Pocket Door Kits

Pocket door kits are gaining in popularity for many reasons, including economy and size. There are many reasons that people select pocket doors for their homes and businesses. Will they work for you?

While many homeowners are just discovering the benefits of pocket doors, many are unaware that the history of pocket doors dates back to the late 1800s. At the time, pocket doors were used to shut off various areas of the house either to conserve heat or to create more privacy. Unfortunately, while the idea made sense, the architecture of many homes and the poor quality construction of the doors contributed to their downfall. The pocket doors of the past often created more frustration for homeowners because they often came off their tracks within the wall, and thus builders steered away from using them in new home construction.

Today's pocket door kits are a far cry from their predecessors. Higher grade doors and hardware are now able to support heavier doors of up to 300 pounds, and there are several benefits to installing them in homes and businesses.

• Additional space-Probably the most compelling reason for installing pocket doors is the additional space they provide. Depending upon the door opening you choose, a pocket door can free up an additional 10 to 20 square feet. This leaves extra room for furniture, accessories, and in particular room access. This is especially important when a room needs to be wheelchair accessible.
• Privacy- Pocket doors are perfect for that room which isn't often closed off from the rest of the house. If you want to create a more open space, pocket doors give you a "no-barrier" appearance, while at the same time providing you with the option to create more privacy if necessary.
• Economy- Many people choose pocket doors for more economical reasons, particularly in new construction. You can build a house with less square footage while at the same time utilizing more floor space when you use pocket doors instead of the traditional hinged doors. Building a smaller home means reducing the amount of heated and cooled space as well, thus creating a more energy efficient home and saving even more money.
• Appearance- Some people choose pocket doors simply because of their appearance. Not only can you select doors that are ornately beautiful, but you can also enhance the doorways as well.

In purchasing pocket door kits, keep the following points in mind:

• Purchase the doors in a kit to ensure that you have everything you need for installing the door.
• Choose doors that use nylon rollers. This is typically a standard feature in today's kits.
• To prevent your doors from warping, finish any door edges that are unsealed before you begin installing the kit.
• Seal or wrap wall studs for easier movement of the doors.
• Pocket doors come in a variety of styles, including single doors, double doors, panel, French, and divided light.
• Most standard doors can be adapted as pocket doors, but you'll need to purchase a kit for easier installation.

While some people hesitate to add pocket doors to older construction, it really isn't as difficult as you might think. After removing some of the existing drywall, you can install the door, add insulation above the door if necessary, and then add and finish a new drywall. Most kits include everything you need, including the header unit, split studs, rollers, bumpers, and tracks.

You can purchase pocket doors at home building supply stores, such as Lowes, and you can also purchase them online at sites like the following:

• Johnson Hardware
• Pocket Door Products
• Interior Doors Direct

• Apron Sinks
• Interior Painting Techniques
• Front Entry Porch Pictures

• Glass Tile Backsplash Ideas
• How to Install a Bathtub
• Build a Kitchen Banquette
• Sliding Wood Closet Doors
• Wood Plank Look Ceramic Tile

• Category:Windows and Doors
• How to Install a Pocket Door
• Installing a Pocket Door
• Pocket Door Installation
• Glass Front Entry Door