What is a Pocket Door?

via Raydoor

When it comes to saving space, pocket doors are loved by designers, builders and homeowners alike. Pocket doors are hung from the top and slide along a track that is mounted inside the wall. When open, the door “disappears” into that space inside the wall.

Slab doors, readily available in a variety of styles, are available at home centers, can be used as either pocket doors or swing doors. You can also custom-order a door to suit your needs.

Is a pocket door right for you? Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons.

Pros of a Pocket Door

1. Pocket doors are a great way to save floor and wall space. They are especially handy in small spaces such as Jack-and-Jill bathrooms and small bedrooms where a traditional door would take up valuable space.

Save space with a pocket door, and more space-saving tricks for a master bathroom.

2. Pocket doors disappear when they are open, which results in more available wall space and a cleaner visual aesthetic than you have with a traditional swing door. You can hang pictures or a mirror next to a pocket door frame and you’ll still be able to see it when the door is open. And, in homes with modern decor, open pocket doors disappear, maintaining an uncluttered look.

Cons of a Pocket Door

1. Since pocket doors run on a track, when something goes wrong with the hardware, it can be more difficult to make repairs. To prevent problems, purchase and install the highest-quality hardware you can afford.

Here’s how to fix a sticky or noisy pocket door.

2. Before you decide to install a pocket door, check out the operation of the hardware to make sure you are comfortable with how the door will open and close when installed. People with certain physical limitations may find pocket doors harder to operate than traditional swing doors.

Watch this video to learn how to remove a pocket door and install a new one.

It can be done! Here’s how to make a small bathroom feel big.