Every room is enriched by the charm and character of sliding barn doors. In addition to being a highly functional alternative to traditional doors, they are excellent space savers. So, before forfeiting your favourite furniture or signature piece, consider the barn door option.

The open concept afforded by sliding doors is all the rage in home decor, and the barn door craze is not slowing down any time soon. Learning how to install a barn door does not have to be difficult, but it does require attention to detail to ensure the door operates properly and safely. 

Turn to the expert advice, products, and services of Cosmaroma so you can select and install your sliding barn doors with confidence and ease.

Sliding barn doors are a great way to close off a space or offer visual privacy in a way that a traditional swinging door may not. Why create a permanent wall when a sliding barn door always allows your space to be opened up at a whim?

Keep in mind they are not always the perfect solution. Depending on the distance from the wall, there can be gaps that do not offer the greatest soundproofing. That being said, they are a great choice for many spaces! Consider a pantry door, partitioning off the laundry room, concealing your wall-mounted television, or creating a hidden closet or office space.

Barn Door Basics

Before you purchase a barn door, there are a few things you should consider about your space. Based on your area and budget, think about the following:

  • Does your space require double barn doors, and is there sufficient wall space on either side?
  • Be mindful of light switches, outlets, heating, or cooling thermostats. 
  • Consider whether the door needs to be locked, and what hardware will work for your design.
  • Soft close mechanisms are an option depending on budget, allowing you to walk away as the door magically closes behind you.

Consider our easy four-step guide, and allow your creative mind to envision your space with eye-catching barn doors that compliment your style.

1. Install the header and metal track

The process of installing a barn door begins with putting into place the metal track. However, depending on your walls and the weight of your doors, you may need to install a backer board for increased support and stability. If your walls are concrete, a header board will not be required, and you will not have to worry about the location of the wall studs.

When you are ready, attach the metal track to the header board or the concrete wall. Make sure that the track is perfectly straight with the use of a leveler or a laser pointer. If the track is not perfectly level, the barn doors will not operate properly, which will make it more difficult to keep open or closed.

2. Add the hardware

Whether you are using a complete kit or purchasing the hardware and door separately, attach all of the hardware before you hang the door. If you are using a barn door kit, it may have templates for locating the hardware on the door. Some doors may have predrilled holes.

3. Hang the barn door

Once you have prepared the area, you are now ready to hang the barn door and install the remaining pieces of hardware. The final step is to test the door again to make sure it opens and closes smoothly. Double-check that the anti-jump disks are properly in place and the door stoppers are tight. The barn door should glide, and all the hardware should feel sturdy and secure. 

4. Maintenance

Keeping the barn doors clean and in good working order will allow them to glide smoothly. Otherwise, interior sliding barn doors require very little maintenance beyond routine cleaning. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining the wood on the doors and the door hardware.

Today, the barn door options are endless. Traditionally, sliding barn doors were commonly rustic in appearance. Now, one can choose any style to showcase your aesthetic, whether that be modern, contemporary, or rustic. 

Now that you know how to install a barn door, you can use this stylish option anywhere in your home that has the proper wall space. If well cared for, it should remain durable and functional for the life of your home.

Ready to find the tools and supplies you will need to install a barn door? At Cosmaroma, we pride ourselves on offering a truly beneficial customer service experience, and we are crafters ourselves. So, make sure you take full advantage of our product expert’s wealth of knowledge by asking lots of questions and taking the time to complete your project right the first time. Contact a Cosmaroma expert today for more information.