Soft, Soft Open & EZ CloserGuide

Choose How Your Pocket Door Opens and Closes

Compare Soft Close, Soft Open, and the EZ Closer to find the right operation for your pocket door. Start with the function you want, then check door weight, width, and hardware compatibility.

  • Soft Close: Gently controls the final movement toward the closing jamb.
  • Soft Open: Gently controls the final movement into the wall pocket.
  • EZ Closer: Releases the door from its pocket with a push so you can reach the edge and pull it closed.

You move the door manually through most of its travel. These features assist with the final movement or help retrieve the door from the pocket.

Quick Comparison

On smaller screens, swipe the table sideways to see all columns.

Option Closing Action Pocket-End Action Best Use
Soft Close Only Gently finishes closing against the jamb. No soft-open or push-to-release action. Reducing impact at the closing jamb.
Soft Open Only Normal manual closing. Slows the door as it enters the pocket. Reducing impact at the back of the pocket.
Soft Close & Soft Open Controlled final closing movement. Controlled final opening movement. Soft operation at both ends.
EZ Closer with Standard Rollers Normal manual closing. Spring cushioning and push-to-release retrieval. Making a recessed door easier to reach.
Soft Close & EZ Closer Controlled final closing movement. Push-to-release retrieval. A gentle close with easier access from the pocket.

Soft Open and EZ Closer are different functions. Soft Open controls the door as it enters the pocket. The EZ Closer helps release it from the pocket. Choose a listed configuration rather than assuming both devices can be combined at the pocket end.

Compare the Options

HBP four-wheel soft close or soft open unit

One unit provides one selected function.

Either Soft Close or Soft Open

Choose this option when you want controlled movement at one end of the door’s travel.

  • Function: The unit operates as Soft Close or Soft Open according to its installation direction.
  • Door weight: Use the standard HBP soft-hardware range of 70–220 lb.
  • Door width: 30 inches or wider for the listed Series 1 applications.
  • Door thickness: 1 3/8 or 1 3/4 inches for the accessory unit.
  • Accessory package: One four-wheel ball-bearing soft unit; track is not included.
  • Track-kit option: Includes aluminum track, one standard hanger, one selected soft unit, stop, two guides, and wrench.

Match your track to the dimensions on the product page before ordering.

Shop Accessory Unit Shop Track & Hardware Kit
HBP soft close and soft open units

One Soft Close and one Soft Open.

Soft Close & Soft Open

Choose controlled operation at both the closing jamb and the back of the pocket.

  • Closing: Gently draws the door into its closed position.
  • Opening: Controls the final movement into the pocket.
  • Door weight: 70–220 lb.
  • Door width: At least 30 inches.
  • Door thickness: 1 3/8 or 1 3/4 inches for the accessory units.
  • Accessory package: One four-wheel Soft Close and one four-wheel Soft Open; no track.
  • Track-kit option: Adds aluminum track, door stop, two guides, and wrench.

Minimum weight matters: Doors under 70 lb will not properly activate the listed standard soft mechanism.

Shop Accessory Pair Shop Track & Hardware Kit
Pocket Door EZ Closer

Push-to-release pocket door accessory.

Pocket Door EZ Closer

Push inward on the door edge to release the door from its pocket. Once the edge comes within reach, pull the door closed.

  • Main benefit: Easier retrieval of a fully recessed pocket door.
  • Operation: Spring-loaded action helps cushion impact as the door enters the pocket.
  • Closing: Does not provide soft closing at the jamb by itself.
  • Preparation: Requires a 1-inch-diameter bore, 3 3/4 inches deep, following the installation instructions.
  • Construction: Flush-fitting, glass-filled composite mechanism.
  • Published testing: The standalone accessory page lists testing on doors up to 170 lb.

Heavier-door applications: Confirm the EZ Closer’s suitability with HBP for your exact kit and door weight. Track capacity and accessory performance are separate specifications.

Shop This Option
HBP frame kit with Soft Close and EZ Closer

Example: single-door frame kit for a 2 × 4 wall.

Soft Close & EZ Closer

Combine a gentle finish at the closing jamb with push-to-release access from the wall pocket.

  • Soft Close: Controls the final closing movement.
  • EZ Closer: Brings the door edge out of the pocket for easier retrieval.
  • Example kit includes: Pocket door frame, Soft Close, EZ Closer, and hidden bottom guide.
  • Example door sizes: Listed widths from 30 to 48 inches; heights of 80, 84, or 96 inches.
  • Door thickness: 1 3/8 or 1 3/4 inches.
  • Weight: The standard kit lists 70–220 lb; confirm EZ Closer operation above its separately published 170 lb test figure.
Shop This Option

Browse Other Frame Kit Sizes and Configurations

HBP Premium Series pocket door frame kit

Premium Series kit; select the required operating configuration.

Premium Series Options

Premium kits use their own I-beam track system and compatible operating hardware.

  • With Soft Close or Soft Open: Maximum door weight is 330 lb.
  • Minimum soft-operation weight: The listed Premium soft mechanisms require doors weighing at least 80 lb.
  • Standard 400 lb rollers without soft hardware: Track-and-roller capacity remains 400 lb, including the standard-roller configuration offered with an EZ Closer.
  • Soft Close & EZ Closer: Maximum remains 330 lb because the soft mechanism determines that limit.
  • Width and fit: Confirm the selected Premium kit’s door dimensions and operating combination before ordering.

EZ Closer compatibility: Confirm its operation on heavier doors separately from the track-and-roller rating.

The links below show single-door kits for 2 × 4 walls.

Shop Soft Close & Soft Open Shop Soft Close & EZ Closer Shop Standard Rollers & EZ Closer

Weight & Fit Comparison

System Weight Guidance Fit Requirement
Standard HBP / Series 1 soft hardware shown above 70–220 lb per door 30-inch minimum width for the listed applications; matching track required.
Premium with Soft Close and/or Soft Open 80–330 lb per door Premium-compatible hardware; check the selected kit’s width requirements.
Premium standard rollers without soft hardware 400 lb track-and-roller capacity per door Check the kit size and confirm EZ Closer operation separately when selected.
Standalone EZ Closer Published testing up to 170 lb Specified bore and suitable door construction; confirm heavier applications.

Use the rating for the installed components. A higher-capacity track does not increase a soft mechanism’s weight limit. Minimum activation weight is just as important as maximum capacity.

Double pocket doors: Check the weight and width of each door separately. Confirm quantities for both doors; a one-door hardware package does not equip two doors.

Which Option Should You Choose?

  • A gentler close at the jamb: Soft Close.
  • Less impact inside the pocket: Soft Open.
  • Controlled movement at both ends: Soft Close & Soft Open.
  • Push-to-release access: EZ Closer with suitable standard rollers.
  • A gentle close plus easier retrieval: Soft Close & EZ Closer.
  • A door below the soft mechanism’s minimum weight: Suitable standard rollers; confirm any EZ Closer application with HBP.
  • A door over 220 lb: Review Premium options and confirm all component limits.

Before You Order

  1. Identify the hardware series. Standard box-track and Premium I-beam components should not be assumed interchangeable.
  2. Measure the door. Record width, height, thickness, and actual weight.
  3. Check existing-track compatibility. Confirm Series 2 or other-brand tracks before purchasing Series 1 accessory units.
  4. Choose the package. Accessory units do not include track or framing. Track-and-hardware kits do not include pocket framing.
  5. Check installation access. Existing finished pockets may require access to the track, stops, and activation hardware.
  6. Review the instructions. Confirm track dimensions, clearances, component placement, and drilling requirements before installation.

Need help confirming fit? Have your door dimensions, door weight, hardware series, and clear photos of the track and rollers ready when contacting Hartford Building Products.

View Installation Instructions & Videos