Pocket sliding doors.
Pocket sliding doors disappear into a builder-formed cavity in the wall. When retracted, the glass panel is no longer visible at all — the opening reads as a clear hole in the elevation, with no aluminium frame visible at the inside-outside line.
Pocket configurations are the most architecturally clean expression of a sliding door — the panel is simply not there when the door is open. The cost of that cleanliness is a coordinated build: the pocket is a cavity in the wall, sized, lined and ventilated correctly, with the threshold detailed to drain into and out of it. Maxlight's role is the glazing system; the pocket itself is the contractor's responsibility, and we coordinate the detail at design stage so the survey is against the as-built pocket rather than against an imagined one.
The detail to get right at design stage is the trio of pocket dimensions, threshold drainage, and head-detail clearance. The pocket has to be a fraction wider than the panel to allow comfortable retraction and a fraction taller to clear the carrier hardware. The threshold has to drain water *out* of the pocket as well as in front of it — the cavity mustn't flood. The head detail has to allow the carrier to run a fraction past the visible head before fully retracting.
On most projects we recommend the pocket only when the architect has the structural-opening flexibility to absorb it — a thicker wall, a defined column, or an end-of-elevation condition where the pocket naturally hides behind another building element. Specifying a pocket as a tight retrofit into an existing thin wall is doable but expensive; the structural and waterproofing implications are usually larger than the door system itself.
When to choose this.
01
Pick pocket-doors when
the architectural priority is no visible panel when open, and the structural opening can absorb the cavity dimensions.
02
Consider double-pane instead when
a fixed-and-sliding configuration is acceptable and the structural opening is shallow.
03
Consider opening-corners instead when
the brief is to dissolve the corner, not the wall — opening-corners delivers a similar architectural moment with a different structural strategy.
Specification.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Configuration | One sliding panel into a builder-formed pocket cavity |
| Pocket dimension allowance | Approximately 30 mm clearance over the panel edge plus the carrier hardware |
| Threshold detail | Pocket-drainage detailed by Maxlight + contractor |
| Frame sightlines | 20 mm centre, 28 mm perimeter See parent system page |
| Glazing build-up | 28 mm IGU standard, 44 mm triple optional |
| Air permeability | Class 4 BS EN 12207 |
| Water tightness | Class E1200 BS EN 12208 |
Frequently asked questions
What colours are available for your products?
We offer the full RAL Classic colour range (216 colours), giving you complete flexibility to match your design vision. Whether you’re looking for bold contemporary tones or subtle architectural finishes, we can accommodate your requirements.
Do you offer anodised finishes?
Anodised finishes are available on request. Please speak to our team to discuss options and suitability for your project.
What locking options are available, and can they be colour matched?
Our doors are fitted with high-quality locking systems, including bottom locks (non-PAS 24) and PAS 24-rated side locks. While the lock barrels are not colour matched, the escutcheons (visible lock surrounds) can be finished to match your frame colour for a seamless look.
What security rating do your doors have?
Our systems can be configured with PAS 24-rated side locks, providing enhanced security for residential applications.
What security certification do you offer?
We offer systems that comply with PAS 24, a recognised UK standard for enhanced security performance.
Are your warranties transferable?
Our warranties are property-based rather than person-based, meaning they remain valid if ownership of the property change
Can I view your products in a showroom?
We offer a virtual showroom experience, which can be arranged through your sales contact.
Can I visit in person?
Yes, visits can be arranged by appointment at our showroom at 333A Western Avenue, London, W3 0BE
What are your typical lead times?
Our process is carefully structured to ensure precision and quality: - Survey Stage: Approximately 1 week to carry out a site survey, provided the site is fully prepared. We’ll supply clear guidelines in advance. - Design & Drawing Stage: Around 2 weeks (or up to 3 weeks for more complex projects such as glass boxes) from survey completion and receipt of all required technical details. - Manufacture & Installation: Approximately 8 weeks from final approval of drawings, with installation scheduled shortly after. Your project timeline will always be confirmed by your sales contact based on scope and complexity.
Do you offer bi-fold doors?
We specialise in premium glazing systems that prioritise longevity and performance. Bi-fold doors typically require more maintenance due to their multiple moving parts and top-hung weight distribution. For this reason, we focus on alternative systems that offer cleaner aesthetics, smoother operation, and reduced long-term maintenance.
Will you liaise with my architect or builder?
Absolutely. We regularly collaborate with architects, builders, and project teams to ensure your design is delivered exactly as intended.
What areas do you cover?
We operate across the whole of the United Kingdom.
Performance and assurance
Certified, documented, project-specific.
Glass U-value
1.0 W/m²K (glass / centre-pane figure)
Whole-window and project-specific thermal performance varies by configuration.
Warranty
- 10 years workmanship from installation
- 10 years on double-glazed units against hermetical seal failure (glass breakage not covered)
- 10 years on powder-coated aluminium
- 5 years on moving parts and accessories
Glass that vanishes. The architectural prize for projects whose structural opening can carry a pocket; the budget penalty of the structural work that makes that possible.
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