Sliding Barn Doors: A Guide to Selecting and Installing Them in Your House
If you want to give your home a cozy and stylish look, sliding barn doors are a great option. They are versatile, practical, and easy to install. You can use them to divide spaces, create cozy nooks, conceal storage, or add character to your home. But what are the factors and steps involved in choosing and installing sliding barn doors for your home? Here are some suggestions and guidelines to follow.
One of the first things you need to do is figure out the size and look of the sliding barn door you want. You need to measure the width and height of the opening you want to cover, as well as the space above and on both sides of it. You also need to pick the wood type, color, finish, and panel pattern of the door. There are many varieties available, from reclaimed wood to frosted glass, from double panels to z-frame ones.
The next thing you need to consider is the hardware for the sliding barn door. You need to choose a track system that can support the weight and size of your door, as well as match your style preferences. You also need to select rollers, handles, pulls, guides, stops, and hinges for your door. There are many options available, from black steel to bronze brass, from simple handles to decorative pulls.
The ultimate thing you need to do is install the sliding barn door in your home. You need to follow these steps:
1) With a pencil and a level, draw the location of the track on the wall above the opening.
2) Use the track as a guide to drill pilot holes for the track screws on the wall. Make sure to hit studs or use wall anchors for extra support.
3) Use a drill and a level to secure the track to the wall with the provided screws and spacers. Make sure the track is even with the floor and centered over the opening.
4) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the rollers, handles, pulls, and hinges to the door. Make sure they are equally spaced and aligned.
5) Lift the door and hang it on the track by sliding the rollers into place. You may need someone to help you with this step.
6) Install the door guides on the floor or the wall, depending on the type of hardware you have. The door guides help keep the door aligned and prevent it from swinging. Make sure they are positioned correctly and do not interfere with the door movement.
7) Install the anti-jump discs on the top of the door, near the edges. The anti-jump discs help prevent the door from jumping off the track. Make sure they are fastened tightly and do not scrape against the track.
8) Install the stoppers on both ends of the track, using a wrench. The stoppers help prevent the door from sliding off the track. Make sure they are adjusted properly and do not harm the door or the rollers.
9) Enjoy your sliding barn door! You can add some finishing touches, such as paint, stain, or decorations, to make it your own.