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    Home » Furniture

    May 5, 2023

    Barn Doors Closet Upgrade: Guide to Installation and Hardware

    Barn doors and tools required and how to install.
    A walk-in closet with French rustic barn doors.

    Tired of boring closet doors? Transform your space with stylish barn doors! Our ultimate guide to a barn doors closet upgrade has everything you need to know about installation, hardware, privacy, and more. Upgrade your space with our easy DIY tutorial and add a touch of rustic charm to your home.

    Table of contents
    • Our barn doors closet upgrade
    • Why do people love barn doors?
    • DIY disclaimer
    • Planning for a barn doors closet update
    • Shopping links
    • Installing the barn doors
    • The Benefits of a Barn Doors Closet Upgrade
    • Tips and considerations when installing barn doors
    • Final thoughts
    • More Decorating Ideas
    • Your questions answered

    ★Tip★ Other DIY projects in the bedroom include this classic French bench cushion and this pretty French-style chair. Don't forget to check those out if you love rustic French-style decor.

    Our barn doors closet upgrade

    When we originally built our house, we designed a small walk-in closet for the master bedroom. We planned to have some sort of sliding doors between the bedroom and the closet but couldn't quite decide on how the doors should look. If you've ever built a house from scratch, you'll know how it feels to be bombarded by decisions. Closet doors were way down on the list of priorities so we ended up with a closet with no doors. That's the way it stayed for a long time.

    I've always loved the look of barn doors, but they are very hard to come by where I live. I'm not much of a woodworker either, so DIY barn doors were out of the question.

    Recently, I came across some beautiful, French-style double sliding barn doors online that included a sliding door track kit. I couldn't believe my luck, my barn doors closet upgrade was really happening! All we had to do was install them. Easy right? Well, let's just say it took us a bit longer than the twenty minutes stated on the instructions, to install our closet barn doors. Quite a bit longer, actually. But hey, we learned a heck of a lot along the way, and that's good because now I can pass all of our barn door installation tips on to you!

    Before we get into the details of installing barn doors and answering all your questions, let's take a look at some of the reasons why so many of us love them.

    Fully open barn doors on a walk-in closet
    How the closet barn doors look when fully open.

    Why do people love barn doors?

    Barn doors have become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the world of interior design. The rustic, farmhouse feel that they bring to a space is unparalleled. Additionally, they're a great way to save space. Traditional doors swing out, taking up precious floor space. However, barn doors slide along a track, making them a perfect option for small rooms, closets, and pantries.

    Another reason people love barn doors is because they add character and charm to a space. They can be customized to fit any decor style or any size closet opening, and they come in a variety of finishes. Whether you want a classic wooden door or a modern glass panel, there's a barn door out there for everyone!

    DIY disclaimer

    The post 'Barn doors closet upgrade' is intended for informational purposes only. Any DIY project involves some level of risk, and it is important to follow proper safety precautions and instructions. Before attempting any DIY project, ensure that you have the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge to complete the task safely and effectively. Always wear appropriate protective gear and consult with professionals if you have any doubts or concerns. The author of this blog post is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses that may result from the use or misuse of the information presented in this blog post.

    Planning for a barn doors closet update

    Measuring the closet opening

    A walk-in closet before a barn doors closet upgrade.
    How the closet looked before upgrading with barn doors.

    The first thing you should do before buying your barn door kit is to measure the door opening in your closet where you will be hanging barn doors. This is not something you want to mess up, so grab a measuring stick, paper, and pencil, and let's get started.

    First things first, clear away anything in front of or directly behind the closet so you have a clear view of the opening.

    Next, measure the width of the opening. Make sure you measure at the widest point, which might not necessarily be at the top or bottom. Write down that number so you don't forget it.

    Now, measure the height of the opening. Again, make sure you measure at the tallest point, which might be in the middle or off to one side, and don't forget to write that number down too.

    Finally, measure the depth of the wall. You don't want your new barn doors to stick out too far and get in the way, so make sure you measure this carefully.

    Choosing the right barn doors

    The barn doors you choose can make or break your closet's style. From rustic to modern, there are endless options to choose from. Pick doors that fit your decor and personality!

    Remember that barn doors require a certain amount of clearance on either side of the opening. This can be a concern in smaller spaces where every inch of floor space counts.

    You will also need to decide on which type of sliding barn door hardware you need.

    I've listed some of the options for interior barn door hardware below:

    • Sliding barn doors including a kit
    • Sliding door hardware without doors (Good if you are making the barn doors yourself).
    • Black rustic single-track bypass barn door hardware kit;
    • Noise-reducing barn door rails
    • Soft-closing barn door kit

    Selecting hardware and handles

    Your barn door hardware and handles can be just as important as the door itself. From black matte to brushed nickel, find the right hardware and handles to complement your chosen door style.

    Below, I've listed some great options for interior sliding barn door hardware:

    • Black metal barn door handles
    • Black metal longer horizontal door pull
    • Black steel rustic door pull
    • Brushed nickel door handles

    ★Tip★ Make sure the hardware you choose for the inside of your barn doors is slim enough to fit between the door and the wall when the doors are fully opened. Alternatively, choose doors with handles that are indented into the wood.

    Tools and materials needed for the project

    This post contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through one of my links. There is no extra cost for you.

    We hung our barn doors on a masonry wall and used the metal rawlplugs (anchors) that were included in our barn door hardware kit.

    If you are intending to hang barn doors on drywall, make sure you know where the studs are located because you will need to insert your screws into them. If the holes in your barn door sliding rail do not match up with the studs in your wall, you should consider attaching an additional length of timber to the drywall to hang the door from.

    Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials for the job. You will need the following tools:

    Materials

    • Spirit Level
    • Pencil
    • Drill
    • Drill bits that are suitable for the size of screws you are using.
    • Screws (Should be included in your barn door kit)
    • Screwdriver
    • Metal Rawlplugs/Wall anchors (For stud or masonry walls)
    • Measuring stick
    • Rubber mallet (optional)
    • Your barn door hardware kit
    • WD40 (Optional)

    Shopping links

    Click or tap on any of the images below to see more information about a particular product. (If you don't see the images, try refreshing this page in your browser).

    Installing the barn doors

    Now that you have done all the hard work of planning and selecting the perfect barn doors, it’s time for the fun part – installation!

    Preparing the closet opening and walls

    Before you start the installation process, make sure to prep the closet opening and walls. Make sure the walls are clean and free of any debris. If the wall needs a fresh coat of paint, now is the time to get that done.

    Installing the barn door track

    First up, you need to install the barn door track. For that, you will need to measure where the center of the opening is and mark that on the wall.

    ★Tip★ Place a small piece of masking tape in the center of the opening and put your pencil mark on that. That way, if you make a mistake, you can just move the masking tape without messing up the wall.

    Mark holes for the barn door track with a pencil

    Next, you will need someone to help you hold the barn door track against the wall so that you can mark the screw holes with a pencil.

    Two people installing a barn door sliding door track to a wall.
    Installing a sliding barn door track over the closet opening.

    Match the center hole of the barn door track to the center mark on your wall.

    Check the barn door track is level

    Use a spirit level to make sure the track is level, then continue using a pencil to mark all of the other holes on the track. It's really important to use a spirit level because if the track is a little bit uneven, the barn doors won't hang properly.

    Drill holes for the barn door track

    Now, it's time for drilling! Remove the barn door track and put it to one side for later. Use a drill to make holes for the anchors. Be sure to hold the screwdriver or drill perpendicular to the wall so that the anchor is installed perfectly straight. If the anchor is not straight, you will have a problem attaching the screw to the rack later.

    Barn door closet upgrade before. Showing where to drill holes for the barn door hardware.
    Use a drill to make holes for installing the barn door sliding track.

    Install wall anchors

    Once all of the holes are drilled you can insert a rawlplug/anchor into each of the holes. Use a rubber hammer to bang them in if they are a bit tight.

    Wall anchors inserted into a wall ready for installing a track for barn doors.
    Wall anchors inserted into the wall ready for installing a track for barn doors.

    Screw the barn door track to the wall

    Ask your helper to hold the track against the wall again. Starting with the center hole, pop a screw through the front of the track and into the rawlplug/anchor.

    Use a screwdriver or the hex key that comes with your barn door hardware kit to drive the screw into the wall. Don't drive the screw in all the way at this point, just enough so that the track holds up, safely. Continue driving in all of the screws halfway.

    A person using a hex key to tighten the screws on a sliding barn door track.
    Use a hex key to tighten the screws on the barn door track.

    Use the spirit level to check that the track is still level before driving the screws in all the way.

    Installing the door handles

    Now, it's time to install the door handles. You can choose from a variety of options, from rustic pulls to sleek modern handles. No matter what you choose, make sure that the handles are securely fitted.

    Close-up of a set of sliding barn doors on a closet and showing handles sunken into the wood.
    These doors have sunken wooden handles instead of barn door pulls.

    Instead of installing barn door pulls, we opted for barn doors with sunken wooden handles.

    Attaching the barn doors to the track

    Next, install all of the hardware that comes with your barn door kit like brackets, spacers, and the V-groove wheels or rollers. You should have received instructions with your barn door kit showing you how to do this.

    Hanging barn doors by slipping the groove wheels onto the rack.
    Hang the barn doors onto the rack.

    Hang the barn doors by slipping the groove wheels onto the rack.

    Checking and adjusting the door alignment

    A person holding a spirit level against a closet barn door.
    Use a spirit level to make sure the barn doors are hanging straight.

    After you've installed the doors and handles, you will need to check and adjust the door alignment to make sure that your doors slide smoothly and close properly. If you notice any issues, make the necessary adjustments to get your doors functioning perfectly.

    We had an issue with the door alignment and couldn't figure out what was causing it at first since the track was level on the wall. Then, my husband put a spirit level against the front of the rack and found that it was leaning forward from the top. He used a rubber hammer to knock the top of the door rack back towards the wall and then the doors matched up perfectly.

    French-style barn doors with glass on a walk-in closet.
    Check and adjust the door alignment after installation.

    The Benefits of a Barn Doors Closet Upgrade

    If you're still on the fence about whether a barn door closet is right for you, let's take a closer look at some of the benefits.

    Space-saving advantages

    One of the biggest advantages of installing barn doors in your closet is the space-saving aspect. Traditional hinged doors take up valuable floor space, which can be a problem in smaller rooms. But with sliding barn doors, you can maximize your available space without sacrificing style.

    Improved accessibility and functionality

    Another advantage of barn doors is the improved accessibility they provide. Since they slide along a track, you don't have to worry about clearance issues as you do with traditional doors that swing open. This makes them an ideal choice for tight spaces or areas where wheelchair accessibility is required.

    Aesthetic appeal of barn doors

    A bedroom with a walk-in closet upgraded with barn doors.
    How the bedroom looks after installing barn doors.

    Finally, let's not forget about the aesthetic appeal of barn doors. They add a touch of rustic charm to your home and can complement a variety of decor styles. Whether you're going for a farmhouse look or a more modern feel, barn doors are a versatile choice that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your room.

    Tips and considerations when installing barn doors

    Here are some important things to keep in mind when thinking about a barn doors closet upgrade.

    Proper maintenance and cleaning of barn doors

    Here are a few easy-care tips we received with our sliding barn door kit. I'm passing them on to you just in case they aren't included with your doors:

    • Wipe the doors with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris.
    • Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner to clean the tracks and rollers.
    • Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the doors.

    So, no expensive chemicals are needed. Your regular cleaning routine should keep your barn doors looking beautiful.

    Noise reduction and privacy concerns

    For all their beauty, there are a few potential drawbacks to installing sliding barn doors as well. They may not provide as much sound insulation as traditional doors. This could be a concern if you are using them in a bedroom or other space where noise is an issue.

    • Barn doors can be noisy to open and close, and they may not provide as much privacy as you'd like. To reduce noise, choose soft-closing hardware or add weatherstripping to the door's edges.
    • For privacy with glass doors, you could consider adding frosted or tinted glass, or hanging curtains or blinds behind the door.
    A bedroom closet fitted with double-siding barn doors
    Barn doors with glass allow more light into the closet.

    ★Tip★ The wheel brackets included with our sliding door hardware kit were quite stiff, so we sprayed them with WD40 and now, they roll smoothly along the track.

    Choosing the right color and style for your barn door closet update

    Open barn doors on a walk-in closet.
    Rustic barn doors are perfect for this bedroom closet

    Barn doors come in various colors, styles, and materials. Think about the overall design of your room when choosing the color and style of your barn doors. If you want a rustic look, choose wooden doors. For a more modern look, opt for glass or metal doors.

    Final thoughts

    A barn doors closet update can be a game-changer for your home. Just consider the space-saving advantages, improved accessibility, and aesthetic appeal. However, they can be noisy, so you need to consider that if you are fitting them in a closet that is part of your bedroom. Also, if you are looking for more privacy, solid wood barn doors may be a better choice than glass. For me, the pros outweigh the cons. We absolutely love the French-style barn doors that we installed, and I can tell you that our barn doors closet update has been a complete success! Now, I need to find some artwork for this room!

    I hope that I've inspired you to have a go at fitting barn doors, whether it's in your closet or somewhere else in your home. If you have any questions that are not answered below, please feel free to ask them in the comment section at the end of the post, and I'll do my best to answer them.

    I'd love to know what you think of our closet update. Also, if you have experience fitting barn doors yourself and have some tips, I'd love to hear them.

    A walk-in closet with French rustic barn doors.
    The ultimate guide to installing barn doors for a closet upgrade

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    Your questions answered

    At the beginning of this post, I mentioned that I would also be answering some of the questions you might have before considering a barn doors closet update, so here they are:

    Do barn doors need a bottom track?

    Barn doors do not always require a bottom track. The weight of the door and the track system are usually enough to keep the door in place. However, adding a bottom track might help the door stay in place without swinging or swaying. Try installing elegant Farmhouse barn door rollers to help your door glide more smoothly.

    How do you soundproof a barn door?

    If you're concerned about noise transfer through your barn door, there are several ways you can soundproof it. Start by adding weatherstripping or a brush seal to the bottom of the door to help block out sound. If you have the space, you can also add acoustic foam or panels to the wall behind the door to help absorb sound.
    Another option is to install a barn door with a solid core, as this will help reduce noise. You could also consider installing a barn door with double-pained glass, which will help reduce noise.

    Do barn doors close tight?

    Barn doors slide along a track, so there will be gaps between the door and the wall. However, if you use good quality double barn door kit and follow our installation instructions and tips, your barn doors should close tightly.

    Can I use a regular door as a barn door?

    Technically, you can use a regular door as a barn door. However, keep in mind that regular doors are designed to swing open and close, not slide along a track. This means that you may need to modify the door to make it work as a barn door.
    Additionally, regular doors may be heavier than barn doors, which can put additional strain on the track and hardware. This could lead to damage over time.

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    Barn doors and tools required and how to install.
    A walk-in closet with French rustic barn doors.
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    Welcome friend! I'm Jayne, a home, DIY, Lifestyle blogger with a passion for chalk painting furniture, beautiful home decor and creating an organic home.

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    The 'Furniture Flip Checklist' is a free mini e-Book in PDF form - 10 things you need to know before buying used furniture for your home - Room planning guide included #freeebook #chalkpainting #furnitureflip #recycle #homedecor #furniturepainting
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    Barn doors and tools required and how to install.
    A walk-in closet with French rustic barn doors.

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