Unlock the Charm: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install a Barn Door with Ease

Unlock the Charm: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Install a Barn Door with Ease

Interior sliding barn doors instantly add charm and character to any room. These doors also offer a functional and space-saving alternative to traditional doors. Thanks to their growing popularity, hanging barn doors is now straightforward. 

The average barn door installation cost is around $600, with a range between $200 and $1,000. The parts for this style include the door itself and mounting hardware such as the track. This is a small improvement that could make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home, while also being a cheaper way to add overall value to your home.

Here are some tips on how to install a barn door in your home!

1. Things To Consider Before Installing A Barn Door

White barn door paired with blue wall

  1. Is there enough wall space for your door? 
  2. Be aware of any electrical units such as light switches or outlets on the walls which your open barn door might cover.
  3. The barn door should completely cover the doorway with an inch or two overhangs on either side and an inch at the top. 
  4. There should be a 1/2 inch of space between the bottom of the door and the floor when it’s hung on the track. 

2. Installing the Backer Board and Metal Track

Installing the metal track is the first step in installing your barn door’s hardware. If you do not have concrete walls you will need to install a backer board beneath the metal track. This is because the barn door requires 1 inch of space between it and the wall. Installing the backer board beneath the metal track will create the 1-inch gap you need. You can make a backer board using a piece of pressure-treated lumber that is 1 inch thick. 

Then cut the board to the length and width needed to accommodate your barn door’s track. Once the backer board is cut, using a stud finder locate the studs in your wall. Mark the locations of the said studs on your wall then transfer them onto your backer board. 

Pre-drill holes where your board is marked, as well as where your wall has been marked. Clamp the metal track to the backer board, per the manufacturer’s instructions. Drill starter holes at each hole in the track.

Attach the backer board to the wall:

  1. Screw one end of the board to the studs using a wood screw. The screw heads should be just below the surface of the wood.
  2. Keeping the board level, screw in the remainder of the wood screws.
  3. You can use wood filler or touch-up paint if necessary.

Attach metal back to backer board:

  1. Align the metal track with the holes you drilled in the backer board. Attach the track to the backer board using the provided spaces, lag bolts, and washers. Use a wrench to tighten the lag bolts. 
  2. Install stoppers on the metal track. Slide the door stoppers onto each end of the track.

3. Add Hardware

Whether you’re using a complete barn door kit or purchasing the barn door hardware and door separately, attach all the hardware before you try to hang the door.

  1. Start by installing your rollers.
  2. Install the door handle.
  3. The center of the handle should be about 36 inches from the bottom of the door. 
  4. Place the outside handle near the edge of the door. 

4. Hang the Barn Door

After prepping you are now ready to hang your new sliding barn door. 

  1. Lift the door and place the wheels on the metal track.
  2. Once on, test your door to make sure it is sliding correctly.
  3. Attach the anti-jump disks. These are small rubber blocks that are screwed to the top edge of the door. They keep the door in place if the roller wheels ever jump off the track. Hence the name anti-jump disks.
  4. Next, install the door guides. These guides are attached to the floor and keep the door from wobbling when it is open or closed. Some guides fit into a groove that is milled in the bottom of the door. Others are installed so that they guide the door from the sides. 
  5. The final step is to make sure your door glides and feels safe and secure. Congratulations you’ve installed your barn door!

Lily Ann Cabinets' Barn Door

Installing a barn door inside your home not only creates a modern farmhouse feel but also acts as a statement piece in any space. Lily Ann carries the perfect barn door, with its rich pine coloring that can be painted over if needed.

The Lily Ann knotty pine door is a great addition to any modern or traditional home, with its unfinished wood that is ready to be installed or painted to the desired finish. Two of these barn doors can be installed side by side for larger, more dramatic openings. By installing just a single barn door in your home, you can increase the resale value of your entire house.

Not only do we carry this barn door, but we also have the hardware to install it available to buy online. Our hardware comes in three different stylistic options to choose from.

We would be thrilled to help make your cozy barn door dreams come true!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):

1. Do you remove trim when installing a barn door?

You do NOT need to remove the trim! All you need to do is use Spackle to fill the area where you removed the previous door hinges. 

2. How to install an exterior sliding barn door?

You can follow the same steps used for installing an interior sliding barn door for your exterior!

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