Barn Doors vs Pocket Doors: Which is Right for You?

Is there a place in your home that needs a door, but a revolving door takes up too much space?

It happens to many of us. There are only certain spaces in your home that need a door, but swinging doors take up too much floor space for you to move around easily. Sometimes swing doors in tight spaces can be difficult to maximize space for furniture and light fixtures. This is especially common if you live in an older home, but even newer homes have this problem.

Fortunately, there are two different solutions: barn doors and pocket doors. Both doors slide rather than swing, so they maximize floor space. But you might get confused between them...we see why! They differ from each other in some very important ways. Today we'll analyze the pros and cons of barn doors and pocket doors so you can decide which one is right for you.

Barn doors have a wall (or in some cases ceiling) track that slides along the sliding hardware track. It is always visible whether it is on or off.

A pocket door slides into an opening in the wall itself. It also slides on the hardware track, but the track is inside the wall. When it opens, a pocket door is either completely or mostly hidden within the wall.

The pocket door slides into a cavity in the wall, so it offers the most floor space of any door type. It's compact and unobtrusive. Pocket doors also have weather strips on three sides of the door (a little space at the bottom of the floor to make room for the track), so they offer more privacy than sliding barn doors.

Pocket doors are common in Victorian homes, so they work well in spaces with more vintage, traditional or classic styles. You can also find contemporary and modern versions.

With the correct pocket door hardware, pocket doors are easier to operate than traditional swing doors for those with mobility and dexterity issues.

It's even easier if you already have a cavity in your wall. But the real headache was having to retrofit the existing door opening for the pocket door. Sometimes the wall is not thick enough, and if it's a load-bearing wall, it won't be possible. Installation can be expensive.

Because the track is hidden, it's hard to fix any issues with the track because you can't see it. If the track is worn out, sometimes the pocket door can get stuck. 

Now we've covered pocket doors. Let's move on to the barn door. 

They slide against the wall, and unlike pocket doors, they are always exposed. This gives you the opportunity to choose a particularly beautiful barn door and let it function like a work of art. In a room with no architectural interest, the barn door acts as a focal point and anchor.

Since the track is exposed, it is easier to fix any issues with the track than with a pocket door. And because the track is on the wall or ceiling, rather than inside the wall, barn doors are simpler and generally less expensive to install.

Because barn doors can't snap into walls, and you can install more traditional handles that stick out, barn doors may be a good option for those with limited mobility or dexterity issues. In fact, some barn doors can be pushed open effortlessly if you get high-quality hardware. 

Not everyone likes the look of exposed tracks. Indoor barn doors are a recent innovation, and choosing tracks and doors that look good in more traditional or classic homes requires some sense of design. You have to make the barn door the focal point of the room. 

Barn doors do not seal because there must be a little space between the door and the wall to operate them. Sound can easily travel through that space. Therefore, they are not suitable for applications that require privacy, such as downstairs bathrooms.

These are the basic advantages and disadvantages of each type. For your home, you can choose to get a barn door, pocket door, or both! If there is a revolving door taking up too much floor space, pocket doors and barn doors offer a solution.

Get quality hardware. Many of the problems with barn doors and pocket doors come from cheap rails and hardware. If you buy high-quality hardware in the first place, it will reduce your chances of having problems later on.

Choose sturdy doors. Solid doors are more durable and look and feel better.

Consult an expert before buying. Talk to a contractor, or call us so we can advise you on which door is right for your project.

You can check out our range of barn door hardware and pocket door hardware. Hopefully, we've helped you decide which space-saving door is right for you! If you already have an idea for a pocket door or barn door and its hardware, please contact us.

Wekis Hardware is a professional custom sliding door hardware manufacturer. For 18 years, we have been focusing on the research and development, design, and manufacture of furniture hardware and sliding door hardware. Wekis Hardware prides itself on its competence, efficiency and professionalism in the hardware industry. Products are exported to more than 110 countries and regions such as Europe, North America, Australia, South Africa, and Southeast Asia. Establish long-term cooperative relationships, quality and service are recognized, and become a trusted partner.