Pocket Doors

Yes! Pocket doors are perfect for small spaces. Unlike a traditional hinged door, which need clearance to swing open and closed, pocket doors slide horizontally into a wall cavity. This means they don't take up any floor space when open, making them an excellent space-saving solution for cramped or confined areas.

In small spaces, every inch of floor space is valuable and pocket doors help you make the most of the usable area by eliminating the need for door swings. Pocket doors can also create more flow between rooms when they are fully opened, creating the perception of space in compact rooms.

Pocket doors can be a practical and efficient choice for small spaces where optimising floor space and creating a sense of openness are priorities.

The cost of sliding pocket doors can vary depending on things such as the materials used, size, design, and whether you’re installing them into a new wall or retrofitting. Generally, pocket doors are like any other internal door or room divider and can range from affordable to more expensive options, depending on the quality and features you're looking for.

Basic pocket door kits that include the door frame, track and hardware can be affordable and comparable in price to traditional hinged doors. However, more premium options with features like glass panels, specialised finishes or automated mechanisms may come at a higher cost.

While sliding pocket doors may require additional installation considerations, such as modifying the wall structure or integrating automation technology, the overall cost can still be competitive compared to other door options, especially considering the space-saving benefits they offer too.

Ultimately, the cost of sliding pocket doors will depend on your specific preferences, whether you choose a single pocket door or double, budget, and requirements for your project. It's advisable to explore different options and consult with professionals to find the best solution that fits your needs and budget.

The ease of installing pocket doors depends on a few things such as the existing structure of the wall, the level of expertise of the installer, and whether the installation is done as part of a new build or as a retrofit in an existing space. Here are some things to consider:

New Builds

Installing pocket doors during the construction of a new house, when the walls are open and accessible, is generally easier than retrofitting them into existing walls. In new builds, the necessary framing and hardware can be integrated into the wall structure before things such as wiring and plumbing installation, simplifying the process.

Retrofitting

Retrofitting pocket doors into existing walls can be more challenging and may require cutting into the wall space to create the pocket space for the door to slide into. This process may involve relocating electrical wiring, plumbing, or other structural elements such as altering the wall thickness, adding complexity to the installation.

Skill Level

While installing pocket doors does not necessarily require advanced carpentry/DIY skills, it does require precision and attention to detail, particularly when framing the pocket space and installing the door hardware. Novice DIYers may find the process of fitting a pocket door more challenging and may benefit from consulting with a professional installer.

Specialised Tools and Materials

Installing a pocket door may require specialised tools and materials, such as a pocket door hardware kit, stud finder, level and saws for cutting into the wall. Ensuring that the correct tools and materials are used is essential for a successful installation.

While installing pocket doors into a wall space may be more involved than installing traditional swing doors, it is still achievable for DIYers with moderate carpentry skills, especially during new construction. For retrofit installations or complex projects, consulting with a professional installer may be advisable to ensure proper installation and functionality.

Yes, pocket doors can be fire-rated. Fire-rated pocket door systems are designed to meet specific fire safety standards, offering a designated period of fire resistance to help contain the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire. 

These systems typically require specific fire-rated doors, frames and hardware to ensure compliance with building regulations and safety requirements. However, not all fire doors are suitable for use with a fire-rated pocket door kit so it's essential to consult with professionals and choose the right doors that meet the necessary requirements. 

If you’d like more guidance on which fire doors are suitable, just give us a call.

Yes, pocket doors can indeed be automated or motorised for added convenience and ease of use. 

By integrating automation technology, such as electric motors and sensors, into the pocket door system, you can control the opening and closing of the door remotely or automatically in response to triggers like motion detection or voice commands. 

This added feature is especially beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or in spaces where hands-free operation is needed, such as commercial settings or smart homes. Automated sliding doors offer an ultra modern and convenient solution for improving accessibility and the overall functionality of an interior space.