Corner Meeting Cavity Sliders used within Meeting Room SpaceCorner Meeting Cavity Sliders used within Meeting Room Space

What is a Cavity Slider?

What is a Cavity Slider and Other Frequently Asked Pocket Door Questions

Cavity Slider Pocket FrameCavity Slider Pocket Frame
Bi-Parting Cavity SlidersBi-Parting Cavity Sliders
Installing Cavity Slider Pocket FrameInstalling Cavity Slider Pocket Frame
CS Full Height Ceiling Mount Track Single in Modern HouseCS Full Height Ceiling Mount Track Single in Modern House
Cavity Slider Pocket Frame with CL400 MagneticCavity Slider Pocket Frame with CL400 Magnetic

Introduction

Do you have pocket door questions? Just ask the pocket door experts! Here are some answers to frequently asked sliding and pocket door questions.

What is a Cavity Slider? (Pocket Door)

The term “cavity slider” is the term used for a “pocket door” in New Zealand where our company originates from. A cavity slider is a type of door that slides into a hidden cavity (or wall pocket) when opened. Unlike traditional hinged doors that swing open, cavity sliders disappear into a recessed space in the wall when opened.

What sets a Cavity Slider Pocket Door System apart from other systems?

Structurally robust and customizable: Unlike traditional wooden pocket frames, the CS Cavity Slider Pocket Frame is made from aluminum extrusions, making it structurally robust. The aluminum extrusions can also be cut down on-site to fit a custom-sized pocket door. It arrives in a knockdown kitset that is easy to assemble, ideal for when you’re installing multiple pocket doors in a project.

High-quality carriages: The running gear for the CS Cavity Slider is worlds away from traditional carriages. With large-diameter wheels and precision ground bearings, your doors will be smooth rolling for years to come. The heavy-duty one-piece extruded aluminum track is engineered with minimal clearance to ensure the wheels cannot jump off the track or jam. 

Serviceability: One of the biggest issues with traditional pocket door systems is serviceability. Our CarriSnap quick-release system allows the doors to be removed easily from the track without the need to unscrew anything or lose door height adjustment when reinstalling your door.

Thoughtfully engineered: All Cavity Slider Track Systems include a radiused track that reduces friction and allows dust to be pushed into the gutters so the door always slides smoothly.

How do you install a Cavity Slider?

The Cavity Slider Pocket Frame arrives in a kit set and only takes about 30 minutes to assemble. Check out our full assembly and installation video that takes you step-by-step through the process. Our instructional video is also available en español.

What are the advantages of a pocket door versus a swinging door?

Pocket doors are excellent space savers: A pocket door slides into a wall cavity, taking up no floor space when open. This can be particularly beneficial in smaller rooms or areas where there is limited space for a swinging door to open and close, like bathrooms or closets. 

Pocket doors allow for seamless designs: Because pocket doors are hidden inside the wall when open, they can create a clean, seamless look that won’t interrupt the flow of a room. This can be particularly beneficial in modern or minimalist designs.

Pocket doors promote accessibility: Pocket doors are an excellent option for individuals with mobility issues, as they don't require as much clearance space as a swinging door. Pocket doors can also be equipped with hardware that is easier to use for individuals with disabilities or limited dexterity. For example, lever handles can be easier to operate than traditional doorknobs.

Can you create a pair of double pocket doors with CS Cavity Sliders?

Yes! Bi-parting pocket doors can be achieved easily with the Cavity Slider Pocket Frame. Once your Cavity Sliders are assembled, simply align your frames at the tracks and join them together using the pair of Bi-Parting Pins provided in the kitset.

Double doors elevate any space by creating both an entry and a window into another room. When closed, double pocket doors can temporarily divide a space. When opened, they make for a graceful transition from room to room.

I'm installing a Pocket Door in a bathroom. Can I tile a Cavity Slider?

Yes! The CS Cavity Slider is perfect for securely mounting tiles or stone onto a solid substrate. The sturdy aluminum construction of the frame will keep everything in place, even under the heaviest loads, because the vertical members of the frame transmit the load to the floor below.

If you are applying heavy tiles or a stone finish, we suggest fixing a plywood panel to the side of the pocket frame. This can be fixed into the aluminum split jambs and horizontal slats and provides a reinforced surface to transmit the weight of the tiles through to the frame structure and floor. It's also important to note that tile or stone on one side of the wall will have implications for the finish jambs to be applied.

In addition, when installing a Cavity Slider in a wet room, be sure to:

  1. Ensure your door is properly sealed on all six sides. This includes the groove in the base of the door.
  2. Consider where your plumbing needs to run – it cannot run through the pocket. A wider wall stud can be used to provide space for plumbing.
  3. Don't forget about your electrical lines! Similar to plumbing, the space required for proper electrical lines should also be considered.

Can I add a soft close to my Cavity Slider?

Yes! All CS Track Systems can be upgraded to include our SofStop mechanism. We offer both soft close (one direction) and soft close/open (twin, both directions).

There are minimum door width and weight requirements for our SofStop mechanisms. Please see the below diagram to ensure your door is compatible.

Can a Cavity Slider be used for an ADA Opening?

Yes! It is important to note that in an ADA pocket door setting, the door must extend into the opening. A general rule of thumb used by inspectors is that the door’s pull must have a 1 ½” space on both sides of the door in both the open and closed positions. To maintain these standards, the pocket frames should be designed to allow a minimum 4” protrusion into the doorway. Learn more about utilizing pocket doors in ADA Openings.

Where can I buy a Cavity Slider?

Interested in including Cavity Sliders in your next build? Our products are available at dealers across North America. Check out our Where to Buy Map or drop us a line at info@cavitysliders.com to be connected with an authorized dealer in your area.

Have more pocket door questions?

Let us know! Feel free to fill out our contact form, call us at (888) 466 0030, or send us a direct message us on Instagram with your questions. We're always happy to help!

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