How To Install Barn Doors

There’s no denying that barn doors are quite rustic and give off a vintage vibe. These charming pieces are finding their way back into a lot of people’s homes. They’re perfect for separating rooms, adding privacy, and even increasing space. Their most alluring feature is the sliding ability that is such a unique way of saving space. With barn doors, you no longer have to worry about making every square foot of small rooms count or about doors opening up into narrow corridors. Sliding barn doors make an eye-catching statement in any room regardless of the home’s style and décor.

Installing Barn Doors

Although it’s easy to call in the professionals and have them do all the work for you, installing the barn door is totally doable and would be an amazing DIY experience.

We hope that this guide takes all the hassle out of installing a barn door. We have put together a number of step-by-step instructions for you to follow when you decide to install the barn door system by yourself.

Step 1: Ensure That You Have All The Necessary Hardware

You’re going to need the following:

1. 2” flat steel track
2. Track joint brackets
3. Spacers
4. Screws
5. Level
6. Lag bolts
7. Carriage bolts
8. Hanger rollers
9. Bottom rollers
10. Bottom roller guide

The door is made using tongue-and-groove planks joined using two vertical stiles and two horizontal rails on both sides. The planks are bolstered by thick cross-bucks to form an “X” on one side of the door to give it a barn door look.

Step 2: Apply Varnish And Paint

The door needs to be painted to make sure that no moisture can infiltrate. You can do this using a timber primer or sealer from a paint store. If you would rather stain than paint, you will need to apply a tinted stain and then a coat of varnish.

If you decide to paint, you can spray, roll, or brush. Apply about four coats of paint and oil-based semi-gloss paint.

Step 3: Measure And Mark

Measure and put marks on the wall where the mounting board will be drilled into. Using a level, ensure that the measurements are straight before marking.

Step 4: Attach A Mounting Board

To ensure that the track is well secured on the wall so that it can provide proper support for the heavy door, cut a mounting board that is just as long as the track. The mounting board, however, should be wider than the track.

Use the drywall anchors, the spacers, and the lag bolts to hold the mounting board in position.

Step 6: Assemble And Cut The Track

Put together the track using joint brackets as instructed by the manufacturer. Cut the track according to you desired length. It should be twice as wide as the door to allow it to open the entire width of the door space

Step 7: Drill Holes In The Track

The next step involves drilling holes in the steel track where it will be attached to the mounting board and wall using a metal-cutting drill. Then use a punch to create a seat for the drill bit so that it does not slip on the metal as you drill. Apply some cutting oil to the drill to keep the area cool.

Step 8: Install The Track and The Spacers

Using lag bolts, install the track and spacers t the mounting board and wall. Ensure that the track is perfectly level.

Step 9: Attach The Hanger Rollers

Using the supplied carriage bolts, washers, and nuts, attach the rollers to the door as instructed in the manufacturer’s manual. The socket wrench should come in handy when tightening.

Step 10: Hang The Door

With the help of another person, attach the bottom roller guide and rollers then hang the door on the track. If you are strong enough you might be able to do it on your own.

Tips For Barn Door Installation

Barn doors are totally customizable depending on your needs. Adding these extremely functional and attractive doors to homes has become a mainstream option. Here are some considerations that you should make when taking on a barn door DIY project:

1. Check if there is a switch, light switches, or outlet where you are installing so that you don’t puncture them when you’re drilling
2. Providing a strong and secure way to mount the tracks is a vital element in a safely secured barn door
3. Install a wall-mounted or floor-mounted guide to prevent the barn door from opening/closing freely
4. Ensure that the door is larger than the entry space. It should be able to block the light from the top and sides when shut.
5. Lastly, if you’re looking for true privacy, a barn door may not be suitable for you. The gaps on the sides of the door prevent it from blocking out sound and at certain angles, you can see beyond the door.