Pocket Doors, Homeowners Love Them, Builders Hate Them, Why?

Pocket Doors, Homeowners Love Them, Builders Hate Them, Why?

Interior pocket doors save space, approximately 10 sf and are so cool! It’s not surprising homeowners love them but what’s the rest of the story? 

From a Builder perspective the cost differential between a pocket and typical swing door  is insignificant, the real issue is maintenance. Builders can guarantee there will be a service call during the warranty period related to a pocket door. A family with young children will have the most issues. Pocket doors fall off the track and basically don’t hold up well to rough treatment.

Despite the service issues if you choose to design pocket doors into you Custom Home there are some things to keep in mind.

Solid MDF pocket doors have less issues with warping as opposed to hollow core types and fall of the track less frequently due to their weight.

Care must be taken when locating pocket doors in your home due to placement restrictions. Away from moisture areas such as tubs and showers due to warping with exposure to high humidity. Also pocket doors restrict the placement of switches, outlets and towel bars. None can be placed on a pocket door wall.

Pocket doors are more difficult to operate as the operating hardware is located in the edge of the door. It takes nimble fingers and not recommended for the elderly.

The seal around pocket doors leave a lot to be desired. By their very nature, this type of door does not provide adequate sound control for bedrooms, bathrooms and other locations where privacy is required.

Have an awesome day,

Mike

www.regalclassichomes.com