A Complete Guide to Pocket Doors

Whatever kind of home you live in – whether it is a large house or a small apartment – you want to make the most of the space that you have available. You can do this through the furniture you use, how you lay out the rooms, or a deep understanding of Feng Shui. Alternatively, you could consider how the doors you use take up space in your home. On average, pocket doors can help increase your available floor space by 8%.

What is a pocket door?

A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears into a cavity in the wall. This essentially removes the main issue of a hinged door which is that it takes up floor space when opening into a room or hallway. Pocket doors come in both single or double format, double pocket doors require that you have a wall cavity on each side.

Can I use an existing door as a pocket door?

In theory, any door can be a pocket door. A pocket door is more of a means of hanging and moving a door than it is a specific type of door. If the dimensions are right, then any door can be fitted into a pocket door frame kit.

However, there are certain issues to consider. A door that has previously been hung in a traditional, swinging manner might have cut outs for handles and hinges. Without needing these fittings, the door may not look attractive on a pocket door frame. You should also take into account weight – traditional doors are often heavier than pocket doors.

Do I need special walls?

Different homes have different types of walls. Older homes may have solid walls that do not permit the use of a pocket door without additional work. Homes with drywall or other hollow wall systems might also not necessarily be suitable for a pocket door. If you do not have enough room, you may need to fit a false wall to contain the pocket. Check out our handy sizing guide to better understand how much room you need to fit a pocket door kit.

Can I install one myself?

It is perfectly possible to carry out a pocket door installation yourself. It is certainly a more in-depth process than hanging traditional swinging doors. However, if you have some skill in home improvements, it should not be beyond you.

Our pocket door frames all come with simple and straightforward instructions on how to fit them, including a step-by-step guide. If you still find you need a little more support, you can always follow one of our video tutorials, which will guide you through the process. Here’s an example below of how to install our most popular pocket door kit:

All videos from ECLISSE International on installation can be found here on their Assembly Instruction videos playlist.

What rooms or spaces are pocket doors best used in?

There are so many options when it comes to pocket doors, they can be used in such a variety of ways, particularly given the range of accessories that be used along side them. Many people are first attracted to pocket doors as a solution to space problems or because they want a minimalist style home, some of the best uses in the home can be:

• Ensuite bathrooms: Locking handles mean you can save space in those smaller rooms whilst also maintaining privacy.
• Opening up between the kitchen, dining area & lounge: ECLISSE double pocket door frames help create the illusion of open plan living without the hassle of taking down all the walls.
• Home offices: ECLISSE acoustic doors proves particularly useful here.

What size pocket door frame do I need?

When choosing sliding pocket door systems, one of the main things you’ll need to know is the size of kit that you require. Our size guide outlines the 3 main things to ask yourself when choosing the right size pocket door systems:

What space is available for my door?

Start by measuring the rough opening, the pocket door frame must be able to fit within this. We suggest that you you measure from the finished floor level as this is where you door will sit once installed.

Which pocket door frame kit best matches my measurement?

Visit the relevant product page on Pocket Door Superstore site to identify the best size for your kit. The sizing table which will allow you to view all available options & determine the best pocket door for your space. The frame kit size should be the same as the door panel size being used.

Will I require a wider passage width?

If you find you need a larger passage for your door than the pocket can provide, it may be worth reviewing a few alternative options to consider. Things such as the direction of the door or changing to different systems, such as telescopic, may allow you to find a better solution for your room.

What does a pocket door kit include?

Each kit includes everything that you need to set up a pocket door in your home. This includes:

• A hardwearing steel frames
• A runner kit that has been tested to last 100,000 cycles
• Our removable track and maintenance-free runners

We have a wide range of pocket door frame kits to fit many types of doors and rooms. Check out our full range of sliding pocket doors here.