The short answer
A pocket door slides into the wall, so it needs no swing space. The cost is the wall: a typical frame needs a rough opening of about twice the door width plus 1″, and the pocket section can’t hold plumbing or wiring and can’t be load-bearing. Use pocket doors where a swing would block a bathroom, laundry or hallway.
Sizing the frame
| Door | Rough opening width | Rough opening height |
|---|---|---|
| Rule of thumb | 2 × door width + 1″ | Door height + 4-1/2″ |
| 24″ × 80″ | 49″ | 84-1/2″ |
| 28″ × 80″ | 57″ | 84-1/2″ |
| 30″ × 80″ | 61″ | 84-1/2″ |
| 32″ × 80″ | 65″ | 84-1/2″ |
These follow a common frame kit. Kits differ, so use the instructions for the frame you buy. Standard kits fit 2×4 walls; heavier and taller doors need a heavier kit.
What the pocket wall can’t do
- No plumbing, wiring or ducts in the pocket section. Check the plans for switches and outlets on that wall before you choose a pocket door.
- No load. The pocket replaces studs, so it can’t go in a bearing wall without engineering.
- Thin wall faces. Drywall over a pocket has less backing. Use short screws so nothing scratches the door.
Door and hardware
- Any style. We supply any of our doors as a pocket slab sized to your frame, so it matches the swing doors.
- Pocket locks, not levers. A lever would stop the door going into the wall. A pocket lock set has a recessed flush pull on each face and an edge pull that flips out to draw the door back. Passage and privacy versions are on our hardware page.
- Core. Hollow core is lighter on the track. Use solid core where sound matters, and check the frame kit’s weight rating.
Accessible suites
A pocket door leaves the full opening clear, which helps. But a recessed flush pull needs fingers to work. Where the Code calls for hardware you can use with a closed fist, check the pocket hardware with your designer. See lever vs knob handles.
Sources
Code requirements change and local rules vary. Confirm sizes and clearances with your designer and building department before ordering. We supply doors, trim and hardware; we’re not a code consultant.
