Key Takeaways
Whether for privacy or a useful, decorative accent, a sliding barn door is a versatile and functional way to add style to your home.
- Save space with sliding doors. They take up less room than a traditional swinging door.
- A glass barn door increases natural light and would work well as a room divider.
- To find the best fit for your home, select a door based on your design, space and privacy needs.
Sunny Slider
After you learn how to build a sliding barn door, you can instantly turn it into a more modern barn door. A bold color creates a focal point between the kitchen and dining room.
Structured Splendor
Give a plain barn door prominence with vinyl tile that looks like polished concrete. Use a pair of doors to define a media area.
If you plan on using two sliding doors, be sure to shop double barn door bypass bracket hardware.
Stately Screen
Create a statement by learning how to build wood-slat sliding doors. Finish the project with a rich mahogany interior wood stain to bring out the natural woodgrain. Choose one or a pair to slide an office closet out of sight.
Polished Panels
Classic yet contemporary, an elegant five-panel door is perfect for dividing a mudroom and living area. Finish the look with a door paint
that complements your décor or makes an eye-catching statement.
Weathered Wonder
Disguise workout equipment or a closet with wood sliders. You can easily create the rustic effect here by fastening painted wood siding to flat-panel doors and installing them with a barn door kit.
Sliding Chalkboard
Hide a packed pantry with a door you can redecorate on a whim. See how with our how-to on building a chalkboard-finish sliding door. You can customize your sliding pantry door with barn door handles as well as your own artwork, a calendar or a to-do list.
Hanging Hardware Safely
Instead of fastening the barn door rail to drywall, you have to learn how to install a sliding door properly. Screw a ledger board to the wall studs for a sturdy mounting surface that allows the hanging door to clear the door frame. Purchase a door that’s as tall as the opening height (or opening plus trim) and 2 inches wider than the door frame to cover the entire opening.
Pick a Practical Handle
Match the outside sliding door handle with the barn door hardware and style of the door. Choose a handle that lets you easily control the weight and motion of the door as it slides.
Fitting the Inside Barn Door Handle
For a door that separates two rooms, the inside handle can be tricky. Install a recessed cup or use a finger pull attachment as a handhold.
Let's Get Started
Enhance the look and functionality of your space with a sliding barn door. There are many types to choose from:
- Select a rustic barn door for a farmhouse look.
- Choose a sleek glass-paneled door for a modern space.
- Use a simple Shaker door to disguise a closet or pantry.