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Discussion Forum

pocket doors

Riko | Posted in General Discussion on February 8, 2005 08:46am

I am currently in the process of designing a new house that I plan to put on some property that I’ve had for a number of years. It is a small but beautiful piece of property in the heart of the San Juan mountains of Colorado that I hope to someday make my permanent residence. I’m also in the process of taking care of aging parents.

That second item has made me acutely aware of how people need to move around the house and what kinds things work and what doesn’t.

Why wouldn’t I want to install 2’6″ pocket doors on most of the interior door openings? They can be easily opened while in a wheel chair and allow for a little more floor space and the actual opening is larger.

The best hardware is a little pricier but I don’t have that many doors.

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  1. User avater
    aimless | Feb 09, 2005 01:45am | #1

    The main drawback to pocket doors is that the wall where the door recedes is pretty useless - you can't hange things on it or have electrical there. Additionally,  since they don't have doorknobs the ones that should have locks have to be thought out, particularly to come up with something that is aesthetically pleasing. Don't need locks? I like having one in the bathroom when toddlers are around opening doors. Lastly, they are not easily childproofed, at least not in a way that is reversible without some damage to the door.

    That said, I have pocket doors into my office and love them. I'd go wider than 2'6" if you are looking for accessibility - 3 feet is easier to get through with a chair.

  2. WayneL5 | Feb 09, 2005 06:10am | #2

    You can get latches for pocket doors, but they could be difficult to operate by someone with limited use of the hands.  Also, "easily opened while in a wheelchair" does depend on the disability a person has.  For some the sideways movement of the arm may be more difficult than pushing or pulling a door open.

    However, they can be quite helpful for some folks.  I disagree with the other poster that said the wall beside them is useless.  You can hang pictures on it, it is no different so long as the fasteners are less than an inch or so long.  I agree that 2'-6" is on the narrow side.

    Taunton has a good book on design for accessibility.  I recommend it if you are designing a house.  The title is something like Building for a Lifetime, if I'm not mistaken.

    1. Aberwacky | Feb 11, 2005 08:43pm | #3

      I am using a lot of pocket doors in the house we're about to build, both for space savings and accessibility.

      I was concerned about the limitations it creates for the wall--particularly not being able to have any kind of electrical in that space (light switches, etc.), but our builder said that if we have the room in those areas, he can just make those walls a little thicker overall, and we can run wiring in them.

      In effect, I think, it puts the pocket door system in a wall-within-a-wall. 

      Leigh

      1. User avater
        skyecore | Feb 27, 2005 07:10am | #4

        >>In effect, I think, it puts the pocket door system in a >>wall-within-a-wall. Quick note about that.. This is just my personal opinion but i would avoid doing that as i think its ugly.. the pocket door will no longer be in the middle of the opening and the trim around it feels un-ballanced______________________________________________

        --> measure once / scribble several lines / spend some time figuring out wich scribble / cut the wrong line / get mad

        1. Aberwacky | Feb 28, 2005 03:37pm | #5

          Thanks for the input.

          Our house is a timberframe, and scale and balance is a bit difference than in a standard stickframe house, so I'm not as worried about how the door-within-a-door will look there as I might be in a standard house.

          Leigh 

  3. saulgood | Mar 06, 2005 02:51am | #6

    Riko,
    Many of these doors are poorly designed, as though they're meant for occasional use only. For a door that sees daily use, here's my advice: 1.start with a nice door - those hollow doors that typically come with pocket kits always feel cheap and flimsey. Almost any door can be used, just make sure it's straight (not warped).
    2.You're right about the hardware - buy the best you can find for smooth operation and durability. I noticed that the better kits have more wheels on their hangars (four, not three). Ditto the latch/pull - try to find one you would want to use every day.
    3. Many doors are guided by nylon "wedges" to keep them from swinging. a better system uses a brass pin set in the floor that rides in a slot in the door's bottom edge, so there's less friction.
    4. Careful adjustment is key. the door should hang very plumb, not rubbing against anything. The stops at the top should cusion the door from slamming either in or out.
    5.many pocket doors close against a flat jamb, which leaves a tiny gap along the edge that can feel less secure/private. If the jamb has a slot, or two vertical pieces of trim to recieve the door, it won't rattle and will block sound more like a conventional door.
    I can't recall any product/brand name info, just try to check out all of these components in a store or showroom before you buy. Good luck.

    1. Riko | Mar 06, 2005 06:39am | #7

      I'm looking at these guys . Pricey, but probably worth it. It's amazing how much use some doors get.

      Thanks for the reply.

      Rikok

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