What Is a Pocket Door and How Does It Work?

There are many unique features you can add to your home that are both stylish and functional, and of all the types of doors, pocket doors definitely fit the bill for this. If you’ve been thinking of installing a pocket door in your home, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about them— from how they work to their many iterations.

What Is a Pocket Door?

A pocket door is a type of sliding door that disappears into an opening in the adjacent wall when it is fully opened. Pocket doors are hung from the top of the door frame and can either slide along a track on the floor or be suspended from an overhead track.

Pocket doors might be used for design purposes, but they also prove to be very functional. Many people install them where there isn’t room for a hinged or swinging door, but they still require a door for the room. In this way, when you compare pocket doors vs. barn doors, they’re similar. 

However, while barn doors slide along the wall, pocket doors slide into the wall. Often, pocket doors are used in smaller rooms, such as laundry rooms, small bedrooms, or home offices. Knowing which room you want to install a pocket door in and what specific type—whether a single or double door—will inform how to install a pocket door. 

Types of Pocket Doors

There are a few different types of pocket doors. The type that’s best for your home will depend on your preferred style and the use of the pocket door. Here are some of the main types of pocket doors you can choose from:

Solid Doors

Solid pocket doors are the most common type of pocket door. Solid pocket doors are fitted for a standard 36-inch-wide opening, and are essentially solid panels that match this width and slide on a track into the wall. You’ll likely find solid pocket doors in standard small rooms that would benefit from a space-saving opening.

Double Doors

When it comes to double doors, it’s right there in the name. They are pocket doors with a door on each side that come together. Double pocket doors are best for wider entryways, like those that may lead into a dining room. Because double pocket doors require two pockets—one on each side— it’s best to install these where there is plenty of free wall space on each side.  

French Doors

French pocket doors are, in a sense, a combination of both double doors and solid doors. Like double doors, they have two doors and require two wall pockets, but rather than being used in wider entryways, they are suited for the standard 36-inch wide opening. French doors can be installed with solid panels but are most commonly designed with glass panes.

Pros of Pocket Doors

Much like any addition to a home, pocket doors come with pros and cons of their own. If the cons outweigh the pros, you may want to consider pocket door alternatives for your home.

• They save useful floor space by omitting the space a traditional door needs to swing open.

• They add to your home’s visual appeal with their unique look.

• They’re customizable, so you can choose a type and design that brings out your home’s style.

Cons of Pocket Doors 

Pocket doors, deeply appreciated for their space-saving capabilities, come with several drawbacks, primarily due to their complexity.

• Accessing hardware for replacement or repair can be difficult due to the hardware being installed inside the wall. 

• Locking a pocket door can be difficult, as they sit on a track and can be hard to manipulate if attempting to fully lock them.

• The doors themselves, along with installation and maintenance, typically cost more than standard doors.

Are Pocket Doors Worth the Cost?

The average cost to install a pocket door ranges between $500 to $3,500 depending on the size and complexity of the project, with the national average coming in around $1,000.

Whether this project is worth it for you and your home will depend on the functionality of a pocket door. If adding a pocket door is going to save valuable space and section off a room that needs it, it might be worth the price tag. On the other hand, if you’re satisfied with a swinging door, you could leave it at that.

A professional contractor could help you determine if a pocket door is the right choice for your home. 

Cost to Install a Pocket Door

Installing a pocket door costs around $1,050, but the costs can range between $500 and $4,250. What you will pay depends on your location, whether you’re fitting one into an existing space, and if the pocket door is a new installation that requires construction. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

When considering whether to handle this project yourself or hire a professional for a pocket door installation, gauge your comfort level with home projects. A pocket door installation can be manageable if you are an experienced DIYer with construction experience and the right tools. 

However, this is still a challenging project involving working within the wall, making hiring a professional door installer a better option for most homeowners. The pro will handle everything, from ensuring the door slides smoothly to making sure it's perfectly aligned and secure. Even better, they can tackle any unexpected issues that might pop up, possibly saving you a lot of money from a bad DIY installation.

Em Norton contributed to this piece.