What is a Pocket Door?
By Stefan Gheorghe
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Stefan Gheorghe Founder/CEO
Stefan Gheorghe is the founder and CEO of Homedit.com. In 2008, he launched the platform out of his passion for interior design and home decoration.
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Reviewed by Katie Barton
Katie Barton Senior Editor
Katie Barton is a freelance writer with expertise in home improvement. For as long as she can remember, she's had a passion for making homes beautiful. She specializes in cleaning, organizing, and home improvement projects, bringing her knowledge and creativity to every article she writes.
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A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears into a wall cavity, called a pocket, when opened. It operates on a track, usually mounted overhead, and lacks hinges.
Key Features:
- Slides into the wall instead of swinging open
- Frees up floor space
- Requires a wall cavity wide enough to accommodate the door
- Can be single or double panel
Installation Basics:
- Needs a specialized frame inside the wall
- Typically involves removing drywall and modifying wall studs
- Most suited for new construction or major remodeling
Advantages
Pocket doors save floor space by sliding into the wall instead of swinging open. They are ideal for small rooms or layouts where door clearance is limited. Their hidden design also provides a clean, unobtrusive look when the door is open.
Disadvantages
Because the door slides into the wall, installation is more complex and usually requires structural changes. Maintenance can be difficult since the track and hardware are concealed. Pocket doors also don’t seal as tightly as traditional doors, which may reduce sound privacy.