Pocket Doors

Pocket doors happen to be one of the top ten most overlooked items when many architects and builders plan a home. It’s actually unfortunate because pocket doors are wonderful for many reasons. You can pick up an average of ten square feet of floor space when you use a pocket door instead of a traditional hinged swinging door. Also, modern high-quality pocket door hardware and frames allow these doors to remain trouble free for the life of the home.

During installation, pocket doors need special considerations because they operate much differently than other door styles. The pocket must be deep enough for the door to be pushed all the way in and nothing else can go into the wall where the pocket is. This means no wiring, outlets, switches, or plumbing. Unfortunately, due to special requirements, pocket doors may not be possible even when it otherwise makes the most sense.

If the design of your home presents a space where a hinged door would be in the way when left open, it should be considered for a pocket door. Walk-in closets, the door into the toilet/bath area of a bathroom, and walk-in pantries are all great places for pocket doors. Additionally, hinged doors used between rooms and kitchens should be replaced with pocket doors because hinged doors take up valuable wall space if swung into the dining room. They also block counters if swung into the kitchen and they interfere with refrigerators.

In certain cases, a homeowner will evaluate their floor plan and find great places to replace hinged doors with pocket doors. However, frequently they run into problems when the wall they want to put the pocket door contains a light switch, an outlet, or water pipes (like to a shower head). Special rearranging may need to be made in order to use the pocket door. For example, you may need to put the shower head at the other end of the shower or move the light switch to the other side of the doorway. But believe me, if you can eliminate an inappropriate hinged door, it will definitely be worth it in the end.

For the best results and years of a trouble-free life, be sure to get the absolute best pocket door frames. Try to purchase ones that have metal wrapped studs that will not warp. Furthermore, be sure the rough opening is square and plumb and the top of the rough opening is absolutely level. This will make certain that the pocket doors glide smoothly in and out of the pockets and that the doors will meet perfectly when they are closed.

Looking For More Information On Doors?

Replacing your home's doors is a great investment. You'll want to make sure you are choosing the right doors for your house and your budget. We offer Free Door Price Quotes from local, prescreened replacement door contractors.