Basic framing question

[GaryM]

"The doors have the recessed ball bearings on top that engage "striker plates" in the top of the door frame. "

I believe they are called "bullet catches".

Here's one example: PRIME LINE / SLIDE CO: U9132 BRS LGE BALL CATCH W/STR - SHOP.COM

Similar to Pat we have some on closet doors along with dummy handles.

 

[patrick_g]

"The doors have the recessed ball bearings on top that engage "striker plates" in the top of the door frame. "


I really like this idea and will look for doors with this feature, the way the area is set up it doesn't need a security latch. My plan is an inexpensive door from the local lumberyard, so won't have the option of a custom door maker.

I'm not sure you can buy doors with that feature. You just install those BULLET (Thanks Gary!) catches on the door and frames. Dead simple installation, easier than regular door knobs. They are easily adjustable as to how much force it takes to open/close.

You don't have to special order EXPENSIVE CUSTOM doors to do this. Solid core doors only cost a few bucks more than hollow core and can be cut down to the size you want.

Lowe's or Home Depot or wherever can probably order whatever width you want. There isn't much charge if any for getting the size you want. If you prefer hollow core (I don't) you can get them through the big box store to your size.

One of the down sides to solid core doors is that spring loaded self closing hinges have a harder time accelerating the much more massive solid core doors sufficiently to latch the door, even if you add more than one spring loaded hinge.

If for example you wanted a 5 ft door(maybe you don't have room to conveniently use a 6 ft door or it takes up too much space and interferes with room layout or...), you could make it from a 3-0 twinned with a 2-0 and take your pick on which one you normally use.

Pat