Pockets are an excellent way of providing privacy without taking up room space, especially in tiny areas. If you’re wondering how much a pocket door costs and considering adding this configuration to your house, you might be wondering about the budget. Is a pocket system expensive? The answer is: yes, it is costly.
The final price depends on several factors, including the construction size, its material, and where you want to have it installed. Generally speaking, regular pockets are more expensive than swinging, and the bigger the construction, the more money you should expect to pay for installation.
However, they offer many benefits that classic options do not, such as saving space and providing fast and easy access to tight spaces. If you are going to add this configuration to your home, weigh its cost against possible advantages to deciding if it’s the right choice for you.
What is a Pocket Door Exactly?
A pocket door is a slab meant to slide open and shut on a track directly into a special wall niche. When fully opened, it becomes invisible which allows you to visually unite rooms.
Pockets are frequently used in narrow spaces where a swinging configuration would be impractical, such as in a tiny bathroom or walk-in closet.
Slabs come made from a wide variety of materials depending on a customer’s budget and preferences. They typically come with a built-in handle and can also be equipped with locks for added security.
Pros and Cons of a Pocket Door
Pockets are generally more high-priced than swinging ones. But they have several benefits that make them so popular:
- They help to reduce noise pollution in your home by providing a sound barrier between rooms.
- They give you a unique, unusual look that a traditional door cannot offer. They are stylish and can add a touch of elegance to any interior.
- There is no floor guide in the system. This allows you to create a single space and avoid tripping over the threshold.
- It does not interfere with the furniture installation close to the wall. This is a serious advantage over other types of sliding configurations.
- The niche protects slabs from dirt, scratches by pets and other damage that can be caused in everyday life.
- Slabs glide smoothly and silently. It is convenient in daily life, especially for families with young children and the elderly.
- A sliding door does not slam against drafts. This helps prevent injuries and harsh, frightening sounds.
You also have more wall space open when you install pocket doors. Where a traditional or other sliding configuration would take up space along the wall, making the zone difficult to use, a pocket leaves this area free for shelves, hooks, or even pictures.
Disadvantages
There are several disadvantages you should be aware of before deciding if this is the right type of door for your home.
- One minus is that pockets can be difficult to open and close if they are not properly installed or the track gets dirty. Buy high-quality hardware that will not stick, and periodically clean the guide and rollers from dirt and dust.
- In the event of a serious breakdown, it is necessary to disassemble the whole niche to find the broken element. Because of this, the homeowner may suffer large financial and temporary losses.
Trying to install them on your own will typically end up costing more in the long-run than hiring a professional to do the work. They know its features best and will do this job efficiently. Also, use the door carefully, and it will last for many years.
What Materials Are Pocket Doors Typically Made From?
One of the most common questions we get about this system is what slabs are made from. It’s necessary to separate the internal filling and finishing coating.
The most popular cores are hollow and solid. Doors of the first type are cheaper and weigh less. Thanks to modern technologies, they are practically not inferior to a solid core in durability. Solid core slabs are more expensive and reliable.
The most common coatings are polypropylene, enamel and veneer. The cheapest is polypropylene. Natural wood veneer costs much more, but its looks and durability are worth every dollar.
Types of Pocket Doors You Can Choose From
Manufacturers offer two construction types so that each customer can choose the appropriate solution for their homes:
- Single: This is the most common type of this configuration used for standard width openings.
- Double: A double pocket has two panels that slide into niches on both sides of the wall. This is an ideal option for wide doorways, for example, between a living room and dining zone.
Since this configuration requires major changes in the house layout, consider if you want a single or double construction in advance. The features and timing of the repair work will depend on your decision.
What Are the Most Common Uses of Pocket Doors?
There are a number of ways that pockets can be used in lieu of traditional. They are the ideal choice for areas like your laundry, bedroom, dining room, study, or office.
Here are some common places:
- Small Bedroom: Tiny bedrooms are a nice place to add in a pocket. Since each square foot is essential for the space, having a slab that does not need to swing around provides extra square footage for the person to use.
- Walk-in Closets: This configuration is a great way to save every precious inch in a small closet. By eliminating the need for a swinging door, you can install more shelves and hangers for clothes and shoes.
- Laundries: Many utility rooms reside in hallways, making a swinging one a nuisance that can lead to injuries. Instead, having this system allows for the space to be used without hassle, and without the worries of anyone getting hurt.
- Bathrooms: Pockets are also popular in bathrooms, as they provide privacy while still taking up minimal space. They also allow for easy access to the room, which is especially useful in older houses with narrow hallways.
- Studies and Home Offices: In an area where we want privacy, offices and studies are great places within the home to add a sliding pocket slab. They add a quick solution for noises within the house, especially with today’s need for so many remote workers.
- Living and Dining Room Entryways: Such a door can be an excellent solution to create an entryway that is both stylish and functional. By using it, you can eliminate the need for a classic configuration, which can save space while still allowing for a dramatic entrance that will impress your guests.
Some people install this configuration in basement doorways. The slab easily slides out of the way when you open it. This is especially handy if you have heavy boxes in your hands. Besides, when hidden in a niche, it will not interfere with the carrying of large things.
Are Pocket Doors Expensive to Install?
This configuration is costlier to install than the standard, but its advantages and looks make it well worth the investment.
Factors that Determine the Cost of a Door
There are several factors that can affect the price of your pocket, including its size and material, the type of hardware, and hiring a professional for installation.
Construction Features
The case is a false wall of metal rails and drywall attached to it. To create it, you need to break the old wall. This is a serious expense item, as you will have to hire workers to demolish it and remove construction debris.
There is also a need to buy a large amount of building materials and take care of the communications that were laid in the old wall. This is a job for professional electricians and other specialists.
All this leads to a large amount of financial and time costs. This process becomes a little easier for those who bought a new house and are building partitions from scratch. In this case, they do not need to spend money on destroying the old wall.
Size
The size is one of the most important factors in determining cost. A standard pocket door is usually 30 inches wide by 80 inches height, but custom slabs can be more big-ticket. The budget will increase even more if you want to order a double construction.
Design
The slab design also affects the final budget of your system. You can choose a model from an inexpensive flush honeycomb collection with a minimalist design or opt for an elegant panel or French solution with a solid core. All of them cost differently, and the chosen option can significantly increase the price.
Door company’s sales reps will recommend you the best option in terms of design and cost so that you meet your budget. Their experience allows them to find good solutions even in non-standard situations.
Hardware
Fittings also range in price, from regular basic knobs to more elaborate, custom-made handles. You may also need a lock mechanism.
Try not to save on hardware. The construction’s durability and ease of use depend on this. It also greatly affects the overall appearance.
Conclusion
A pocket door is a great solution if you’re looking for a convenient way to save space in your house. They’re also stylish and are equally well suited to modern and classic interiors. If you’re thinking about installing it, go through a variety of designs and hardware on the market. Match it up to what you want in your home and take your time so you can find the perfect option for your house.
To accurately calculate all expenses, invite a measurer from the company where you are going to place an order. The specialist will tell you in detail about all the stages of work and will name the approximate cost of installation, depending on the construction size and the selected collection.
