More and more, pocket doors are used in modern homes because they save space, make it easier to get around, and add a stylish touch that normal swinging doors can not provide. A pocket door slides into the wall instead of swinging open like a normal door, which saves space and makes it easier to use. This is especially helpful in bathrooms, closets, narrow halls, or open-plan spaces where every square foot counts.
But, as with many things, the first question that many remodelers and homeowners have is: how much does it cost to have a professional install a pocket door? Pocket doors require structure changes, wall demolition, track installation, and precise finishing, making them more difficult and expensive to install than hinged doors.
Professional pocket door installation in the U.S. typically costs $800–$2,500. Larger doors, specific materials, and wall installation cost more.
This post shows real cost data and explains the main price factors to help you plan your project with confidence.
What Is a Pocket Door?
A pocket door is a certain kind of sliding door that is used inside a building. It fits neatly into a wall-built “pocket,” when fully opened. Pocket doors slide sideways and disappear when not in use, saving wall and floor space.
Key Benefits of Pocket Doors
- Pocket doors do not need a swing radius or an exposed track, so they save a lot of space that can be useful in small bathrooms, closets, laundry rooms, halls, and living rooms.
- Pocket doors give your home a modern, sleek look by hiding the door in the wall. This style works well with modern design.
- Better Flow of Traffic: When there is not a moving panel in the way, it is easier to move between rooms.
Pocket vs. Hinged & Barn Doors
- Hinged Doors: Need space on the floor to swing open, which can block furniture or paths.
- Barn Doors: Slide along the outside wall. This saves space on the floor, but they still take up space on the wall and are visible when open.
Pocket doors work best in places where they can save space and create a simple look.
Average Professional Installation Costs in the USA
To plan a project and stick to a budget, one needs to know the cost of professional pocket door installation. In the United States, the average cost to professionally install a pocket door ranges from $800 to $2,500. The cost depends on the type of project, the materials needed, and how difficult the work is.
Typical Cost Breakdown
- Overall Installed Project: Most homeowners pay about $800 to $2,500 for a professionally installed pocket door when you add up the cost of the materials and work.
- New Construction (walls are open): This style costs between $500 and more than $1,800 because of frame or finishing. The price to install pocket door depends on the size of the door and what it is made of.
- Retrofitting an Existing Wall: It can cost anywhere from $1,400 to over $3,800 to install a pocket door because you have to tear down the wall, move the plumbing and wiring, and then rebuild the wall.
For pocket door projects, labor is a big part of the cost. For a basic job, professional labor normally costs between $350 and $600 for simple installs. If they need to change the structure, move the plumbing or electricity, or refinish something, the cost goes up.
Cost Comparison by Installation Type
| Installation Type | Typical Cost (USA) |
| New Construction | $500–$1,600+ |
| Retrofit Existing Wall | $1,400–$3,800+ |
| Double Pocket Door | $1,000–$5,000+ |
| French Style Pocket Doors | Up to $7,000+ |
Note: French pocket doors and double doors usually cost more because they use more materials and take more time to install.
Why Prices Vary
These prices are affected by a number of factors.
- Door material: Hollow-core doors are cheaper than solid wood or glass doors.
- Wall condition: If there are walls already in place that have water or electrical wiring, it makes things more challenging.
- Regional labor rates: Urban and skilled builders charge more per hour.
What Affects Pocket Door Installation Cost?
Installing a pocket door is harder than inside doors, and the cost depends on several factors. Knowing this aids budgeting and avoiding surprises. In the US, several criteria determine pocket door installation costs. Current prices and business information are here.
Door Material
The pocket door material you pick has a big impact on both the cost of materials and the cost of labor:
- Hollow Core — Budget-Friendly: Hollow-core doors are the cheapest and lightest choice, which makes pocket door hardware installation a bit easier. They are great for places where soundproofing is not important.
- Solid Wood—Mid-Range: Doors made of solid wood are heavier, more expensive, and more difficult to install, but they look and feel better and are more lasting.
- Glass / Decorative & Custom Styles — Higher End: Luxury glass pocket doors and ornate patterns, such French-style, are more expensive due to manufacturing expenses and installation precision.
Different materials change more than just the starting costs; they also change the hardware that is needed (tracks, rollers, handles), which makes it more expensive.
Size & Type
Cost depends on door size and style.
- Standard Sizes: Most pocket doors are 32″–36″. For larger doors, use additional materials and strong locks.
- Double Doors: Installing two pocket doors next to each other is harder and more expensive than installing one.
- French or Custom Designs: Special framing and hardware make these larger or more distinctive doors more expensive.
Wall Condition
It makes a big difference if the pocket door goes into new building or an old wall:
- New Build / Remodel During Construction: It is easier and cheaper to install when the wall is already open.
- Retrofitting an Existing Wall: This usually means taking down drywall, moving HVAC, plumbing, or electrical, and reframing the wall. This adds a lot of time and money to the project.
- Load-Bearing Walls: If the wall holds up part of the structure, you might need to install a structural header and have an engineer review the work. This costs more and takes more time.
Labor and Regional Variations
Different areas and contractors have different labor costs:
- Market differences: Higher living costs in urban areas lead to higher hourly labor rates.
- Skill Level: More experienced installers or licensed professionals may charge more, but they often do better work that follows the standards.
- Typical Labor Range: For a simple installation, labor costs about $350 to $600, but it is much more expensive for retrofit jobs.
Additional Work
Besides the basic installation, other projects can add a lot to the cost:
- Electrical or Plumbing Work: If the plumbing or electrical work is inside the wall, you might need to hire a professional plumber or electrician.
- Final Details: The total includes painting, trim work, and better hardware (specialty handles and soft-close systems).
DIY vs Professional Installation
Many people who own homes think about installing a pocket door themselves to save money. Installing a pocket door yourself might seem like a cheap way to get it done, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong that make getting a professional the better long-term investment.
Why Some Homeowners Try DIY
- Lower Initial Costs: Depending on the door material and the quality of the hardware, do-it-yourself pocket door kits usually cost between $150 and $600. This up-front savings looks good to residents who want to save money.
- Basic Tools Are Enough: Simple building projects might only need basic carpentry tools.
- TIP: DIY kits cost $150–$600, but poor installation might cost more in repairs or rework. Mis-set tracks, poor alignment, or mistakes with solid walls can make fixes very expensive.
Advantages of Professional Installation
- Code Compliance & Safety: Certified installers know local building codes and structural requirements, crucial for pocket doors with load-bearing walls or rerouting wiring/ductwork.
- Less Mistakes: Professionals have experience to reduce frequent problems, such as misaligned tracks, door binding, or uneven finishes, which might impact functioning.
- Speed and Assurance: Most professionals are faster and more reliable than most DIYers. They also often offer promises or guarantees of good work, which makes people feel safe if problems come up later.
Get Precise Pocket Door Estimates with Fusion Estimating
Before installing a pocket door, evaluate the cost based on wall characteristics, materials, labor rates, and retrofit or new construction. An accurate estimate helps you budget, evaluate contractor proposals, and avoid costly surprises during construction. Instead of broad averages, project-specific estimates consider door size, structural changes, utility relocation, finishing needs, and local labor rates, which can considerably affect cost.
Fusion Estimating specializes in estimating residential and commercial construction expenses nationwide and works alongside leading Cost estimating firms to deliver precise, trade-specific pricing for every type of project. Our expertise helps owners, contractors, and developers plan with trade-specific cost breakdowns based on drawings, scope of work, and specifications.
We save time, reduce financial risk, and improve bids with accurate quantity takeoffs and pricing. Simply enter your project details (plans or scope description) and we will provide a clear, itemized estimate to help you analyze estimates, negotiate effectively, and remain on budget.
Want a complete pocket door installation cost estimate? Call or email Fusion Estimating now for a fast, accurate estimate. We help you plan, bid, and build confidently.