The benefits and disadvantages of pocket doors

Here are some of the disadvantages of pocket doors and legacy issues customers have faced.

Durability

Pocket doors have a reputation of developing issues overtime, such as the door not to moving in and out of the track smoothly. This is often caused by weak sidewalls which jam with the drywall and scratch the door.

We received this feedback from customers onsite which is why our pocket doors are made from aluminium, which will return back to its original state if bent to maintain the structure of the pocket system.

The traditional ball bearing system used in the axel will also cause issues overtime, especially if the pocket door remains in one position for too long, as this will cause the ball bearing to go flat on one side. Enigma Pocket Doors use a needle bearing system which holds the lubricant in to improve the performance of the door. The needle bearing system also provides a more even weight distribution around the axel, increasing the longevity of the pocket door.

Noisy

Pocket doors are prone to rumbling over time which is caused when the door sits in one place for too long. This will create a flat on the bottom of the wheel and then the pocket door will rumble when opening and closing. This is why we used the needle bearing system, which provides an even weight distribution and is why our doors can perform to 100,000 open close cycles and maintain their performance.

Reliability

A common issue with pocket doors is reliability in performance over time. Traditional ball bearing systems often shift in position because they are not complete in the channel around the wheel. This can cause uneven weight distribution and lead to damage of the wheel. Again, this is why we use the needle bearing system which holds the lubricant in which improves performance.

Improvements in technology and materials have removed these legacy issues with pocket doors, making them reliable and durable. There are also numerous benefits to pocket doors:

Maximise space

Pocket doors maximise space when compared to swing doors, which will provide occupants with more room in their home and allow hotels and investors to maximise their investment.

On average, by replacing 26 traditional doors with pocket doors, this will provide an additional 39m2 extra room. An architect we work with managed to fit 50% more people in their office, without increasing their office space, due to designing with pocket doors in mind.

Maximise value

By saving space, this increases the design possibilities for architects to increase the value of the development. For developers, additional space could allow for an ensuite to be fitted, as well as other enhancements to maximise the value of their project.

Hotels that use a pocket door between the bedroom and a sitting area could be marketed as a premium offering, which will increase the room’s value.

Design possibilities

Our Pocket Doors can be used to create a modern aesthetic by using the concealed trim to provide a modern, sleek finish. Our pocket doors can also fit into traditional designs and fit in with contemporary interior features. We offer a range of different finishes to help architects achieve their design aspirations.

Where are pocket doors are used best

Pocket doors are versatile and are used in residential, hotels and commercial developments. In residential properties, pocket doors are commonly used in ensuites to maximise space, especially with the Fenestra pocket doors with the glazed metal leaf.

For hotels, pocket doors are used within rooms to provide more space for a bathroom or sitting area in premium suites. The range of finishing options now available from pocket doors are used to help achieve the luxury design hotels are after when creating premium suites.

In commercial spaces, pocket doors can be used for meeting rooms to maximise space but also to reduce sound. Our pocket doors are acoustic rated to reduce sound, perfect for offices or work spaces.

Pocket doors have a reputation of developing reliability and performance issues over time. Our pocket doors have been designed based on customer feedback, as well as heavy investment into research and development, to negate previous issues. This is how we have been able to test to 100,000 open close cycles and our pocket doors will last the lifetime of the building if installed properly.

If you have any questions about specifying pocket doors, or installing you pocket door, please contact us 020 3880 0339 | sales@selo.global