Understanding Pocket Doors!

Pocket doors are one of my favorite ways of maximizing the space of a room.

When deciding between a typical swing door or a pocket door there's more to consider than one would think though. So let's dive into the details!

Pocket doors consist of the actual door as well as the frame that is hidden inside the wall. The door slides on a track and wheel system mounted at the top.

When retrofitting a pocket door in place of a swing door, you need to keep several things in mind before you begin.

• The wall you plan on using can not have any electric or plumbing inside where the frame needs to go. Of course, you can move these things but the cost will add up.

• When using a pocket door for a bathroom or a kitchen, understand that pocket doors do not seal the same as a swing door in a jamb. Think noise and smells.

• Pocket doors can be tricky to lock.

• Pocket doors can be difficult for kids and the elderly to open and close without a traditional door handle to use.

• Best to use a solid core door for pocket doors. The cost is more but it will be worth it.

• Be sure you consider the flooring when setting the pocket door. Once the door is installed it's more than difficult to adjust the height to clear the flooring.

Structurally, retrofitting a pocket door in place of a swing door will require some major surgery to the wall! The drywall and framing will need to be removed and the header will need to be replaced to extend over the pocket door opening and the interior wall frame section.

So now you have your pocket door installed. Be careful what you hang/install on the wall with the frame inside. On a standard 2x4 wall, you will have only 1/2", the thickness of the drywall, before you reach the 3/4" thick frame cross support. Any nail or screw that extends into the wall past this will scratch the door as it moves in and out of the pocket.

While barn doors are all the rage to separate spaces these days, don't overlook the use of pocket doors in these same spaces. Double pocket doors are much more traditional and may fit better than the more modern barn doors.

Keeping in mind that a swing door takes an average of 10 sq ft of space to operate, you may find several rooms in your home where a pocket door will work to allow you more room during your renovation.