How Is a Pocket Door Made?
If you're considering space-saving solutions for your home, keep an open mind when it comes to pocket doors. Whereas hinged interior doors can require up to 10 square feet of space to be able to swing open, pocket doors slide into a wall "pocket", which means they don't take up any additional room space. Because of their space-saving design, pocket doors are especially useful in smaller homes, condominiums, townhouses and, areas designed to be wheelchair accessible. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Once a common feature of homes built during the 1890s, pocket doors were considered an elegant solution for closing off parlors and studies. Despite their efficient use of space, pocket doors became less popular through the years because they were expensive, heavy, cumbersome to open and close, noisy, and tended to fall off the track mechanisms. In recent years they have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity due to updated designs that make the doors easy to operate, quiet, more affordable, and less prone to track problems.
Preparation
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To make the wall pocket that the door slides into, you need access to the wall frame, which can be accomplished easily in new construction or as part of a renovation. Walls must be framed properly to accommodate a pocket door track; the wall area must be free of electrical outlets, HVAC ductwork and pipes.When you're replacing an existing door, installing a pocket door is more challenging as you need to open up the walls around the door to install the track mechanism.
Before installation, any unsealed door edges should be finished to prevent warping. Any studs or furring strips (lengths of wood used to give a level surface for attaching wallboard) should be wrapped in metal or sealed to prevent wear from the rubbing of the doors. To prevent heat loss, insulation can be added above the door.
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Installation
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According to Bob Vila, the popular home-renovation specialist, pocket door installation kits offer the best method for installing this type of door. Pocket doors can be installed singly or in pairs,and can include nylon rollers and box tracks that are quiet and resist sticking. On average, door kits are appropriate for door slabs weighing between 125 and 150 pounds; specialty kits can be purchased for doors that weigh more than 200 pounds.
Types
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Pocket doors come in a variety of styles, including solid wood panel doors and French glass doors. Solid wood pocket doors offer the most privacy, but if you prefer a French style door, frosted glass or stained glass can add an element of privacy. As with any wooden door, you can paint or stain a pocket door depending on your decor or personal preference.
Considerations
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If you're looking to divide a room or close off a room from the remainder of your living area, pocket doors are a space-saving and aesthetically pleasing solution. They do, however, have one significant drawback: Pocket doors are not designed to be locked, which limits their application in rooms where security or privacy are of primary importance.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Stained glass pocket doors by Lucius Kwok, 1902 pocket doors by ChiKurt, Laundry Room by MikkisPhotos
