Quick guide to pocket doors
Anamika Talwaria outlines what you need to know about installing this space-saving solution
Find out how this popular product can transform your space with Anamika Talwaria’s handy advice
Pocket doors are a great alternative to regular doors – they slide into walls so that you can maximise space in your home, and are ideal for tight and open-plan zones alike. Getting this element right depends on what goes on behind the plasterboard, so here’s what you need to know.
What is a pocket door?
The opening mechanism is what differentiates a pocket door from its standard counterpart. Rather than swinging on a hinge, pocket versions slide into a hole in the wall – disappearing from view when totally open. Standard door leafs are normally combined with these systems, so even if you’re opting for a mixture of regular and sliding designs, you can keep the same style throughout.
You need to plan pocket doors into your project early on. Instead of putting in a normal stud wall, you’ll require a cavity which is filled with a galvanised steel or aluminium pocket for the door to disappear into. So, your trades will have to factor this in on site when constructing the internal walls. Retrofit options are available and involve an extra ‘layer’ of wall being built to create the void for the door to slot into, but this will gobble up useful floor area.
Benefits of a hidden system
Pocket doors are a fantastic solution when space is at a premium. Because they slip into the walls, you’re not limited by the arc of a hinged door, freeing up the floorplan for additional furniture and making access easier. They can work brilliantly for compact zones like ensuites and utilities.
Pocket doors can also offer an attractive flush design option, where they appear to form part of the wall, without an architrave. This works particularly well for contemporary or minimalist schemes. It’s also ideal when you’re looking to have a concealed entryway into a room.
We’ve incorporated pocket doors at Build It’s Self
Build Education House, to showcase their versatility and how they work. Downstairs, we have a broken-plan kitchen-dining-living space, where the living room can be separated from the hallway and dining area by closing the double pocket doors – JB Kind leafs on an Eclisse mechanism – creating a restful space. Or, the entire layout can be opened up for entertaining by flinging open these doors as well as the glazed sliders provided by Idsystems (www.idsystems.co.uk) which sit in a twin-leaf pocket. We made the most of the floorspace in the master bedroom upstairs by adding pocket doors to the walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, which can be closed off when needed.
What do pocket doors cost?
Some companies specialise in producing the pocket mechanism only, so you may need to source the door leaf elsewhere. But the mechanisms are designed to suit standard size doors, giving you greater flexibility to choose the design and style of your installation, and maximise the space in a way that isn’t possible when there is a door arc to consider. A standard single pocket system costs around £240 – plus whatever you choose to pay for your doors.
A selection of suppliers also offer fire-rated pocket door systems – ideal for open-plan schemes. In the unfortunate event of a fire, intumescent strips will seal the door shut and offer you 30 minutes of additional protection. These mechanisms start from £445 for a single leaf system.