Quick Tip: Pocket Door Solutions
Save space and improve accessibility with a pocket door.
Photo: hafele.com
Unlike left- and right-handed doors that can take up to 10 square feet of space, pocket doors slide into the wall, leaving room for furniture, artwork, and access. Pocket doors are recommended for easy handicapped accessibility. They can provide openings up to 32 inches wide, and be outfitted with access pulls for ease and independence.
Pocket doors should be purchased in kits, with nylon rollers and box tracks. Be sure to finish unsealed door edges before installation to prevent warping. Studs or furring strip should be sealed or wrapped in metal to prevent rubbing later on. Insulation can be added above the door to prevent heat loss.
Pocket doors can be installed singly or as a pair, and are available in all door styles, including panels, flush, divided light, and French. An average pocket door kit can carry a door weighing from 125 to 150 pounds. Specialty kits can carry doors weighing up to 200 pounds.
