How can I install a sliding barn door for the bathroom?

Question

We have been extremely small guest bathroom with a door that swings in. When the door is open, it covers up valuable wall space in the bathroom so we would like to change the door to a sliding barn door on the outside of the room. I’m concerned about noise however. Is there a way to make it somewhat soundproof? People like their privacy in the bathroom! I’ve only seen them in pictures and on TV, so I don’t know how tightly they close.

This is the outside of the bathroom where we would like to put the barn door. There’s plenty of room for it, I just don’t know if it will close tightly enough.

Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA · Answer

They do not close tightly at all. Another option, but a bit of work, would be a pocket door.

Lindsay Aratari · Answer

Ours don't block out a ton of noise, but they do a little bit. You can see ours here: https://www.aratariathome.com/blog/sliding-barn-doors

Annie · Answer

Here's a link to some Hometalk projects for sliding barn doors. I agree that they won't block out all the noise, but just make sure you have a noisy fan :)

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=sliding%20barn%20door

Melissa · Answer

They do not close tightly. We have one for our master bathroom, but I wouldn't use for a more public bathroom unless it isn't near common areas.

Robyn Garner · Answer

There are now new lock mechanisms that will work for you!

'If you’re locking a door from the inside (such a bathroom or bedroom), aesthetics matter, but functionality, privacy, and safety are important features to consider, too. A teardrop sliding door lock is one option to consider for added privacy. The lock mounts to a door jamb to keep out prying eyes and keep barn doors shut.' There's a diagram of the lock here, and they sell them.

https://rustica.com/how-to-lock-sliding-barn-door/

I also think that if you have a bottom track, rather than just a top one, the door can be adjusted to be much closer to the wall. Removing the trim around the door would also permit the barn door to be closer to the opening, I would think.