Where are Pocket Doors Used in a Home?

Pocket DoorsIf you want to know where pocket doors are used in a home, look no further than those tiny bathrooms, kitchen doors, and other unexpected areas. Pockets doors are the perfect choice when you have a small area where a door might not be able to comfortably open all the way, or where you don’t want the door to detract from the overall look and feel. Pocket doors slide neatly into the structure of a wall to be completely hidden when not in use. A handle located in the end of the door allows you to pull it open when you need to close the space off. Here are just a few of the benefits of using pockets doors in your home.

Imagine the Possibilities

Pocket doors are used in any spot where you want an opening and closing door without having one swing out into either room. Imagine how nice it would be to put pocket doors over your living room so that you could close it off and enjoy your movie night more. Do you worry about walking into a swinging bathroom door in the middle of the night? Eliminate this concern by turning it into a pocket door. Give yourself more space in small bedrooms by turning closet doors into pocket doors. They can also be used to close off the home office when you’re working or turn the formal dining area into a more intimate space.

A Job for Homeowners

It may surprise you to learn that this is a job most homeowners can handle themselves. Whether you want to close off the family room during a party or you’re just trying to keep your toddler out of the kitchen while you’re cooking, a pocket door can provide you with this versatility without changing the look of the home. While you may want to call in the professionals to do this job, the fact is that you may be able to do the work yourself. According to The Washington Post, the trick is taking your time beforehand to ensure that the space is completely plumb and smooth. It also helps to buy high-quality doors with durable hardware.

Avoiding Problems Down the Road

One of the concerns with pocket doors is that older styles had a habit of coming off the tracks. A pocket door that’s jammed in place can be nearly impossible to repair because it’s enclosed in the walls. However, the technology has come a long way, and problems can be avoided with the right hardware, according to The Chicago Tribune. Box-shaped tracks with tricycle hangars are more durable, and you’re less likely to have problems with them later. It’s also recommended that you warp the thin studs of the hidden pocket with steel on three sides. This simple step helps stabilize the pocket and prevent the warping that leads to jammed doors.

Related Resource: How To Install Pocket Doors

Make the most of your property by learning where pocket doors are used in a home. They can be installed in any area of the home, and they’re ideal for bathrooms, closets, and the more public areas of the home. You may believe that they have to be installed while a home is under construction, but they can also be added to an existing home.