Pocketdører

Pocketdører, or pocket doors, are doors that slide into a hollow pocket built into a wall. They disappear from sight when opened, making them a space-saving solution for small rooms, narrow hallways, or areas where a door swing would block traffic or furniture.

Construction and operation are centered on a top-mounted track and rollers. The door panel travels along a fixed rail and slides into a pocket within the wall framing. Creating the pocket requires removing drywall and reinforcing the wall structure to receive the door and track. In load-bearing walls, the installation may require additional structural planning and a properly sized header.

Materials and hardware vary. Pocket doors can be solid wood, wood veneer, or hollow-core panels, with finishes such as paint, stain, or laminate. Hardware typically includes a roller system, a track, a jamb or pocket casing, and often soft-close or damped mechanisms. Adequate wall clearance and a clear pocket cavity are essential, and electrical outlets or plumbing in the wall may complicate installation.

Advantages and considerations. The main benefit is space efficiency: doors do not swing into rooms, which can improve circulation and furniture layout. Limitations include higher cost, more complex installation, potential maintenance of the pocket mechanism, and sometimes reduced sound or weather sealing compared with traditional hinged doors. Proper framing and accurate measurements are critical to reliable operation.

Uses and variations. Pocketdører are common for interior doors, closets, and transient spaces where a seamless wall line is desired. They are available in various materials and finishes to suit different architectural styles, from modern to classic interiors.