The Ultimate Pocket Door Renovation Guide

A pocket door can be a great way to maximize space and make transitions from one room to the next feel more seamless. While pocket doors have soared in popularity, they don’t work for every space and require more planning than a traditional hinged door. If you’re thinking about adding pocket doors to your home, this guide walks through all the design choices you’ll want to consider so you can plan the perfect space.

Looking for some project inspiration to get started? Check out our design portfolio to see how James Barton Design-Build can transform your home.

What is a Pocket Door?

Pocket doors hang from an overhead track that’s mounted inside the door frame. Instead of swinging open or closed, they slide into a hollow cavity between the drywall. For this reason, you may also hear them called recessed sliding doors. To let the door slide completely out of the way without catching on the frame, the pull handle is also flush with the door.

This style is a Victorian-era invention that remained in fashion until the 1920s, when hinged doors replaced them. They resurfaced in popularity during the 1950s and are now a popular interior design choice once again.

Pocket Doors vs. Hinged Doors

Recessed sliding doors can be a stunning addition to any home style, from traditional to modern. And for historic homes in the Twin Cities metro, they add an air of authenticity. However, they aren’t always the best choice for every room. Comparing pocket doors to standard hinged doors can help you decide what’s best for your space.

Where Can You Install Pocket Doors?

A recessed sliding door can be installed anywhere that the wall structure allows enough room for the full width of the door itself and clearance for the hardware tracks. Non-load-bearing walls, such as partitions between rooms, are the easiest places to install pocket doors. However, a design-build firm can often modify a load-bearing wall so it can support a recessed sliding door. Read our guide to load-bearing wall renovations to learn more about the process.

You can’t install pocket doors on walls that aren’t long enough to let the door fully retract. Keep in mind that doors often have light switches or outlets nearby as well. Rerouting electrical features, plumbing, and ductwork takes careful planning. That’s why it’s best to install pocket doors during a renovation rather than as a one-off project.

Best Locations for Pocket Doors

If you’re planning a larger renovation project, it’s the perfect time to think about the layout and function of your space as a whole. Recessed sliding doors can be the perfect choice for many areas in your home, such as:

• Closets. Hallway and bedroom closets are often placed in locations that are tight to begin with. With a pocket closet door, you don’t have to worry about the door blocking the flow of traffic or bumping into furniture.
• Bathrooms. A bathroom pocket door can help prevent collisions with vanities or glass shower enclosures. However, keep in mind that sliding doors can feel less private. They are best suited for en-suites or primary bathrooms.
• Home offices. Make your office feel more private during working hours while connecting the space seamlessly to your living room to maintain open sightlines.
• Laundry rooms. Pocket doors keep your laundry appliances freely accessible while blocking off noise while they’re running.
• Pantries. A recessed door lets you prepare for meals without bumping into doors or disrupting the flow of traffic.

Choosing the Best Door Material

When designing a space with recessed doors, you also want to think about the material the door is made from. This impacts the overall look and feel, but it also can affect how much sound and light gets through.

• Glass doors are ideal for home offices, dining rooms, or pantries where you may want to see through the door rather than making a completely closed space. Reeded, frosted, or fluted glass offers more privacy and diffuses light more, while clear glass separates spaces without blocking light when the door is closed.
• Wooden pocket doors are better for controlling sound, light, and privacy. While solid hardwood might seem like the best option for luxury doors, keep in mind that it can warp if the humidity level between the wall cavities is inconsistent. Most high-end pocket doors are actually made with an engineered wood or MDF core with a wood veneer that withstands humidity changes better.

Create Your Dream Home with James Barton Design-Build

Your doors might be a small part of your home, but they can have a major impact on how you use and enjoy your space. If you want to see how your home would look with pocket doors, our designers help talk you through the advantages and considerations of different options, so you feel educated and confident about your decisions.

Our goal is to create a home you and your family love, from the overall aesthetic down to the very last detail. Check out our project portfolio to see what’s possible, and then let’s get started on your dreams!