A pocket door is a wonderful option that provides unique solutions and a unique flair to any room where they are installed. This style of door can add an element of rustic charm all while saving space and providing a discreet door option. While they are a little more challenging to install than a regular door, you may find that the extra work is well worth the effort.
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What is a Pocket Door?
While it may sound like a pocket door is a particular type of door slab, the differentiating factor is actually how it is hung and how it moves. The door itself is normally a regular door. This type of door works well for spaces that either have little or no room for the swing of a normal door, forcing the homeowner to come up with a custom solution. What can you do when you don’t have enough space to swing a door? Put the door in the wall and make it move in line with the wall, of course!
How Does a Pocket Door Work?
According to Maria from Doors Galore “Pocket doors come with a specialty doorframe kit that needs to be set into the wall directly beside the door opening. The frame kit allows the door leaf to slide in and out of a pocket installed into the adjacent wall, essentially hiding the door leaf when it is not in use.”
The Pros and Cons of Pocket Doors
Even though there are many benefits of a pocket door, there are inevitably a few downsides as well. What are the pros and cons of pocket doors?
Pros
- They are an amazing space saver and can help change the way a space can be utilized (particularly in smaller spaces) by removing the need for a swinging door.
- Pocket doors can be used to change the aesthetics of the room and can be made to look everything from rustic to modern and minimalist.
- Using glazing in a pocket door can create a division in a given space while still letting light in from the other side.
- A door that slides into the adjacent wall can give you an open-concept feel while still providing the privacy and comfort of a door when you want it.
Cons
- Installing pocket doors is significantly more work than hanging a regular swinging door.
- Pocket door frame kits are more expensive than regular hardware kits for normal slab doors.
- Pocket doors are much more prone to light and sound transfer as they are typically not as well sealed as normal swing doors. This means that smells also transfer more easily with a pocket door.
- Accessibility can be an issue for those that have reduced or limited use of their hands.
Installing and Maintaining Your Pocket Doors
Installation of a pocket door is trickier than installing a normal door in a regular frame. For anyone that has experience doing home renovation work, the installation should be straightforward but for those that don’t know their way around a hammer, getting some help would be recommended.
- Measure everything properly before shopping for a door frame kit.
- Find the right type of pocket door frame kit. There are many different options and sizes available so be sure to choose the proper door frame size for the job.
- Remove the old door.
- Remove the drywall where you will be installing the pocket door.
- Cut studs necessary to fit in the new door frame.
- Install a new header.
- Install the slider kit and door track.
- Repair drywall and install latch hardware and new door trim.
Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions and be sure when you are cutting studs that you are aware of what is structural and what can be removed.
Tags: Ultimate Guide to Pocket Doors
