THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR BARN DOOR
Adding a barn door to your home is not only functional but can be a great way to lift a room and add a special touch. Before you bite the bullet though, there are some things to consider to ensure you install the door successfully.
Is the room right for this type of door?
A barn door is often a great choice for rooms where you’d like to save space – because they slide to open, rather than swing, they can be practical in tighter spaces or rooms you’d like to open up. That said, because your barn door will need room to slide along its track, you’ll need enough wall space to allow it to slide open fully. The wall space also needs to be free of anything that could get in the way of the door opening e.g. light switches, windows or artwork.
The door must be wider than the doorway
As barn doors hang from a track outside the room, you’ll need to make sure the door is quite a bit wider than the opening so that there is not a gap around the door when closed. If in doubt, seek advice from your door designer so you get it right first-time round.
You’ll need a strong structure
Barn doors can be heavy, so you’ll need to mount the door track to a header above the doorway and secure it with studs to keep it safe and secure. We recommend placing a stud or wood block at every interval on your track to make sure it can definitely support the weight of your barn door.
Focus on finish
Barn doors are about wow factor as well as convenience, so it’s important to focus on the various accoutrements that will make it a standout design feature in your home. Invest in high-quality hardware that’s durable and looks beautiful, to really bring your barn door to life.
Don’t forget the handle
A barn door handle is important so that you can easily slide the door open and closed. When choosing the type of handle, make sure you consider where the door is located and what it’s being used for as this may affect the type of handle you go with. For example, if your barn door opens onto a bathroom or bedroom, you may need to consider privacy options that you wouldn’t otherwise.
Barn doors can be a beautiful, functional addition to any home, but if in doubt about the right options for you, chat to an expert who can help you make the right decision.
