The Truth About Pocket Doors…

—“Oh, we’ll just put a pocket door here!”—

To contractors, this is an all too familiar statement uttered by many a client. What’s worrying, is how nonchalant these words are said, as though it’s easy to poke a hole in the wall while hiding a door inside it.

Upon researching for this blog, I Googled “How easy is it to install a pocket door?”. Honestly, I was shocked to see so many websites, really reputable websites, say how quick and easy it is. It started to make me wonder, do I have it wrong?

Then I started analyzing why? What aspect of installing pocket doors is so easy? Maybe the actual installation of the door itself IS the easiest part? But that is just 1 of the many moving parts involved in a pocket door installation.

Let’s explore the REALITIES of Pocket Doors in your remodel…

What is a Pocket Door?

Think of a Pocket Door acting like a solid curtain; it separates and closes off spaces, but not like a REAL door that provides added security with locking or privacy from sound, light, noise & odors.

Advantages:

Swing Door vs Pocket Door—this bathroom goes from a half bath to a full bath just by adding a pocket door.

• These are doors that hide inside a wall cavity instead of swinging out from a hinge.

• They are ideal for areas with tight square footage, adding 10 square feet of usable floor space normally covered by an open door.

Disadvantages:

• They don't close as tightly as traditional doors (can’t really be locked securely like a swing door)

• There is often more space under a pocket door. As a result, they are not as effective at stopping noise, odors and light traveling from one room to the next.

• They are more expensive than a regular swing door & more labor intensive.

What materials are used for Pocket Doors?

Some materials, such as solid hardwood, are priced more expensively than others, such as hollow-core. In addition, the cost to install certain doors, like glass French doors, will be more expensive as they are heavier and more delicate.

Where to use them?

• Pocket doors tend to be found in common areas of the home rather than being used as bedroom or entry doors. They use a latch system, instead of a normal doorknob or handle, with a lock which can be a less secure locking system. This is especially true if the doors are vintage.

• Typical common areas for use: Mud rooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, kitchens, laundries, pantries, closest, living rooms, home offices, and studies.

Are pocket doors easy to install?

• Depends. If this a new build or a major rebuild, it will be easier. But this Blog is about installing pocket doors in existing walls, so with remodels it’s a bit trickier.

• Many websites are claiming that a pocket door is quick and easy to install. We find this information is very misleading and unrealistic. Yes, installing the actual pocket door ‘tracks’ in the wall could be relatively quick and easy. But there is a LOT more planning before and work needed after this process.

Planning, pre and post Pocket Door work—

Here are the basic steps that a hired professional will do during installation:

1. Demolition and rewiring of plumbing, electrical, and ductwork to make a space in the wall

2. Frame the opening. If it's in a load-bearing wall, consult a structural engineer to ensure the correct header is installed.

3. Insert new frame and shim

4. Attach hardware

5. Hang door

6. Rebuild exterior wall

7. Complete trim and finish

Why are pocket doors so expensive?

Pocket doors are also more expensive to install because they usually require construction to a home's structure. During new construction (or major rebuild), pocket doors (up to 36 inches) will cost between $500 and $2000. As part of a remodeling project, their cost will be in the $1,500–$3,000 range. These prices reflect both parts and labor. Larger doors, double doors, and French doors will cost more.

Do pocket doors make walls weak?

Existing walls must be thicker than four inches, as a standard pocket door is two inches thick. For a typical 30" pocket door, a wall opening double that size is needed (so a total of 60” of available wall space). This opening is covered up with the wall finish material (e.g. drywall) but because that wall section contains no studs, it will be flimsy and tend to wobble.

Pocket Doors—To DIY or Not?

• DIY kits are available for $60 to $400. However, creating the hollow space in the wall can affect the integrity of your home's structure, electrical and plumbing systems.

• Framing and adding a pocket door framing is not a task for an inexperienced homeowner. If it's in a load-bearing wall, consult a structural engineer to ensure the correct header is installed. This makes it a job best left to professionals.

Summary:

In contrast to what the internet says about pocket doors, they are not as simple as their claims make. They definitely do have their advantages, but they aren’t always the most cost effective solution as they are labor intensive. This is why their cost is so much higher than regular swing doors. If adding them helps add area to an already tight floor plan, then it definitely makes sense. Regardless of your reasons, they can make quite a statement upon entering the room!

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