Doors not only offer the privacy of an enclosed space but also come with great aesthetic value. Dumping the traditional switch door for the sliding barn door will be a great addition to your house.
The good part is that you can do it yourself, here is how:
Step by Step Process of Installing an Exterior Sliding Barn Door
Before starting the installation process. You have to first gather tools of the trade required for this exercise. Here we go-
- A door mounting kit,
- Goggles,
- Ladders,
- A socket wrench,
- A measuring tape,
- An awl, and
- A mounting board.
If you have all these, let’s get started.
Step 1: Attach the Mounting Board
Attach a mounting board; ensure it’s of high-quality. This board is to secure the door track and add support to the heavy barn door
The mounting board should be larger than the door. So that the door has enough sliding space and also carries the weight of the door. It is recommended that the length of the board is twice that of the door
Firmly nail the board on the pole barn
Step 2: Drill Holes in the Board
Measure and mark the board matching pilot points on where you will drill. Once you select the points, start drilling.
Put your goggles on before you start drilling to keep your eyes safe. Most Door manufactures to provide an “installation guide” you can use it. Otherwise, get your measurement by use of a measuring tape.
Either way, ensure that the measurements are perfect so that the door fits with the mounting board.
Step 3: Attach the Screws and Rollers
After you have drilled the pre-selected marks. The screws and the rollers can now be attached to the board.
All the hardware that comes with the mounting kit should be attached.
After attaching the screw, fix the rollers on the board
Attach the rollers perfectly for they are the one which ensures smooth sliding of the door`
Fasten the carriage bolts, washers, and nuts on which you will attach the rollers. Tighten them properly. A socket wrench will come in handy here.
Step 4: Hang the Door
This is the most important stage, Where you hang the door on the mounting board. Ensure that the door is attached on the right track. Since the door is substantially heavy, you will require help to mount it.
Step 5: Test the Door
Congratulations! You have done it. Its time to check what you have accomplished. First, install stops to prevent the door from getting off the track. Slide the door in either direction. If it slides smoothly, then you are good to go.
Install inner locks and decorate them according to your preference.
If the sliding isn’t smooth enough. Recheck the rollers. Their role is to ensure the door slides smoothly
Frequently Asked Questions
How a barn door track is made
Construction of a barn door track is the easiest part of the project.below are tips on how to go about it:-
To start with, collect two steel plates. Attach one plate to the mounting board, the second one is for the rollers.
The first plate should be twice the size that of the door. While the second one should be approximately 6 feet.
Drill and create 3-4 holes on the first plate. These holes are where you will insert the screws.
Heat the second plate until it is bendable. Cut the plate into three and then bend all the pieces in U-shape.
Insert the rollers into the U-shape pieces. The Pieces act as pulleys.
Now place them on the door track, after this the barn door track is all set.
Read Also : Door Handle Height. Standard Doorknob Height on a Door
How a barn door track system is installed?
Mark a straight line where the track system will be attached. Use a carpenters level to ensure you have a perfect line
The durability of your barn door depends on the quality of the track system. Therefore you need to have a perfectly functional track system.
To begin with, ensure that the track is twice the size of the door. If not, you will have trouble opening the door properly.
Now drill your wall, the holes should match those on the track. You can use the dimension of the hole provided for the manufacturer on the installation guide.
After you are done with drilling, Its time to attach the track. Match the holes on the track against those of the wall. secure the track on the wall by use of bolts, screws, and washers. When that’s done, fix both the upper and lower rollers on the track
As soon as the rollers are on, the installation process is 100% complete.
How is a barn door measured?
This will depend on a couple of factors. Such as;
- Door casing,
- You want the casing hidden or partially exposed
With that said, here is some general rule to follow:
The door must be wider than the opening. It’s recommended that you have an overhang of 1-1/2 to 2 inches on each side. For instance, if your opening is 30 inches your barn door should be 34 inches
The height depends on the casing and header. It’s recommended that the door height is ½ inches larger. Once hung, have the door ½ off the floor. Making it to a total of 1 inch above the floor. The central rail should be 2inches above the door, cumulatively that will be 3inches above the opening.
If you have a casing, there some little adjustments. The rail will be above the casing and the door height will be (the casing the opening+ 5inches) and the center will be 2 inches above the casing
Where are the barn sliding doors installed?
- Formal Dining/Entry
- Hall Closet
- Laundry Room
- Theatre Room
- Master Closet
- Kitchen/Pantry
- Master Bathroom
- Office and even to make a statement in the reception area.
Benefits of sliding barn door?
- Takes less space than swinging doors
- They are more appealing than swinging doors.
- They can be left open without blocking the way
Conclusion
That’s the simple procedure on how to successfully install an exterior sliding barn door.
