Basic Things Homeowners Should Know About Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are special types of doors that slide inside a space or compartment when opened. It gives people the illusion that it is not there to begin with making it very popular amongst homeowners who want to save space. It was designed more than a decade ago for this purpose, but it was during the Victorian period when it became a favorite. It was mainly utilized for the library, dining area, or sitting room. Its popularity continued until it completely dropped out from the consciousness of house owners and architects. Different speculations came out regarding its disappearance, ranging from the noise the old pocket door hardware used to make that turned people off, to the bankruptcy of the manufacturer’s. Whatever the reason is, these kinds of doors were not used anymore, that is until the turn of the twenty first century.

The comeback of pocket doors

Space became a major issue because the cost of land development became higher. This prompted people to find ways to maximize their space, sans the revival of the pocket doors. Aside from that, the pocket door hardware was improved to perform better, become less noisy, and give people a problem free operation. Individuals are thrilled to use it because they no longer need to deal with the space a swinging door occupies. Homeowners who have wheelchairs or walkers do not have to exert too much effort in order to operate the door. This allows different individuals who have varying needs to feel more comfortable moving about in their house.

Materials used for pocket doors

Pocket doors are made with various materials. Wood, steel, and glass are the most common ones. The first one is favored for its warm and cheerful vibe, while the steel provides durability and longevity. In the meantime, glass is used for a modern approach. It is sleeker and usually utilized as a room separator without blocking the source of light coming from another area. This allows the homeowners to save on energy cost. Furthermore, when the right pocket door hardware is used, people can close the door securely without even needing a locking mechanism.

Categories of pocket door hardware

Generally, the hardware for this type of door can be categorized into three; the door frame, wall mount, and the pocket door pull. Each of them have their own set or kits that homeowners can purchase. They come in different widths, heights, and specific wall thickness. The kit usually includes guides to help individuals install it on their own. People can also choose from economy priced kits to more expensive ones. They differ in cost because of the materials used for each set. If budget is an issue, the cheaper one can be bought, though it may be less sturdy than the pricey kit. Purchasing from a trusted brand can eliminate this issue because most of than not, they make high quality hardware regardless of the cost.

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Choosing a pocket door hardware

Choosing the hardware for the pocket door is quite easy as long as the basics are understood well. One of the most important issues the homeowner should consider is the door thickness as well as the clearance between the trim moulding and the face of the door. There are times when the trim moulding is placed too closely to the door. This gives off a neat vibe; however there is not enough space for the pocket door pulls to operate correctly. That is why the thickness of the door is an essential component the homeowner should know when buying pocket door hardware.

Aside from that, the installation procedure should also be taken into account. Basically, there are two methods for installation; the first one deals with adjoining the mechanism into the door, while the other requires cutting away a part of the door to allow room for the main body. Though it may sound easy, the actual process tends to be tedious and should be done by professionals who know what they are doing.

When purchasing pocket door hardware, homeowners should be well aware of their needs. Some do not include locks because they will just use the pocket door to separate rooms, while others specifically look for privacy. People who belong in the latter must be careful when choosing locking mechanisms that they are going to utilize for their doors. A room that needs latches and locks includes the home office, bathrooms, closets, and storage space. In some cases, homeowners include a release hole outside the pocket door. This is used for emergencies so a person who is locked inside can be easily rescued. Of course this is a good addition that has a lot of benefits, though it is not really required.

Common questions about pocket doors

Is an arched opening for the pocket door advisable?

It is not entirely recommended because the door will not be able to function properly. It should run parallel to the floor in order for the tracks and rollers to be installed.

Can an overlap be used at the joint or edge of the double pocket door in order to provide privacy for people inside the room?

This is not a possible solution to this problem. The pocket door edges should be straight at the point where they meet. In order to provide better privacy for the individual, invest in good pocket door hardware such as a strong locking mechanism.

If a pocket door is used to separate rooms, won’t the loud noises coming from the other room go to the next one?

As long as the pocket door is installed tightly and there is no big gap, it will effectively shut off the noise from the other area.

How will homeowners install a pocket door to a finished or complete entryway?

Two methods can be utilized. First, the wall can be torn apart and in its place, a pocket door system can be installed. The second one entails installing a wall mount system which utilize one side of the wall as a finished part.