Interior Pocket Door

An interior pocket door is a great way to save space. Pocket doors slide back into a "pocket" or cavity in the wall, saving you the space required by a hinged swinging door. A conventional door is mounted on rollers that glide along an overhead track. If you have limited space, such as converting a closet, this can save you 15-20 square feet.

Nearly any type of door can be mounted on pocket door tracks, as long as the hardware is rated to handle the door's weight and size.

Modern interior pocket doors are smooth and quiet, unlike pocket doors of the past that used to ride on steel rollers. Today, nylon rollers and metal tracks ensure smooth and quiet operation.

Most pocket door hardware is designed for 1 3/8 inch thick hollow-core doors that weigh up to 75 lbs, although you can buy hardware to support heavier, solid doors.

You can buy interior pocket door systems as kits or pre-assembled. When pre-assembled, they include a door jamb, hanger track and pre-made cage that becomes the pocket, when finished. You would frame the cage with lightweight lumber, making a less solid wall than a conventional framed wall. The installer needs to fit the unit into a rough, pre-framed opening, put in place, finish the wall surface and opening with a casing trim. Then, the door is hung from the track.

A kit involves a little more work, but the doors are often stronger because they use steel reinforced, split studs. Complete instructions make these manageable for DIYers.

A good space-saver for you may be an interior pocket door.

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This site gives general information only. Always seek the advice of a home improvement professional for questions about your remodeling needs.