Pocket Door Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Pocket Door System
Pocket doors are an effective way to save space, improve the flow between rooms and create cleaner, less cluttered interiors. Instead of swinging into the room, the door slides into a purpose-built pocket within the wall, freeing up valuable floor and wall space.
However, choosing the right pocket door involves more than simply selecting a door size. You will need to consider whether you need a single or double opening, whether you prefer a traditional framed appearance or an architrave-free flush finish, the construction and thickness of the wall, the type of door panel you want to use, and any requirements for fire resistance, accessibility or additional features.
This guide explains the main choices so you can identify the ECLISSE pocket door system that best suits your project.
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What is a pocket door?
A pocket door is a sliding door that disappears into a cavity, or “pocket”, built inside the wall.
Image credit: Alex Wroe
Unlike a conventional hinged door, it does not require a clear area for the door leaf to swing through. This can make a significant difference in rooms where usable floor or wall space is limited.
Pocket doors are particularly useful for:
- Bathrooms and en-suites
- Utility rooms
- Walk-in wardrobes
- Pantries
- Kitchens and dining rooms
- Home offices
- Bedrooms
- Open-plan living spaces
- Accessible rooms and circulation areas
They can also be used purely as a design choice. When open, the door can disappear almost completely, helping two adjoining spaces feel more connected.
An ECLISSE pocket door system combines the internal pocket frame, track and runners required to support the sliding door. Depending on the system chosen, the finished opening can either have traditional jambs and architraves or a minimalist flush appearance.
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Single or double pocket door?
One of the first decisions is whether you need a single or double pocket door.
Single pocket doors
A single pocket door uses one door panel that slides into a pocket on one side of the opening.
It is normally the best choice for standard room entrances and smaller openings, particularly where the priority is saving space.
Typical applications include bathrooms, en-suites, utility rooms, wardrobes and offices.
Double pocket doors
A double pocket door uses two door panels that meet in the middle and slide into pockets on opposite sides.
Double systems are particularly effective between larger spaces such as:
- Kitchen and dining rooms
- Living and dining rooms
- Bedrooms and dressing rooms
- Larger open-plan spaces
They allow a much wider opening to be created when the doors are retracted.
| Consideration | Single pocket door | Double pocket door |
|---|---|---|
| Number of door panels | One | Two |
| Pocket required | One side | Both sides |
| Best suited to | Standard doorways and smaller spaces | Wider openings and adjoining rooms |
| Space saving | Excellent | Excellent |
| Visual effect when open | Discreet | Creates a large uninterrupted opening |
| Installation space | Lower overall width required | Greater overall wall width required |
When planning either option, remember that sufficient wall space is needed not only for the opening itself but also for the pocket into which the door retracts.
Classic or Flush pocket door?
Once you know the basic configuration, the next important choice is how you want the finished doorway to look.
ECLISSE offers both Classic and Syntesis Flush pocket door systems.
Classic pocket door systems
A Classic pocket door is finished with jambs and architraves around the opening.
This makes it particularly suitable where you want the pocket door to coordinate with conventional hinged doors elsewhere in the property.
Classic systems work well with both traditional and contemporary interiors and can accommodate a wide variety of timber door styles.
Syntesis Flush pocket door systems
The Syntesis Flush system is designed without visible jambs or architraves.
Instead, specially designed profiles allow the plaster finish to continue cleanly to the edge of the opening, creating a minimalist appearance.
The result is a doorway that visually integrates with the wall.
| Feature | Classic | Syntesis Flush |
|---|---|---|
| Jambs | Yes | No |
| Architrave | Yes | No |
| Appearance | Traditional or contemporary | Minimalist |
| Timber doors | Yes | Yes |
| Glass options | Yes | Yes |
| Best suited to | Matching conventional doorways | Clean, architectural interiors |
| Installation detailing | Conventional trim finishes the opening | Plaster finish forms the final edge |
Neither approach is inherently better. The decision is mainly about the architectural finish you want to achieve.
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What size pocket door do I need?
Pocket door sizing should be considered before the surrounding stud wall is built.
There are three measurements to understand:
Door panel size – the physical dimensions of the door.
Passage size – the usable opening after installation.
Overall frame size – the total space required to accommodate the pocket and opening.
The overall frame is significantly wider than the door panel because space is required for the door to slide back inside the wall.
ECLISSE systems are available for common UK door sizes, while bespoke solutions are available for many projects where standard sizes are not suitable.
For example, the current Syntesis Flush Single system can accommodate bespoke passage sizes up to 1300mm wide x 3000mm high, subject to specification.
The safest approach is therefore to select the required finished passage or door size first and then consult the relevant ECLISSE sizing chart to establish the structural opening required.
Technical & Installation – Sizing Charts
What wall thickness do I need?
Wall construction is one of the most important technical considerations when specifying a pocket door.
The pocket cassette sits within the wall, so the frame needs to be selected to suit the intended finished wall thickness.
Current ECLISSE Classic Single systems for timber doors are available for a range of finished wall thicknesses including 95mm, 100mm, 115mm and 125mm. The current Syntesis Flush timber pocket door range includes 100mm, 125mm and 150mm finished wall options.
Different systems and specialist configurations can have different requirements, so wall thickness should always be checked against the technical specification for the exact product being ordered.
It is also important to consider:
- The stud size
- Number and thickness of plasterboard layers (Single layer of 12.5mm plasterboard each side as standard)
- Finished floor level
- Services running through the wall
- Whether the wall is loadbearing
- Whether fire resistance is required
Pocket door systems are generally intended to become part of a stud wall construction. Structural or loadbearing requirements should be resolved separately before installation.
Which rooms are pocket doors best suited to?
Pocket doors can work almost anywhere, but they offer the greatest benefit where the swing of a conventional door compromises the layout.
Bathrooms and en-suites
Removing the door swing can make room for a larger shower, basin, storage unit or improved circulation.
Privacy locks can be specified where required.
Utility rooms and pantries
A pocket door keeps circulation areas clear and avoids a hinged door projecting into a busy kitchen or utility space.
Walk-in wardrobes
The absence of a swinging door gives greater freedom when positioning wardrobes and storage.
Kitchens and living areas
Single or double pocket doors can create separation when required without permanently dividing the spaces.
Home offices
A pocket door allows an office to be closed away when privacy is needed but opened completely when a more connected layout is preferred.
Accessible spaces
Because a pocket door does not sweep across the floor, it can help make more efficient use of circulation space. ECLISSE systems are top-hung, avoiding a conventional floor track across the opening.
Accessibility requirements should nevertheless be assessed as part of the complete room and building design.
Please note: if installing in a kitchen or bathroom, we do not advise tiling on to the pocket.
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Can pocket doors be fire rated?
Yes, but a fire-rated pocket door must be treated as a complete tested system rather than created by simply fitting a fire door into a standard pocket frame.
ECLISSE currently offers independently tested FD30 Classic pocket door systems in single and double configurations.
The current single FD30 system uses approved 44mm FD30 door panels and is designed for a 100mm finished wall thickness. The double FD30 system has its own tested construction and currently requires a 120mm finished wall thickness.
Fire-rated installations also have specific requirements covering areas such as:
- Approved door panels
- Jambs and architraves
- Intumescent seals
- Plasterboard specification
- Hardware
- Installation method
Only components and accessories permitted by the appropriate certification should be used.
If your project requires a fire door, identify this requirement before ordering rather than trying to upgrade a standard pocket door later.
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What door can I use with a pocket door system?
Many ECLISSE pocket systems can be used with standard timber door panels, subject to the required thickness, weight and fixing arrangement.
For example, current Classic and Syntesis Flush timber systems accommodate 35–44mm door panels, with standard maximum door weights of up to 100kg on the relevant systems.
However, you should not choose the frame based on appearance alone.
Check:
- Door thickness
- Door weight
- Door construction
- Top rail construction
- Required handle preparation
- Fire certification, where applicable
Flush systems have particular fixing requirements at the top of the door, so the construction of the door panel also matters.
Glass doors (supplied by ECLISSE) require dedicated glass fittings and should be selected as part of a compatible glass-door system.
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What if I need electrical sockets or switches near the pocket?
A standard pocket contains the door when it is open, which means the wall immediately surrounding the pocket is not normally suitable for conventional electrical boxes.
Where switches or sockets are required in this area, ECLISSE offers dedicated Wiring-Ready pocket door systems with provision for electrical services.
For example, the current Classic Single Wiring-Ready system uses a 150mm finished wall thickness and allows for electrical boxes up to the specified socket depth.
Planning this before the wall is constructed is much easier than trying to introduce electrical services after the pocket frame has been installed.
Which pocket door accessories should I consider?
Accessories can significantly change how the finished door feels to use.
Options include:
Soft close
ECLISSE BIAS® Soft Close with Anti-Slam slows the door during closing so it comes to a controlled stop rather than slamming.
On compatible systems, it is integrated within the track and can also be retrofitted.
Bi-directional soft close
BIAS® DS controls the movement of the door in both directions, cushioning it during opening as well as closing.
Self close
The ECLISSE Self Closing System automatically returns a compatible door to the closed position.
The current accessory is suitable for selected Classic single timber pocket door systems, including the Classic Fire-Rated Single and Wiring-Ready Single, but not the Syntesis Flush pocket door range.
Handles and locks
Options include flush pulls, privacy locks, key locks and pull handles.
The best choice will depend on the room, door material and whether you want the door to retract fully into the pocket.
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When should a pocket door be specified and installed?
A pocket door should ideally be selected during the design or first-fix stage of a project.
The frame becomes part of the wall structure, so leaving the decision until the walls have been plastered can create unnecessary additional work.
A typical sequence is:
- Confirm the required passage and door size from referring to the relevant technical specification.
- Select the appropriate ECLISSE system and wall thickness.
- Establish the structural opening.
- Assemble and install the pocket frame.
- Complete the surrounding studwork. (This can be done before step 4 if needed to)
- Install plasterboard and finish the wall.
- Fit and adjust the door.
- Fit handles, locks and other accessories.
- Complete final decoration.
ECLISSE specifies that relevant pocket frames should be installed at finished floor level, so allowance for the final floor build-up is important.
Always use the instructions and technical drawings supplied for the exact system being installed.
Installation Hints & Tips
How to choose the right pocket door
Before ordering, work through these questions:
1. Do I need a single or double opening?
Choose according to the passage width and how the adjoining rooms will be used.
2. Do I want visible architraves?
Choose Classic for a conventional framed doorway or Syntesis Flush for an architrave-free appearance.
3. What is my finished wall thickness?
Match the pocket system to the proposed wall construction. (please note: limited options for fire rated systems)
4. What door am I using?
Check thickness, weight, construction and system compatibility.
5. Are there special requirements?
Identify fire resistance, accessibility, wiring or unusually large dimensions early.
6. Which accessories do I want?
Consider handles, locks and closing mechanisms before finalising the specification.
Getting these six decisions right will make selecting the final system considerably easier.
Pocket Door FAQs
Can a pocket door be installed in an existing wall?
Yes, but the wall normally needs to be opened and reconstructed around the pocket frame. This is usually most straightforward during a renovation or refurbishment where wall finishes are already being changed. Alternatively, the pocket can be installed alongside the existing wall, however, this would create a larger finished wall thickness.
How thick does a wall need to be for a pocket door?
It depends on the system selected. Current ECLISSE systems cover several finished wall thicknesses, so choose the frame based on your wall construction rather than assuming one universal dimension.
Can I use my own door?
Many ECLISSE systems are designed for use with suitable standard timber door panels. Always check thickness, weight and construction against the technical specification before ordering.
Can pocket doors have locks?
Yes. Privacy, thumb turn locks and other suitable handle sets are available for compatible systems.
Can pocket doors be fire rated?
Yes. ECLISSE offers dedicated FD30 pocket door systems. A fire-rated installation must use the specified compatible components and approved door panels rather than a standard pocket frame.
Ready to choose your pocket door?
Whether you need to save space in a small bathroom or create a wide opening between living areas, there is an ECLISSE pocket door system designed for a wide range of residential and commercial applications.
Explore ECLISSE Pocket Door Kits or contact the ECLISSE team for help choosing the right system for your project.