If you have a small room such as a guest bathroom or a closet where convenient access is limited by a swinging door, consider installing a pocket door. A pocket door can provide up to ten additional square feet of usable floor space, since it doesn't need as much "swing out" space as a standard door. If you're building a new home, specify pocket doors for those tight spaces. For an existing home, weigh the pros and cons of additional space versus difficulty of installation.

Installing a Pocket Door--Not for the Faint of Heart

Although pocket doors provide extra usable space, they come with a downside. Pocket door installation requires removing portions of a wall, so it's a project best left to an experienced handyman. On the other hand, if you have a contractor who's performing a major remodel or renovation on your home, adding one or more pocket doors to the plans won't add that much extra cost.

For smaller rooms, you can install a single pocket door. For larger doorways, the best solution is two pocket doors, one sliding into either side of the opening. Even in a larger room, a pocket door can provide more furniture and decorating options, like a couch along a wall that was formerly obstructed by the swing of a conventional door.

Should you elect to do a pocket door installation yourself, be sure to check the wall first for obstructions, such as:

• Electrical wiring
• Heating ducts
• Plumbing pipes

If there are any, you will have to relocate them to make clearance for the pocket door to slide into the wall. And, don't forget: when installing your pocket door, follow the manufacturer's instructions meticulously for the best results.