Pocket Doors - Pros & Cons for Your House

What are pocket doors and how can they help you save space in your home? The answer to these questions will be of interest to any homeowner who wishes to make the most out of every inch of their living space.

A hinged door is the go-to option for most. However, pocket doors—or cavity sliders—offer a classy, modern, and practical solution for homes of all shapes and sizes. All this, and without sacrificing style!

What Are Pocket Doors?

Pocket doors are sliding doors that open and close along a track and disappear into a cavity in the wall. This frees up the space usually reserved on either side of a regular hinged door for opening and closing the door. Many homeowners with limited space choose modern interior doors like pocket doors to optimize their floor space.

Pocket doors come in either a single or double format. Opening a single pocket door will be a question of gliding the door from left to right, while you open double pocket doors like curtains. Remember that double pocket doors require a wall cavity on either side of the doorway and will need space equivalent to the width of each door to open them fully.

Pros and Cons of Pocket Doors

If you're looking for a sliding door, a pocket door can be a great solution for your home. However, there are some factors to take into account before purchasing.

What Are the Advantages of Pocket Doors?

The main advantages of pocket doors are their ability to save space, greater accessibility, and their modern aesthetic.

Saving Space

The main advantage pocket doors offer is increased space in the home. Standard swinging doors require clearance space that can't be utilized for anything else. This isn’t the case with pocket doors.

Pocket doors also free up wall space. You can hang artwork or mirrors adjacent to a pocket door frame and still see it when the door is open. Alternatively, more wall space can be used for storage or shelving.

Accessibility

Sliding doors are generally easier for wheelchair users to use than hinged doors. Negotiating a regular swinging door can be difficult for wheelchair users as it requires several back-and-forth movements. Pocket doors eliminate this difficulty by allowing for easy access between rooms.

Aesthetics

Pocket doors are elegant and streamlined and fit in with contemporary home designs. This is especially true of elegant French pocket doors that come with chic glass panels to let natural light flow into the room.

What Are the Disadvantages of Pocket Doors?

The main disadvantage of pocket doors is that they don't close as tightly as traditional, hinged doors. This means that noise, odors, and light can travel more easily from one room to another.

Installing a pocket door may also affect the sturdiness of your wall. A pocket door requires a door opening that is covered with drywall and doesn't contain the studs that usually stabilize and strengthen the walls. Choosing a reliable company to install your pocket doors is the best way to ensure a sturdy long-term result.

Pocket Door Styles

Pocket doors come in a wide range of shapes and sizes to suit your needs. Consider the following options when shopping for a pocket door:

French Pocket Doors

A French door like the Avanti 5 Lite typically features glass panels extending down most of its length. French doors are favored as a classy option to let light flow throughout the house. French doors vary in style with a range of possible configurations and different numbers of glass panels.

French doors typically come in a pair. Opting for French double pocket doors is a chic way to maximize natural light in your home. Alternatively, a single French pocket door is a more discreet but equally stylish option.

Flush Pocket Doors

Many homeowners choose pocket doors because they're a clean solution for minimalist homes. Flush doors such as the Arvika are simple in their design, without panels or glass. This means they're particularly appealing to people seeking discreet, contemporary options.

Flush pocket doors could also be a great choice for bathrooms or bedrooms where more privacy and soundproofing are needed.

Double Pocket Door

Installing a double pocket door like the Avon 07 4R Veralinga Oak can make an irresistible design statement in your home. Double pocket doors can be used to link two rooms, for example, the living and dining rooms. Open double pocket doors free up a large space for family gatherings and, when closed, create a cozy, intimate space.

Double pocket doors require a significant amount of wall space. This could be part of the reason why single pocket doors were more popular than double pocket doors in 2020. However, the dramatic impact of double pocket doors makes them a stunning addition to larger homes or offices.

Pocket Door Sizes

Pocket doors come in a range of sizes to fit different-sized door openings.

Standard Pocket Door Sizes

The standard pocket door sizes are the following (width x height):

• 30” x 80”
• 30” x 96”
• 32” x 80”
• 32” x 96”
• 36” x 80”
• 36” x 96”

Custom Pocket Door Sizes

We also offer custom-made pocket doors. Choose from the following widths and heights:

Width: 18", 24", 25", 30", 32", 36" Height: 80", 84", 92", 96"

Choose the Right Pocket Door Size

Ask for professional help if you're unsure which size pocket door to order. Take into account:

• The available wall space
• The extra height needed for the overhead track
• How thick the finished wall will be: Your finished wall will include two layers of drywall, the pocket door frame, the door itself, and some leeway to ensure the door runs smoothly.

Choose Pocket Doors for Space Savings, Style, and Convenience

Many homeowners choose sliding pocket doors for practical purposes. However, pocket doors also offer style, convenience, and a modern touch to homes ranging from small, city apartments to spacious country farmhouses.

As the use of our homes—and the space available—constantly evolves, homeowners are searching for dynamic solutions. Pocket door installation is a great way to adapt your home to your needs and free up valuable space.