Those aren't pocket doors. They are flipper doors.

If you like them, go ahead. People have been using them forever.

Thanks tatts. I've never heard of flipper doors so I googled. This website thinks flipper doors flip up and pocket doors open like regular doors and then can be pushed in.

https://www.accuride.com/blog/products/flipper-doors-pocket-doors-difference/

FWIW, I've heard there can be issues with this large (heavy) doors. Obviously they need sufficient hardware.

They take up quite a bit of room. I had a client who wanted them on a laundry closet and ended up choosing normal doors instead. Talk to your cabinetmaker about the hardware.

Pocket doors slide into the wall. I would prefer your last picture with the doors opening out, if I had a laundry closet like that. My daughter used to have one with the doors opening out, and it worked fine that way.

The slide in are a nice option if the w/d closet is in a walkway.

They are a giant pain. And they will warp unless you make the whole thing out of MDF. Which increases the weight and the necessity of using very expensive hardware, and that wastes s lot of space to be able to conceal the doors like that. Almost a foot, all said and done. And you can’t use the machines and close them up, because they don’t provide ventilation. The old fashioned closet with bifold doors with the louvers is still going to be the best bet for concealment and ventilation. It will also by far be the cheapest cost.

Thanks everyone for the comments.

@scottie_mom and cat_ky, do you know if people could use the W/D with the normal doors closed, or did they have to stay open while the machines were running (and the Washer drying out, afterward)?

@GreenDesigns, how much ventilation is needed? I talked to someone who thought that if I had normal cabinet doors (that don't slide in) I could simply close the doors (while they are running) and it would be fine. Maybe not? FWIW, in terms of space, it seems I need 3-4" on each side (for the door, hardware, and a partition)

Thanks GreenDesigns! That answered that question.

No, you cant close them while machines are working, when they are solid doors. My daughters was in a hallway, but, it was an extra wide hallway. The doors remained open, while machines were running. If you need to close them, then I agree with above comment, to use louvered doors.

The appliance installation instructions will show you how much open area is required if one or both are installed in a closet or alcove. Example (see Alcove or Closet Installation section).

Lawrence, thank you! I just downloaded the manuals right now.

Buy nice looking appliances and show them off. Why hide them behind doors?

Im with Luna, why hide them behind doors. Where will these machines be located?