Pocket doors were once very popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They are now making a comeback. If you want a sleek look or are just a minimalist, it's the way to go. Pocket doors are a space-saving solution. We may desire to save space but are pocket doors well suited for bathrooms? That, for most, is the question. Well, we've reached out to expert builders, and they have a solid answer.
Pocket doors are perfect! Bathrooms are being designed to be more compact. Most times, swing doors don't come across as space-saving doors. Pocket doors come in various materials and colors. You can decorate a pocket door to fit a bathroom's interior decor. Pocket doors are particularly suited for ensuites in bedrooms, studio apartments, and tiny flats.
Before your run and install these beauties, let's review their pros and cons. Continue reading to see what might or might not put you off from installing pocket doors.
Why Pocket Doors Are Good For Bathrooms
The following advantages make pocket doors very attractive to remodelers:
Convenience
Pocket doors are quite convenient. When not in use, they disappear into the wall. This makes it easy to use the available space. They help expand rather small bathrooms. When you install pocket doors, the room will feel less cramped. Pocket doors help create intimacy in living spaces. With a swipe of the hand, an eyesore is no more.
Space Saving
Walls that don't house plumbing, electrical wiring, or not too thick are ideal for housing pocket doors. They free up wall space for bathroom shelves or vanity units. The absence of swinging doors avails foot area. Gone are the days of hitting your toes on doors.
Beauty & Elegance
These doors have a streamlined look which gives the living space an elegant look. Remodeling or upgrading a bathroom becomes a pleasant task. Pocket doors can be used as a mode of expression. Decorated pocket doors can be a pretty display when closed.
Functionality
Pocket doors are just like ordinary swing doors. They partition the bathroom area and disappear when not in use. Movement during cleaning becomes easier. Pocket doors are easily pulled back into position.
Why Pocket Doors May Not Be Best For You
Pocket doors have some drawbacks that make many keep clear from installing them.
Limitations
Pocket doors can be a bother for persons limited in movement. Persons with limited use of their limbs find it hard to open these doors. Pocket doors have 'door handles' in the form of cavities. These sometimes are not so convenient. This could be a potential danger if someone is in dire need of assistance.
Light, Noise, Smells
Pocket doors don't block out light, smells, and noise. Traditional doors are able to block distractions. These doors sit properly in the doorframe. Pocket doors don't sit tightly in the doorframe.
Noise from your bathrooms could drift to the living area causing embarrassment unless it's in the private bedroom area. The wide gaps allow sound to travel around. Pocket doors could be noisy when gliding on their tracks which can distract light sleepers.
Light can penetrate the cracks. This might disturb anyone sleeping nearby. Pocket doors can compromise your privacy. Don't install them in bathrooms that are located in high-traffic areas.
Stability
Pocket doors can be found wanting when it comes to stability. In case they are pulled at forcefully, they could come off their tracks. The heavier the pocket door, the harder it is to put it back.
You must lubricate your pocket doors often. Don't pull or shut them roughly. Wobbly pocket doors lose their charm. Your pocket doors won't serve their purpose when installed poorly.
Cost
Properly installed pocket doors can be costly. Long-lasting hardware doesn't come cheap. Unlike swinging doors, pocket doors need proper maintenance. Ensure you keep their tracks functioning well. Pocket doors can cost 2–5 times more than regular doors.
Are Pocket Doors Outdated?
No! Actually, they are making a comeback. One of the drawbacks that made them disappear in the late 1900s was the tracks. The tracks were on the floor and limited movement.
The tracks in the ceiling make them more desirable. Pocket doors are a solution to tight living quarters. Privacy and intimacy in small spaces are necessary.
There are lots of designs and materials to choose from. There is a wide selection of doors available. It will depend on one's pocket and budget.
Note: Pocket doors can also function to segregate the toilet within the bathroom area. This is a huge plus for these doors.
Do Pocket Doors Block Sound?
No, they don't! Most pocket doors are often lightweight. The installation gaps allow noise to leak. More so, pocket doors are often installed in thinner partitioning walls in the house.
You could soundproof a pocket door. Sounds odd? Well, here's how. You could use soundproof blankets or heavy-duty curtains. It may not look very pretty, but it's a solution.
If you would like to install a glass pocket door, use sound-proof glass. This glass reduces the noise by 75%. This could mean a heavy door as well.
Are Pockect Doors Lockable?
Yes, they are. All you need is to install a locking mechanism. These can be put in the door when it's being installed in. The mechanisms could be magnetic or not.
The lock can be installed in the doorframe. Alternatively, install a lock on the second half of the converging doors. Converging doors are just two pocket doors coming together.
Locking pocket doors is a way to keep inquisitive toddlers from water closets. The locks also keep the doors from sliding open if they aren't stable.
How Much Do Pocket Doors Cost?
Pocket doors cost from $500 to $3500. The average cost being $1000. Installing a pocket door can be costly too, especially as it will depend on the complexity of the installation.
The installation price ranges from $350 to $550 when done by a professional. Installation spikes the cost of pocket doors. It could also be due to the type of door you have picked. Pocket door hardware also varies in quality.
Be sure to invest in proper hardware to reduce noise and doors going off track. Don't skimp when it comes to hiring a professional. Ensure that you have someone who knows how to install pocket doors and has the experience.
Can I Use A Regular Door For A Pocket Door?
Absolutely! The door shouldn't be pre-drilled for standard door locks and hinges. Practically any kind of door can be a ">pocket door. You can pick a door depending on the style of your home decor.
Different doors such as glass, tainted glass, metal, mirror, wood, or hand-carved decorative doors can work as pocket doors. Ensure that the wall thickness can accommodate the kind of door you wish to install. That's what matters.
Purchase the right hardware for the specific pocket door. Different types of doors require different hardware due to weight. Know the specifics for you to choose the hardware accordingly.
In Closing
We've established that pocket doors can be used in the bathroom. We've also seen what makes pocket doors awesome or awful. No more slamming into expensive fixtures and furniture.
High-quality hardware is a priority when it comes to pocket doors. Pick a pocket door for your bathroom that makes you happy. This, of course, will, depend on your pocket and the bathroom area.
Express your artistry with different pocket door designs. Get disappearing and appearing artwork. Minimalism doesn't mean locking away creativity. It just means living smarter!
