Sliding Barn Doors: Tips to Help You Join in On This New Décor Trend

DixieSomers
by DixieSomers
With a fairly easy installation process, countless homeowners are turning to this style for an easy way to divide a room, or close off space. If you want to jump on the barn door bandwagon, read on for a few tips to get you started.
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Authentic


Vintage barn doors can be found online or through local avenues like newspaper ads if you are willing to search for them. These choices will end up looking the most authentic with the weathering and hardware likely already secured. You may want to address the issue of chipping paint or splintered wood before installing an authentic barn door inside your home, especially if you have small children or pets. Make sure you take accurate measurements for the space you have in mind before seeking out your barn door, and installation will be much easier.
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DIY


If you are unwilling or unable to locate an authentic barn door, a DIY version will still look incredible in your home. There are several building plans available online that offer tips and tricks for the construction and finishing of a sliding barn door. The project is of moderate difficulty assuming you have the correct tools, supplies, and hardware. You will for sure need a drill, saw, and the sliding barn door hardware, most easily found online. If you or someone you know is handy, this may be a good way to get the exact look that you are searching for. Even if you want a do-it-yourself barn door, shop around a bit to get ideas for styles and measurements. When you are ready to start, plans can be found on sites like babiesrabies.com or epbot.com.
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Semi-Homemade


Another option is to purchase a new barn door already constructed and finish it yourself. This will take some of the hard work out of the equation but still allow you to choose the finish you would like on the wood. This is a great choice if you have a certain look in mind but don't have the skills or time to build it. One things to keep in mind is whether you want one large door that slides to one side, or two different doors sliding to opposite sides. There are many styles of hardware to fit either scenario available online at websites like rusticahardware.com and realslidinghardware.com.
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Professional


If you aren’t the DIY type, or you want to ensure perfection in the look and function of your door, turn to the professionals. In many instances, a professional company will allow you to choose the finish, size, and style you want, and they will do the ordering and installation. The professionals of Sunrise Windows & Doors Depot suggest you enlist the help of professionals if you want to make sure the rollers are correctly set, the hinges are secure, or if you want to install a locking option (not typical for sliding barn doors.) The bottom line—if you are out of your league when it comes to installation, pass the work onto a professional and leave the guess work out of it. Sliding door installation isn’t as simple as a traditional door, so don’t take your chances.
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Sliding barn doors are a fun, stylish home trend that will be sure to add some variety and romance to any room. Whether you want to add a little diversity to your home décor, or you want to close the door on that ugly room that you can’t stand looking at, you can make a sliding barn door work with your décor using any of the above methods.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
  1 question
  • Kathy Kathy on May 26, 2016
    How do you determine the width of the barn door?
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  • Bkbriley Bkbriley on Mar 04, 2015
    Got the hardware from H. Depot...just need a door longer than the typical one that hangs in your door frame. We ordered that from H. Depot also.
  • Lesley Owens Lesley Owens on Apr 03, 2017

    Using $8 worth of "hardware" (2 laundry line pulleys, a piece of scrap metal, black spray paint) and some nearly-free floor planks, El Esposo created this...

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