How much does it cost to install a pocket door?
How much does it cost to install a pocket door?
$500 – $2,000 average installed cost (new construction)
$1,400 – $3,000 average installed cost (existing wall)
Cost to install a pocket door
The average cost to install a pocket door is $500 to $3,000 total, depending on the material and whether it's in a new or existing wall. Pocket door installation costs $100 to $500 for labor alone when adding the door to a new wall or about $1,000 if installing the door in an existing wall.
| National Average Cost | $1,750 |
| Minimum Cost | $450 |
| Maximum Cost | $4,300 |
| Average Range | $500 to $3,000 |
Pocket door installation cost by size
Most pocket doors are 34” to 46” wide, though some are wider. The smallest pocket door size that will pass a building code is 32”. The table below shows the average costs to install pocket doors depending on their size.
| Door size (inches) | Average installed cost (new wall) |
Average installed cost (existing wall) |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | $450 – $1,500 | $1,400 – $2,500 |
| 34 | $500 – $1,600 | $1,400 – $2,600 |
| 36 | $550 – $1,900 | $1,500 – $2,900 |
| 46 | $600 – $2,000 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| 48 | $700 – $2,800 | $1,600 – $3,800 |
| 60 | $800 – $3,300 | $1,700 – $4,300 |
Pocket door cost by material
Hollow core pocket doors cost the least, followed by fiberglass. Glass and solid wood pockets doors are heavier and more expensive than other materials.
| Material | Average installed cost (new construction) |
|---|---|
| Hollow core | $500 – $800 |
| Chalkboard | $500 – $2,200 |
| Glass | $550 – $2,300 |
| Fiberglass | $600 – $1,000 |
| Solid wood | $600 – $2,200 |
| Aluminum | $600 – $2,000 |
Hollow core
Hollow-core pocket doors cost $500 to $800 installed on average for a new construction. Installing the same door in an existing wall will cost more. Hollow-core doors are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to slide. However, they are made of a thin MDF shell, which means they aren’t durable.
Chalkboard
A chalkboard pocket door costs $500 to $2,200 installed. This door type includes a layer of chalkboard vinyl or paint, which can be readymade or done at home. This allows you to draw or write lists directly on the door without using paper or a whiteboard.
Glass
Glass pocket doors cost $550 to $2,300 with installation. Glass pocket doors are attractive and modern. They can be frosted or have a grid-like pattern to resemble a traditional French door. The installer must handle glass pocket doors with care, and the door often needs a sturdy frame material.
If you’re concerned about damage, buy a sturdy material like solid wood instead. Glass and hollow core pocket doors are more fragile than other materials.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass pocket doors cost $600 to $1,000 installed for a new construction. Fiberglass is durable, low-maintenance, and lighter than wood. This makes them slide more easily than a solid wood pocket door. However, fiberglass is prone to scuffing over time and may need repainting or refinishing.
Solid wood
Solid wood pocket doors cost $600 to $2,200 with installation and are the most common material used in pocket doors. Solid wood is durable and comes in many different colors and styles. You can also stain or paint it to match the rest of your home.
Aluminum
Aluminum pocket doors cost $600 to $2,000 installed in a new home. Aluminum is a good choice for modern or contemporary houses. This material is lightweight and can be painted. However, the lightweight material can dent over time, making it difficult to slide.
Pocket door installation cost by type
Double pocket doors and French pocket doors cost about twice as much as a single door. However, these doors are often cheaper than installing one exceptionally large door that requires a bulky, heavy frame. The prices below are for new construction. Retrofitting an existing wall would cost roughly $900 to $1,000 more.
| Door type | Average cost (materials only) |
Average installed cost (new wall) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $400 – $2,000 | $500 – $2,500 |
| Double | $800 – $4,000 | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| French | $1,000 – $4,000 | $1,200 – $5,000 |
Single pocket door
A single pocket door costs $400 to $2,000 for materials only or $500 to $2,500 installed. Most people use these doors in bathrooms, and they tend to be less than 60” wide each. If your doorway is more than 60” wide, it would be better to install a double door.
Double pocket doors
Double pocket doors cost $800 to $4,000 for materials and $1,000 to $5,000 with installation. Double pocket doors pull together and function individually, so you can move one or both at the same time. Hollow-core doors are not the best option for this project, but most other materials work well.
French pocket doors
French pocket doors cost $1,200 to $5,000 installed. The material cost for a single French pocket door is $1,000 to $2,000, while double French pocket doors cost $2,000 to $4,000 before labor. These framed glass doors cost more than average and require special hardware to make sure the doors do not crack.
Pocket door installation cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to install a pocket door:
Installation complexity: Installing a pocket door is more difficult than installing a standard hinged door. Removing parts of an existing wall takes longer than drilling a few holes for hinges.
Disposal: Removing and disposing of the old door can cost about $100, although some companies include removal in their labor fees.
Demolition: Interior demolition costs $2 to $8 per square foot or $40 to $80 per hour. Always check with a structural engineer to make sure your wall isn’t load bearing. If the wall contains wiring, HVAC, or pipes, you’ll have to work with a professional.
Hardware: Pocket door hardware is different from standard door hardware because it doesn’t include a standard doorknob or handle. Pocket doors use retractable latches on the edge of the door, which you lift up and pull the door closed with.
Automatic: Making a pocket door automatic adds $500 to $1,000. Automatic pocket doors use a sensor, button, or remote control to open the door without physically moving it.
Paint: Painting a door costs $75 to $150 for interior doors. You may want to paint your new pocket door to match the rest of your décor.
Labor
The labor cost for installing pocket doors varies depending on whether the job is on a new construction or retrofitting an existing wall. Since the walls are open in a new build, it’s easy to install the track before finishing the wall. In this case, labor costs $100 to $500.
In a retrofit, labor fees are typically about $1,000 but can be up to $2,500 for complex jobs or load-bearing walls. These cases are more complicated because you may need to reroute utilities.
Pocket door cost vs. other door types
Installing or replacing a door costs $225 to $825 on average for interior doors. The following table shows the average cost of several types of doors compared to the cost to install a pocket door:
| Door type | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Pocket door | $500 – $3,000 |
| Storm door cost | $350 – $1,050 |
| French doors cost | $600 – $3,000 |
| Patio door cost | $600 – $6,500 |
| Sliding glass door cost | $700 – $2,400 |
| Screen door cost | $175 – $580 |
Pocket door installation FAQs
What is a pocket door?
A pocket door is a door that slides on a track inside the wall instead of swinging outward or inward. It seems to disappear when it’s open and looks like a normal door when closed. Installing pocket doors in an existing home involves removing and rebuilding the wall around the track.
Can I DIY a pocket door?
You can buy a DIY pocket door kit for $350 to $600, depending on the material. This can save you money on labor, but some pocket door jobs require demolition, plumbing, or electrical work. If you’re not an experienced DIYer, hire a professional or local handyperson to install it for you.
Can you install a pocket door in an existing wall?
Yes, you can install a pocket door in an existing wall. However, this project involves demolition and may be more costly than it’s worth if the wall you’re working on is load bearing. Retrofitting a pocket door in an existing wall often costs $1,000 more than installing in a new construction.
How long does it take to install a pocket door?
Installing a pocket door takes 6 to 12 hours on average, depending on whether the home is a new construction or existing home. If the installer needs to move any HVAC equipment or plumbing, the project could take several days.
Getting estimates from pocket door installers
Before hiring a pocket door installer near you, follow these steps:
Compare 3+ similar door estimates.
Read installer reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Browse their pictures of recent jobs if possible.
Choose a licensed, bonded, insured company with 5+ years of experience.
Avoid suspiciously low quotes, which can indicate poor quality work.
Get an estimate, contract, and warranty in writing.
Questions to ask pocket door installers
Ask the following questions to ensure you hire a high-quality door installer:
What does the quote include?
Do I need to buy the door and hardware, or will you handle that?
Is old door disposal covered in your quote?
How should I prepare my home for the installation?
Am I required to be present while you work?
Can you complete any plumbing and electrical work yourself?
Who do I contact if I have any issues with the door afterward?
How do you deal with any mold or damage you find once you remove the wall?
Can you paint or replace the trim afterward?
How long will the door installation take?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.