Are Pocket Doors Worth It? Pros and Cons Explained
Pocket doors save floor space. A standard 36” swing door requires about 10 square feet of floor space to open and close. It also uses up 20 square feet of wall space when standing open. Pocket doors use none of that space but they are not perfect. Consider all of the pros and cons before deciding to install one.
Pocket doors are great for saving space and improving flow in compact or modern layouts. Here’s what makes them appealing:
| Advantage | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Saves Space | No swing radius; maximizes usable floor area |
| Wider Openings | Allows full-width clearance for access or furniture |
| Enhanced Aesthetics | Clean look, blends rooms when open |
| Design Flexibility | Works with many door styles, including glass |
| Good for Small Rooms | Ideal for bathrooms, closets, or tight layouts |
Despite their appeal, pocket doors come with maintenance and performance concerns you should know:
| Disadvantage | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Poor Sealing | Gaps let sound, light, and smells pass through |
| Harder to Repair | Track is inside the wall; drywall must be removed |
| Noisy Operation | Rollers can rumble or bang with age |
| Not Easy for Everyone | Hardware can be hard to use for arthritic hands |
| Challenging to Retrofit | May require wall demo, rerouting utilities |
| Costly Installation | High-end or contractor-installed systems are pricey |
Pocket doors can be an excellent solution for tight spaces and modern layouts, but they come with trade-offs in privacy, durability, and maintenance. They work best when planned during construction or major renovations.
Choose quality hardware and plan for long-term accessibility if they’ll be used frequently.
Considering a pocket door for your next remodel? Speak with a contractor to see if it’s the right fit for your space and lifestyle need