Pocket doors offer a sleek way to save space in your home, but they come with a higher price tag than you might expect. Yes, pocket doors are more expensive than standard doors—typically costing between $800 and $2,500 to install, compared to just $150 to $200 for a regular hinged door. The cost jumps even higher if you’re retrofitting an existing wall instead of installing one during new construction.
The price difference isn’t just about the door itself. You’re paying for specialized hardware, a track system, and the wall modifications needed to create a hidden cavity where the door slides. If your wall has electrical wiring, plumbing, or ductwork in the way, you’ll face additional costs to relocate those utilities.
Before you decide whether a pocket door fits your budget, it helps to understand what drives the cost. We’ll break down the materials, labor, and hidden expenses you might encounter.
Are Pocket Doors More Expensive Than Standard Doors?
Pocket doors typically cost 30-50% more than standard hinged doors, with installation expenses ranging from $800 to $2,500 compared to $150 to $200 for regular doors. The price difference comes mainly from the complex installation work required.
Typical Installation Cost Comparison: Pocket Doors vs. Hinged and Barn Doors
Your pocket door installation will run $500 to $1,000 in new construction. If you’re adding one to an existing wall, expect to pay $2,000 to $6,000.
Standard hinged doors cost just $150 to $200 to install, but pocket door kits may offer a more informed decision for space-saving solutions. That’s a significant savings compared to pocket doors.
Barn doors fall somewhere in between, though installation is simpler than pocket doors since they mount on the wall surface, making them a versatile option.
Why Are Pocket Doors More Costly?
The higher cost comes from the installation process. Your contractor needs to open up the wall and create a cavity for the door to slide into.
This means wall demolition ($1,300 to $5,000), potential electrical or plumbing adjustments ($100 to $125 per hour), and waste removal. Labor alone runs $350 to $600 for a six-hour installation.
Scenarios Where Pocket Doors Outweigh the Cost
You’ll benefit most from pocket doors in tight spaces where a versatile solution is needed. swinging door would block furniture or walkways. Small bathrooms and narrow hallways are ideal candidates.
They also work well when you want to merge two rooms occasionally while maintaining the option to separate them.
Cost Breakdown: Materials, Labor, and Hardware
The final price for pocket door installation depends on three main areas: the door material you choose, the type of installation work required, and the hardware system needed to support your door.
Material Choices and Their Impact on Price
Your door selection creates the biggest price variation. Hollow core doors cost $30 to $150 and work well for basic installations. Solid core doors range from $70 to $500 and provide better sound blocking, making them a versatile choice for any room.
Solid wood pocket doors sit at the premium end, costing $250 to $600 or more. Glass pocket doors and double pocket doors require special framing and typically cost $1,000 to $2,000 per door for materials. The frame kit itself runs $150 to $430 for standard 2×4 walls.
Labor Differences: New Construction vs. Retrofit
New construction pocket door installation costs $100 to $500 for labor since walls are already open. Retrofit installations into existing walls start around $1,000 and can exceed $2,500. You’ll need wall demolition, reframing, and drywall finishing to install pocket door kits properly. If utilities like electrical wiring or plumbing need relocation, expect to add hundreds or thousands more to your project cost.
Hardware, Tracks, and Special Systems
Basic pocket door hardware including pulls and locks costs $25 to $150. The track system quality matters most for long-term performance. Ball-bearing rollers provide smoother operation for heavier doors. Commercial-grade tracks for glass or oversized doors add several hundred dollars. Soft-close mechanisms cost extra but prevent slamming.
Factors That Increase or Decrease Pocket Door Costs
Your pocket door installation cost swings based on wall condition, material choices, and who does the work. Wall changes and upgrades make the biggest difference in your final bill.
Demolition, Utilities, and Structural Modifications
Opening an existing wall costs $1,200 to $2,500 for your pocket door. Load-bearing walls need a structural engineer, pushing costs higher. Non-structural walls keep expenses lower.
Hidden utilities create extra work. Moving electrical wiring runs $50 to $130 per hour. Plumbing relocation averages $1,250. HVAC duct changes cost $450 to $2,200.
Choosing a wall without pipes, wires, or ducts saves you money. New construction avoids these issues entirely, with pocket door installation costing $550 to $3,300 compared to $1,550 to $4,200 for retrofits.
Premium Features and Upgrades
Your door material affects the price. Hollow core doors cost $500 to $800 installed, while solid wood or glass runs $600 to $2,200. French pocket doors add complexity and expense, ranging from $750 in new builds to $7,000 for retrofits.
Larger doors increase both material and labor costs. A 32-inch door costs less than a 60-inch door. Quality pocket door hardware also impacts durability and your budget.
DIY vs. Professional Installation Costs
DIY pocket door projects cut labor costs but require skills in demolition, framing, and utility work. Professional pocket door installation costs $350 to $600 for labor on straightforward jobs. Pros handle code compliance and prevent costly mistakes that DIY attempts often create.
Benefits and Value of Pocket Doors
Pocket doors offer real advantages that can make the higher cost of pocket door kits worthwhile. They save space in tight areas, improve your home’s look, and work well in specific situations where traditional doors don’t.
Space-Saving Advantages and Home Design Flexibility
Pocket doors slide into the wall instead of swinging open. This means you don’t lose any floor space to door clearance.
You can place furniture right next to doorways. In small bathrooms or closets, this makes a big difference. The space you save lets you fit in an extra shelf or chair.
Sliding doors work well in open floor plans. You can separate rooms when needed and open them up later. French pocket doors French doors with glass panels let light flow between spaces while still giving you privacy options.
Aesthetic and Accessibility Benefits
These doors create a clean, modern look. When open, they disappear completely into the wall. Your rooms feel more spacious and uncluttered.
Pocket door systems, such as pocket door kits, can maximize your space efficiency. can help people with mobility challenges. They’re easier to operate than heavy swinging doors and don’t require you to step back to open them.
When Pocket Doors Are Worth the Investment
The best time to install pocket doors is during new construction or major renovations. The installation fits naturally into the project timeline.
They make sense in tight hallways, small bathrooms, and closets where space matters most, particularly when using pocket door kits.
Sourcing High-Quality Door Solutions with Tengyu
As you weigh the costs and benefits of integrating a pocket door system into your home, you’ll want to partner with a manufacturer that understands both aesthetic elegance and structural durability. You can explore a wide variety of professional-grade options through Tengyu, a specialist in architectural door systems.
Whether you are looking for a complete Pocket Door System for a new build or need specific Door Accessories like Pocket Door Privacy Locks to finish a retrofit, Tengyu provides customizable solutions. Their catalog features everything from Modern Metal Frame Glass Doors to Mould Pressed Wooden Doors, ensuring your investment adds maximum value to your property.
