Pocket Sliding Doors - Usage & Design Guide 2025

Sliding pocket doors are a standout glazing solution for those seeking clean lines, maximum openings, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Unlike standard sliding or bifold doors, external pocket doors disappear completely into the wall cavity, giving you an uninterrupted opening with no visible panels when the doors are open.

At Glideline, we manufacture advanced aluminium sliding door systems, including bespoke pocket sliding door configurations for residential and commercial projects across the UK. In this guide, we explain how external pocket doors work, how they’re installed, what they may cost, and whether they’re right for your project.

What Are Sliding pocket doors?

External sliding pocket doors are sliding glass doors designed to retract fully into a wall pocket. When open, the door panels slide into a purpose-built wall cavity—hidden from view. This provides the cleanest possible opening, as no panels stack internally or externally, and no part of the frame remains visible within the opening.

Sliding Pocket doors are ideal for:

• Homes where a completely clear aperture is desired

• Minimalist architecture with flush wall finishes

• Projects with garden rooms, terraces, and outdoor entertaining areas

• New extensions where you can design the wall cavity into the build

 Pocket sliding doors are bespoke systems requiring structural co-ordination, not off the shelf sliding doors. This complex but rewarding sliding door type requires careful coordination between glazing and structural design and all parties involved.  Without extensive structural modifications, pocket sliding doors are intended for new build projects rather than old patio door replacements.

Key Benefits of External Pocket Sliding Doors

 There are many benefits to pocket sliding doors, but by far the best is use of the full clear opening. Even standard sliding doors need somewhere to park, so you always lose an element of your overall clear opening available.  Because the parking of the panels happens in the wall space, you are not restricted to the 50% opening of a two panel door or 66% opening of a three panel.  Other benefits include:

Minimalist design
With no stacked panels or visible frame when open, pocket doors are ideal for modern, clean architecture.

Space saving
Because the doors disappear into the wall, you don’t need to allow for swing space or external stacking areas.

Flush threshold integration
Our aluminium systems allow low or flush thresholds to be built into the floor, maintaining seamless movement from indoors to out.

Bespoke options
Available in large sizes, multiple tracks, and corner or wraparound configurations, tailored to your build.

What to watch out for with external pocket sliding doors

Aside from higher cost, most limitations relate to installation, cleaning and design, not the product itself.

You must ensure that doors tracks are kept clean as servicing and cleaning hidden tracks can be difficult. All of this depends on your door design so professional advice and the right products are key.

Structural & Design Limitations
They’re unsuitable for load-bearing or serviced walls and restrict how you can use the adjacent wall space. Retrofitting usually means adding a stud wall.

Performance & Security
Pocket systems don’t always seal as tightly, because of the gaps needed for the doors to slide. This does not mean lower insulation or security compared to standard sliding doors.

Usability Issues
As the doors need to park in a wall pocket flush handles are always used.  The larger pull-type handles can be fitted but these will prevent the door from fully sliding into the wall pocket. Flush handles can be awkward for those with limited grip strength, and cheaper sliding door systems risk sticking or track misalignment over time.  Never compromise on the quality of your new pocket sliding doors and ensure they’re proven in these installations.

Higher Cost
Specialised hardware, wall construction, and installation add to the overall cost compared with standard sliding or hinged doors. 

Installation Considerations

Owing to the wall modification required, pocket doors have a more complex and costlier installation.  But these are factors that should already be in your budget if you want these types of doors. 

You must involve your sliding door manufacturer and installer, architect and builder at the start of your project planning. Retrofitting is rarely possible  because the wall cavity must be designed to accommodate the panels alongside the head and track which need fitting in the cavity.

Key things to consider:

• Wall construction: The pocket cavity must be formed using masonry or steel-framed internal walls with an appropriate lintel above.

• Structural planning: Structural openings must allow for the frame, pocket cavity, and movement of the doors.

• Moisture control: Drainage and waterproofing are essential—our systems include weep holes, drainage channels, and appropriate thermal breaks.

• Access for service or maintenance: Glideline pocket systems are designed with access panels where required to support future servicing.

We provide full technical drawings and coordination advice for every pocket system ordered.

System Options from Glideline

Our pocket doors are based on our existing GS premium sliding models , with bespoke adaptation for pocket use.  We offer:

• Double and triple-track pocket sliders

• Open corner pocket doors

• Floor-to-ceiling glazing

• 15mm to 25mm interlock options

• Manual or automated operation

The Glideline GS range includes high-performance aluminium profiles with ultra-slim interlocks, soft-close operation, and integrated drainage. Pocket doors are available as part of our GS15, GS20, and GS25 systems depending on project requirements.

Cost of External Pocket Doors (UK, 2025)

External pocket doors are more expensive than standard sliding or bifold doors due to the additional complexity.

Estimated supply prices:

• Two-panel pocket slider: from £6,000–£9,000+

• Open corner pocket doors: from £12,000–£18,000+

• Installation (specialist): typically, £1,500–£3,500 depending on size and complexity

Prices vary based on:

• Size and weight of glass panels

• Number of panels and configuration

• Glass type (double or triple glazing, solar control, etc.)

• Threshold detailing and automation

For accurate pricing, we recommend a full quotation based on your drawings and structural opening. 

Do You Need Planning Permission for pocket sliding doors?

In most cases, installing pocket sliding doors does not require separate planning permission if part of a permitted extension or renovation. However:

• New openings in listed buildings or conservation areas may require permission

• Extensions or changes to structural walls may require building control approval

• Flush thresholds or low-level sills must comply with Part M (accessibility) and Part L (thermal) regulations

Always consult your architect or local planning office before commencing work. 

Design Inspiration and Use Cases

Pocket doors are often used in:

• Large rear extensions with full-width garden openings

• Courtyard spaces where internal and external walls can be aligned

• Open-plan kitchen-living rooms seeking maximum flow to patios or terraces

• Contemporary new builds where pocket doors enhance the clean-lined aesthetic

We regularly manufacture pocket systems for both high-end residential homes and commercial spaces where architectural clarity is the priority.

Why Choose Glideline for External Pocket Doors?

Simply put, we have extensive experience in making external pocket sliding doors and many years previously fitting them. Unlike many suppliers, we design, build, and support each door ourselves—ensuring full control over quality and precision. You get:

• Tailored support from design to installation

• Technical guidance and CAD drawings

• Made-to-measure aluminium systems

• Trade supply or full support for your builder/contractor

We specialise in complex and large-format glazing. If your project requires a pocket system, open corner, or non-standard solution, we’ll help you specify it correctly. 

Homeowners — Speak to Us About Your Project

If you’re planning a new extension or home build and want the cleanest possible glass-to-garden connection, our external pocket doors could be the perfect solution. Contact Glideline today for expert advice, technical coordination, and a quote.

Installers — Add Pocket Doors to Your Offering

Are you a trade installer looking to offer pocket sliding systems? Glideline supplies the trade nationwide with complete, pre-assembled pocket sliding doors and easy to assemble tracks and frames, all with full support. Become an approved partner and grow your offering with a premium solution few others can deliver. Contact us today.