inch board then rip to the measurements with the circular saw and rip blade.

Step 6 - Attach the Header

Use wood screws and a screwdriver to attach the jambs to the header on both sides of the pocket door frame.

Step 7 - Measure the Solid Jambs

Measure the height of the solid side of the pocket door frame. Measure one side of the opening from the drywall edge to the opposite edge of the drywall on the other side of the opening.

Step 8 – Cut and Attach the Solid Jamb

Using the height measurement for the solid jamb cut the 1x4 inch board with the circular saw. Using the measurement of the opening; rip the cut board. Attach the solid jamb to the pocket door frame.

Your pocket door is now ready to install the casing. You may want to glue the trim or use very short screws for this finish. You don’t want to scratch those new pocket doors. If you are installing the pocket doors on unfinished floors, you may find it necessary to use a jamb saw to trim the bottom of the installed jambs prior to laying the flooring.