Installing a sliding barn door is a great way to make a statement in your home. Barn style doors are also perfect for areas where you don’t have space for a normal door. This overview will give you a good idea of what’s involved.
There are 9 steps to completing this project:
First, ensure you have enough wall space adjacent to the doorway where the door will slide. Be sure to determine the position of the doorstops, as they need to be slid on the rail before mounting it on the wall. The doorstop will help ensure the door does not come off the rails while sliding.
The rail system must be installed onto a solid blocking, extended head casing. It is also possible to surface mount into a structural board. If your doorway requires additional support, surface mount a single ¾” thick piece of plywood the length of the rail. Make sure it’s securely fastened to every vertical stud and lintel, so it can support the weight of the door.
Locate and mark the holes for the barn door hardware, which are five wall-mount flanges used to install and hold the rail. Be sure to align your markings with a level before drilling.
Using the flanges and screws provided by the manufacturer, attach the rail to the wall. The rail installation process may vary by manufacturer, so be sure to follow the instructions provided.
Once completed, trace the exact position of the single bearing supports on the door, pre-drill the holes and install the supports. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's specific instructions.
Next, install the jump-proof guards. The guards will keep the barn door sliding smoothly on the rail/track. Reposition the jump-proof guards, rotating them so they are completely on the edge of the door.
Now place the door on the rail. Inspect the jump-proof guards, ensuring they are in the correct spot at the edge of the door.
First mark the thickness of the door on the floor, about 1cm from the door opening, on the side where the door will slide. Use a level to make sure the lines are parallel to the wall. Then place the floor guides facing each other, with a 1mm clearance on each of the marks made. Mark guide and screw location on the floor. Then remove the guides. Next, pre-drill screw holes and insert the floor anchors provided. Put the guides back in place and screw into the floor.
Now that the barn door is mounted and properly installed, you can use it by simply sliding the door side-to-side. Enjoy your stylish new door.
