Pocket door kit sizes explained

If you have already been convinced by the various benefits of the pocket door, then it is time to choose your pocket door kit. Pocket doors can save you space, enable you to create new rooms and can add great flexibility to how you utilise an open space, but it is essential that you choose the right size pocket door in order for these benefits to be realised. In this guide we will explain the main factors you need to consider when choosing your pocket door kit, and will also explain what the different sizes and dimensions mean.

What is a pocket door kit?

Fundamentally, choosing the right size pocket door kit is more important than choosing the pocket door itself. This is because the pocket door operates within a steel framework, which houses the door and the overhead rail that the door travels on. So the pocket door kit consists of the steel frame, which is easily snapped together from separate pieces, and which is placed inside the wall cavity you have created. Normally this will be within a stud wall construction. The pocket door kit also includes the overhead track and the runners, which help the door open and slide into the ‘pocket’, and a set of jambs which are installed to keep the door level, ensure it operates smoothly and to ensure a good seal on the closed door.

What factors affect the pocket door kit size?

Although you will often be aware of the door opening dimensions you have available to you, this is only one of three factors you need to consider when determining the right size of pocket door kit for your needs. Because the pocket door slides into the ‘pocket’ when it opens, the framework for your pocket door needs to be roughly double the width of the door itself, plus you need to allow some extra space in the wall cavity for the framework. This is in terms of both width and height.

The starting point when choosing a pocket door kit is to measure the whole width of the wall space you have to work with and to compare this with the door you are hoping to use. This may determine how your stud wall is constructed if this is a new-build property, but in many cases the door opening dimensions will already have been determined. Fortunately, most door sizes are standard, so you should be able to find a pocket door kit to suit the door opening dimensions you have. However, the three factors you need to look at are:

Door size – Most pocket door systems, including those supplied by MB Direct, allow you to use your existing door, or one that you have sourced separately. These should be a standard size from ten that are commonly found in the UK and which range in width from 610mm to 1026mm and in height from 1981mm to 2040mm. If you already know the dimensions of the door you will be using, a pocket door kit product specification should then indicate what size of door opening you will need to accommodate the appropriate framework in your pocket door kit.
Frame size – Once you have the door size confirmed, this should then give you the frame size. This is the overall maximum dimensions of the wall space you need in order to accommodate the steel framework for your pocket door. So you need to measure the opening within your stud wall to confirm you have sufficient space. For example, if your door is 626mm wide (the smallest door width available) the width space you will need for the framework will be 1294mm. This is double the door width, plus extra space to accommodate the steel framework, as explained above. In terms of height, for a 2040mm door (the most common height of a standard door) you would need 2115mm vertical space. This is to accommodate both the door and the framework, which includes the overhead rail.
Wall thickness – The thickness of the pocket door kit is based on the width of your stud wall. Again, these tend to come in standard thicknesses ranging from 63mm to 100mm and include the plasterboard used to finish off your wall. The gap in your studwork has to accommodate the door and the pocket door framework, ensuring that the door has space to operate freely without hitting an obstruction.

If you need any assistance in determining the right size of pocket door kit, then you can talk to our sales team at MB Direct today. All our pocket door systems have dimensions specified in the product information, so choose the right pocket door for your needs today.