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Two Ways to Pocket a Door: Recessed vs. Proud Installations

05-23-2025
Two Ways to Pocket a Door: Recessed vs. Proud Installations

Pocket doors are a go-to solution for maximizing space and achieving clean sightlines—but not all installations look or function the same. Depending on your design intent, there are two distinct ways to pocket a door: recessed or proud.

1. Recessed into the Pocket

This method allows the door to fully disappear into the wall cavity when open. The result? A clean, flush wall with no visible door edge or handle, making it ideal for minimalist interiors or smaller spaces that benefit from a seamless look.

  • Best for: tight spaces, contemporary design, or when you want the door to disappear
  • Design benefit: uninterrupted visual lines
  • Functionality note: requires the door and pocket to be precisely aligned

2. Proud of the Pocket

Here, the door sits slightly outside the wall when open, with a portion remaining visible. This approach is often used with thicker, heavier, or more decorative doors. It also allows for easier grip or access to pulls.

  • Best for: design features, high-traffic areas, or where complete recessing isn’t practical
  • Design benefit: adds depth and presence to the opening
  • Functionality note: simplifies closing the door by leaving part exposed for easy gripping

The KN Crowder Advantage

Whether you choose recessed or proud installation, our Crowder Frame™ pocket door systems accommodate both—no compromises required. With patented Catch ‘N’ Close® soft-close technology on both ends, doors glide smoothly and quietly, with no slamming or bounce-back.

We offer several types of Crowder Frames: some models support doors up to 300 lbs. [136 kg], while others accommodate doors as narrow as 18 in [457 mm]. Each system is cycle-tested for 150,000 uses and built with Canadian materials in our Burlington, Ontario facility. We've even added a new slot feature for easy in-wall replacement of the soft-close units.

Want to see the difference in action?

Watch our quick demo to compare the two pocketing styles:

This short clip shows both the recessed and proud pocket door positions using our Catch ‘N’ Close sliding door system.

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KN Crowder

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kncrowder.com

T. 1–866–999–1562

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1220 Burloak Drive
Burlington, Ontario
L7L 6B3

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210 Eighth Street South
Lewiston, New York
14092

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