Home Repair Services: What Is A Pocket Door?

Pocket doors are doors that slide open and closed. When opened, they slide into the wall, creating the illusion that they disappear. Pocket doors are ideal space-saving solutions that add an element of style. Pocket doors are also intelligent home repairs for seniors who are aging in place. Handyman Connection provides assessment and repair services in Toronto west to help you decide if a pocket door is right for your home improvement project. 

Saving Space

Pocket doors remove the swing open and swing close space that traditional hinged doors need. The required clearance can cost the area of a room several feet of wasted space. By choosing a pocket door, homeowners can utilize more space in the home. 

Adding Style

There is nothing to block art, windows, or architectural features when doors are open by using pocket doors. Since the pocket door disappears into the wall when opened, this feature also allows light to reach more room areas, lightening and brightening the site without a door to block it. 

Since doors often block the line of sight, interrupting the holistic view of the room or space, pocket doors can modernize the space with a more streamlined look. Doors slide away, hidden into existing walls when not used, and can accent areas when closed. Many homeowners choose bold doors for pocket doors, though standard hanging slab kit doors are also available. Choosing to add an architectural element or a design feature to the pocket door can help add personal style to the area. Consider hardware that matches bathroom faucets or that complements the more prominent design scheme of the home. 

Using Measurements 

When planning for a pocket door, it is essential to determine whether you actually have the space for one. You must have twice the width of the door and then an additional depth of the door within the wall space. Drywall can be removed and rehung to allow for greater depth for installation, but more significant renovations must occur if there is not enough space for two times the door in place already. The professionals at Handyman Connection can help assess the areas in your home for practical pocket door placement. 

Updating Access

Pocket doors are also beneficial for aging in place. Homeowners can swap out regular hinged passaged doors for pocket doors to increase elements of accessibility. Hinged doors can limit access to wheelchairs, walkers, or canes that are useful for aiding mobility. By creating additional floor space, elderly homeowners can continue to access all parts of their homes. 

Considering Limitations 

• Walls: Homeowners must also consider the limitations of the wall. If incorrectly planned. Art, towel racks, and light fixtures will not have a secure place resting on the wall housing of a pocket door. 

• Access: Pocket doors can also sometimes limit access. Pocket doors lack the more oversized turn handle and instead have smaller hardware to open and close the door. Some users may have difficulty gripping this hardware and could experience unnecessary duress from daily use. Be sure to try out pocket door hardware during a consultation to ensure the update will be accessible and valuable. 

• Seals: Traditional hinged doors do fit a little tighter and seal a little better than pocket doors. Pocket doors are on hanging hardware that is meant to have gaps to create an easier slide. Depending on the intended placement, it is very beneficial for homeowners to remember that pocket doors do not block out sounds or smells as efficiently as hinged doors. 

If you think a pocket door is the next addition to your interior design, contact Handyman Connection in Toronto wes to get started with installation planning and quotes.