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How do Pocket Doors Work - An Expert Guide

Pocket sliding doors make the already great sliding door even better. These statement-piece sliding doors provide a modern and minimalist solution fully open, with all the panels disappearing out of sight into the wall.  Where regular sliding doors will only provide half or two thirds available opening typically, pocket sliding doors will give you virtually 100%.

What are Pocket Sliding Doors

A pocket door is a sliding door that, when open, slides into a dedicated cavity or “pocket” built within an adjacent wall. This allows the door to be fully concealed from view, creating a clean wall line and eliminating swing space. Glideline’s range of internal or external pocket systems use high-specification aluminium framing and sliding hardware designed for long-term reliability. They are ideal for patios, garden rooms, or open-plan interiors.

As pocket doors slide into a concealed cavity within the wall, the sliding door frame and track extend into the wall cavity, enabling the door to continue sliding and disappearing from view when open.   There are some differences between external and internal pocket doors.

External Pocket Doors

External pocket doors are doors with thermally insulated frames and high performance safety glass units.  As standard you get excellent security, energy-efficiency and weather protection. The doors have highly engineered patio door rollers taking the weight and transitional movement of the doors at the bottom.

When creating pocket doors, it is typically the more premium and better-engineered doors that are used.  The cheaper patio doors are usually not suitable or intended for this purpose.

The Glideline product range comprises four sliding door models, all intended to create pocket doors in various configurations.  You can have standard doors sliding in one direction or both, as well as corner designs.

One complete, pocket doors look fantastic closed, with minimal frames and large glass panels.  It is when open that they really create the wow factor with one full opening and no visible doors.

Internal Pocket Doors

large modern room with sliding pocket doors to an external space

When it comes to internal sliding doors, the concept is generally the same, with the doors going into a pre-prepared internal wall pocket.  These doors are typically single glazed with safety glass.  You can use external doors inside if you want to.  It is more normal to use internal sliding doors .  These doors are hung and slide from the top with a small carrier at the bottom.  This gives no visible track at the bottom and lets your flooring run clear and uninterrupted and no step over needed.

Pocket Door Hardware & Mechanism

External pocket door systems, use the same hardware as regular sliding doors, and take into account the extended concealed track and top frame.  It will also be necessary to create some trims or aluminium cover pieces to create a neat finish when the doors are open and between these and the wall.

Internal doors work a little differently, depending on the model. These will require top hung sliding door door gear hidden inside the overhead track. The frame is required to support both the weight of the panels and provide safe movement. Options on sliding doors include soft opening and closing to prevent damage or slamming. 

Glideline’s pocket hardware is purpose-built for architectural aluminium systems and can handle heavier glazing panels with minimal effort.

Pocket Door Frames & Fire-Rated Options

If you require an internal door with fire protection, these are not available in aluminium, and you will have to consider a specialist timber door or steel door.  

Here you need expert advice because the frame and wall is also likely to have different specifications. Fire-rated pocket door systems are available in 30, 60 or 90 minute fire protection and often in apartment corridors, between the garage and the house or internally depending on how you configure your home layout.

Please consult your building inspector or architect if a fire door is required and ensure your installer is trained in these types of products.

Pocket Door Locks & Handles

Your  choice of door hardware can affect not just user comfort in using the doors but also how the doors fully open.

It is usually the case that external and internal pocket sliding doors use:

For your external sliding doors your choice of handles can affect whether your door park flush or staggered.  At Glideline we can provide expert advice on the best choice of handles for your project.

Choose your sliding door provider with care

Whether you use internal or external pocket doors two things are essential for a successful product outcome:

·      An expert sliding door manufacturer

·      A door installation business with a proven track record in pocket doors

A professional survey is always required.  As a manufacturer we can help you establish the correct sizes, provide detailed working drawings for builders and architects as well.

 Using professionals for these door types and getting all parties involved early in the project ensures everything goes smoothly.

Installation Considerations with Pocket Sliding Doors

Pocket doors should be planned early in the design process, especially for external use. Installation involves:

If the existing wall can’t be used, installers often construct a secondary stud wall alongside it to house the track and cavity. But do remember every project is different. 

How Much Space Do You Need for a Pocket Door?

The required wall width is typically:

Minimum structural opening sizes should be checked against manufacturer specifications—especially when using larger glazed aluminium doors. We can help your builder, architect or engineer with section and profile drawings to ensure the walls are designed to suit your chosen sliding door.

Typical Cost of Pocket Door Systems

Always get a professional Quotation as costs vary based on specification, wall structure, and installation complexity. As a very rough guide, typical supply and install prices are:

Why Choose Glideline Pocket Sliding Doors?

Not every product comes as a pocket sliding door and not every manufacturer has the expertise to make these products.  Our pocket systems are tried and tested and engineered for performance, reliability, and design freedom. Importantly, they are designed from the outset with a pocket option, with aluminium profiles, handles, locks and accessories available for this product design.

When you choose Glideline for your internal or external pocket doors, you benefit from:


Whether you’re building a new extension or need to reconfigure your living space, a Glideline pocket door provides the ideal solution.

TRADE PARTNER ENQUIRIES WELCOME
If you're a glazing installer, architect, or builder looking to offer premium aluminium pocket sliding doors, contact us today. We’ll support you with technical drawings, training, and high-quality products your customers will love.

 

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