Adding a Pocket Door to a Dining Room
by Guest Post on May 25, 2010
In most homes, the dining room and kitchen may be separated by a simple doorway or a regular swinging door. While an open doorway allows easy access to and from the kitchen, a disadvantage is that kitchen grease and unwanted smells usually find their way into the dining area. A great solution that allows the flexibility of both going in and out of the kitchen when serving meals, and creating an intimate space to sit down for dinner, is adding a pocket door. Adding a Pocket Door to a Dining Room
Advantages of having a pocket door
Between the kitchen and dining room, a pocket door creates a separation between the two areas when closed. When an open doorway is preferred, the pocket door disappears by sliding into the cavity of the wall. The number one advantage of having a pocket door over a regular hinged door is that it saves space that would normally be taken up by the swinging door. Its unobtrusive and clean style makes it a popular type of door to have in any interior space.
Styles of pocket door
Pocket doors have been used for more than a century and are now coming back in style. In Victorian homes, ornate wood pocket doors are common for separating smaller living spaces. Homes designed with an Asian theme may also feature sliding pocket doors made of bamboo or light wood with rice paper screens. Contemporary pocket doors range from those that blend seamlessly with the surrounding wall to elegant glass-paneled doors, to modern aluminum doors. Single pocket doors slide either from the left or right wall, while double pocket doors slide out from both sides of the doorframe and meet in the middle.
Installing a pocket door
Installing a pocket door during the construction or renovation of your walls is an easy enough task, but if you want to add one later on, you will first need to consider that there may be issues within the wall that you will need to address. Your wall may hold plumbing pipes, electrical cables, or wiring that have to be relocated.
When you have purchased your pocket door and hardware, follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely for the correct installation of your door. Make sure the top of the door opening is level. This is important for the square and plumb installation of the frame for the pocket door. Install the hardware to the frame, starting with the track and moving on to the jambs for the floor brackets, and then the bumper stop at the back of the pocket. Again, the assembly should be level so that the door can properly slide open and closed.
You can now attach the door by securing the door plates to the top of the door and hanging the door on the hangers that side along the track. Finish the wall by installing the drywall or other wall surround using construction adhesive. Finally, install the door guides, jambs, and casing, details that ensure smooth functioning of the pocket door and produce a clean and finished look.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
94854 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74263 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71734 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
52711 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30568 Views
Latest Articles
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): A Beginners Guide
By combining the advantages of stock market and real estate investing, Real Estate Investment Trusts, or REITs, offer an alluring investment...
on Dec 19, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
How Do I Use Natural Cleaning Products?
One of the real beauties of natural cleaning products is that most of them can be used to clean more than one thing. No more cluttering up your...
Why Do Emergency Locksmith Services Exist?
If you take a look on the internet and in various local media outlets, you instantly notice the presence of advertisements about 24/7 locksmith...
How to Quickly Fix 4 Home Emergencies
Regardless of size and severity, home emergencies can be frightening and overwhelming. In the heat of the moment, it can be stressful trying to...
Basic Information about Living Room Design
Are you living in a small and cozy apartment or small home? People are living in different places such as lodge and cottage. Whatever the place...
How to Safely Use Power Tools
With the winter well and truly out of the way and hay fever in the air, you know that it’s about time to start thinking about DIY. Your window for...