Tips for Buying and Installing a Pocket Door Lock

Pocket doors are rarely used to gain entrance into a home.  These doors are most commonly found to close off rooms inside the home or for closets.  Over the years, pocket doors have decreased in popularity but it seems as if they are making a comeback.  This is because these doors are ideal when limited on space.  Most of these doors slide up and down.  For example, when you close down the door, you slide it down the track into the pocket.  Although not as common, some doors can slide from side to side. 

Despite the fact that pocket doors are rarely used as a front or side door (unless of course you are taking into account a sliding glass door which does meet the qualifications), you might still be interested in purchasing a lock.  This lock can close of a specific room that you don’t want everyone in or it can offer protection if you’d like to keep your children safe.  For example, they might think it is “cool” to open and close the door but it can pose a safety risk.  Regardless of your reason for wanting security, you will want to look into a pocket door lock.

When it comes to buying a pocket door lock, you will begin to notice a common trend.  Despite varying styles and designs, you will see that most of these locks are a nice little square.  On one side you will find the door latch and on one of the outer sides will be the lock.  Although not typically standard, some pocket door locks do come with double sided locks so that you can lock or unlock from both the inside and the outside.

Installing a pocket door lock is actually a very easy process.  Since you have hopefully already installed the door itself, all you need is to install the lock.  Most often, you are asked to center the handle and lock right in the middle of your door off to the side.  As for cutting out the handle for the door and the lock, you should be provided with a template or exact measurements at the very least.

In short, if you have a room that you would like to close off but don’t have the room for a door to swing in or out, remember that you do still have options.  Keep this in mind if you are looking to build a home as well.  Don’t let space limit you.  Always remember that you can close off rooms, have real closet doors and more.  In fact, you can even keep these areas safe and secure with a good pocket door lock.