Reddit reviews Johnson Hardware 153068PF 153068 Commercial Grade Pocket Door Frame (36" x 80"), Wood

yes, the typical pocket door kit is just the rollers and half-studs and you're expected to use a standard door slab.

I've used THIS kit myself. You have to open up the wall and cut out the old studs to make room to use the metal half thick studs, but it was actually pretty easy and very high quality rollers.

Your biggest problem is going to be the existing door knob hole. That's a big hole in the face you'll have to do something with. If you're painting, no big deal. but if you're staining and showing the grain that's a different problem

I'm not exactly sure on what type of estimates you'll see. I feel like $1k-2k seems about right for everything. But I recommend to get a few, don't feel like you're wasting anyone's time. You have to look out for yourself, and the contractors are trying to win your business. If you decide it's not going to work out for any reason don't feel obligated to hire anyone.

But as far as installation goes, I recommend doing a little research so that you know what it entails. Giving you more negotiation power with your contractors and also making sure they don't underbid the job.

http://www.amazon.com/Johnson-Prod-153068PF-Pocket-Frame/dp/B0002BEPEO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414581820&sr=8-1&keywords=johnson+hardware+pocket+door You can find this at any hardware store. The installer will also need to buy wood for framing, jambs, trim, drywall, mud and tape.

You can re-use your current doors if you like them, you just need to get new knob hardware, and may need to fill in where the hinges were.

To measure if you have enough room for the pocket door you need to measure the length of the door. Multiply by 2. Then add 1 inch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy1vuz1_hgo This video will give you more info on installation.