Doors and Windows - Interior door

OK, technically, this is not a good do it yourself question, because I don't intend to do it myself, but I wanted to ask if anyone has experience with this.

I want to put a door between my kitchen and living room, right now I just have a door sized opening. Ideally, it would be a sliding door that slides into the wall. I just have regular drywalled walls but on the kitchen side of the wall is my dishwasher. Would this likely cauase a problem? Is it worth having someone come in to take a look?

Thanks,
Kevin

I believe that what you are referring to is a pocket door. In order to install one after a wall has been built will necessitate taking out part of the wall to install the pocket framing, then replacing the sheetrock or other wall surface, and so on.

The challenges with this installation would be moving any plumbing or electrical installation in the wall.

It would be worth having a couple of quotes from reputable craftsmen.

At least you can talk to the contractors while armed with some understanding of what is involved.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the info, I didn't know if part of the wall would have to come down or not. Would a swinging door be an easier proposition? I'm not sure of the dimensions of the doorway, but I'm assuming it's not a standard door size (I'm assuming there is such a thing).

Yes, indeed. A swinging door would not require the demolition of the wall. It would be straightforward to install, if all you have is a door opening without the stops normally involved in a traditional door frame.

Hope this helps.

That pretty much makes the decision for me, thanks.

I just need to measure the opening and figure out how to get the door, which shouldn't be too hard. As you said, there are no door stops or any door hardware at all in the opening.

Measure the width of the opening and add the thickness of the trim to get the rough opening size.
Go to a building supply and buy a pre-hung door to fit.
Choose the swing that you want by putting your back to the wall on the side where you want the hinges. If you want the door to open to the left, get a left hand door, and vice versa for a right hand swinging door.
You will need shim the door frame plumb and level before nailing it to the rough framing.
Good Luck!
Mike