Barn doors are an excellent way to improve the appearance of an indoor space. Typically made out of wood, barn doors can add some rustic appeal to any room. They are also a type of sliding door, making them a great space-saving option.
Whether you’re building a new room that needs a space-saving door or replacing an old one, this barn door buying guide contains all the information you’ll need to decide which one to pick.
The Benefits of Barn Doors
There are numerous barn doors available in the market today due to their popularity. And it’s not just because they’re aesthetically pleasing, but because of the several benefits barn doors can offer. Here are some of them:
- Space-saving
Conventional swinging doors require a considerable amount of space to open fully. On the other hand, barn doors open by sliding parallel against the wall, making them a perfect alternative if you have small and narrow spaces or if you want to add a piece of furniture to the swinging space.
- Unique
Barn doors are a fantastic alternative to ordinary doors. Despite becoming more popular than ever, they remain distinct. For that reason, installing a barn door can make a room more pleasing to the eye and even boost your home’s value.
- Easy to Install
Installing a barn door is relatively simple. While it is preferable to have a door that fits the current frame, the door doesn’t need to fit precisely. The important thing to keep in mind when installing barn doors is to ensure you have enough empty wall space beside the door opening so that the door can easily slide open and close without any obstruction.
- Customizable
There are numerous barn doors available on the market. Due to the extensive range of customization options, you will undoubtedly be able to choose a door that suits your space and design preference.
Barn Door Types
Now that you know why a barn door is a great option for your interior doors, let’s now take a look at some of the most popular types of barn doors you can choose from:
Plank Doors
The design of an interior barn door can be as simple as boards fitted within a lock rail frame. The panels of plank barn doors can be adjusted horizontally to create a shorter, more compact design or vertically to add height to the room.
British Brace Doors
British brace barn door designs have decorative panels that form the Union Jack’s crisscross pattern when placed side by side.
Z-brace Doors
Z-brace barn doors are a basic variation of the plank door, with a single diagonal panel stretching from one top corner to the opposite bottom corner. The door planks can be installed horizontally or vertically, whereas the diagonal cross panel is installed vertically.
Barn Door Hardware Checklist
According to the experts from a Park City door hardware store, preparing a hardware checklist before you shop is necessary to know what items you need and minimize the chances of missing out on essential materials for your project. Here’s a list of the barn door hardware you’ll need to buy:
Track – The track of a door is a metal bar placed above the door opening, which will serve as the door hanger.
- Rollers – These little wheels attached to the door’s track facilitate the door’s smooth movement.
- Door Guides – These are metal plates placed on the floor that resemble little walls and prevent doors from slamming.
- Hangers – These are little metal plates used to secure the door to the rollers.
- Stops – Floor-mounted impediments installed at both ends of a rail to prevent the door from sliding off the track.
- Jump blocks – These are metal devices placed on top of a door to keep it from “jumping” off the track.
Factors To Think About When Purchasing a Barn Door
If you’ve already made up your mind about getting a barn door, take some time to read the factors you should consider when purchasing one:
Quality hardware is important.
Your home’s barn door will serve as a centerpiece, so it must be aesthetically pleasing, work seamlessly, and be durable enough to sustain everyday use.
Adequate space is necessary.
A sliding barn door can conserve space compared to a swinging door, but it requires adequate space to glide down its track. If you are mounting a single door, the wall space on one side of the aperture must be at least as wide as the door to open completely.
The door must exceed the size of the aperture.
Ensure the door is at least a few inches wider than the entrance to prevent gaps and provide complete coverage.
Support structure is necessary.
The track must be secured to the wall studs above the doorway through a header for stability. However, ensure there is a stud or wood block at each interval along the track.
Key Takeaway
When deciding where to buy barn door hardware for your project, remember that style, functionality, and durability are the essential qualities to consider. Undoubtedly, it would be best if you had door hardware that complements your new door. Therefore, before making a purchase, take the time to consider the guide mentioned above to assist you in making informed selections.
