How to Install a Barn Door + Cost Guide

The growing popularity of sliding barn doors should come as no surprise. They are a functional and stylish addition to any home, regardless of personal style. They add a rustic touch without overwhelming a room and come in a variety of shapes and sizes that can work to conceal and reveal all with the push of a hand.

Homeowners who are interested in installing a sliding barn door in their home can easily tackle this DIY project. However, there are a few things that one should consider before moving forward with the installation. Once these questions have been mulled over, follow our step by step guide to installing your very own sliding barn door!

How to install a sliding barn door

1- To Consider Before Installing a Barn Door

Since your barn door will likely be a focal point in your home, you must make sure that it looks great alongside performing the necessary functions. For this reason, it is important that the hardware you choose is durable and moves smoothly as well as quietly.

It may cost a little more to invest in a track material that keeps things silent, but it will be worth it in the long run. Another thing to consider before the installation is whether you have the space to accommodate a barn door. Although sliding barn doors can free up space as opposed to a swinging door, the track it slides on will still need to be accommodated.

Bear in mind that if you plan on having double sliding barn doors, you will need wall space the width of an individual door on either side, including no visible outlets, light switches, windows, vents, doors or artwork. Furthermore, the door itself must be wider than the doorway, at least several inches wider than the opening, as this will reduce the gap between the door and the wall.

Lastly, be certain that your home has the structural support to accommodate a sliding barn door. Most barn doors are heavy, and in turn, require proper support to hold themselves up. If you’ve ticked all of these boxes, you should be good to go when it comes to installing that sliding barn door into your home. 

2- Collect Necessary Hardware

source: Pixabay, terimaklasih0

To begin the installation process and for your barn door to slide smoothly, you’ll want to make sure that you have collected all the necessary hardware. You should have the following items: a flat steel track as well as track joint brackets, spacers and screws, lag bolts, carriage bolts, hanger rollers, bottom roller guide as well as bottom rollers. All pieces are necessary for the construction of your barn door, so pay special attention to all the little bits that are needed.

3- Attach the Mounting Board and Cut the Track

The mounting board will work to secure the track to the wall, as well as adding an extra support system for the weight of your barn door. You’ll want the mounting board to be the same length but slightly wider than the track itself, as this will help it to properly secure into the wall or ceiling when attached.

Now, grab those drywall anchors, spacers as well as the lag bolts to secure the mounting board into place. If you’d like, consider painting the mounting board to be the same colour as the track you’ve chosen. The edges of your mounting board can also be rounded for a more polished look.

Next, follow the manufacturer's instructions to assemble the flat steel track with the joint brackets. Cut the track to the necessary length. Now, measure the track and drill holes with a metal-cutting drill bit. Drill into the steel track with the intention to attach this part to the mounting board or wall. Make sure to apply cutting oil to the drill hole to keep this area cool.

4- Install the Track and Hang Your Barn Door

source: Miserv

Next, it is time to install the track. First, measure for the track system and make sure that all measurements have been taken with the utmost care. Then, using lag bolts, install the track and spacers to the mounting board and wall, making sure that the track is perfectly level.

Now, it’s time to attach the hang rollers and hang up your sliding barn door! Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, using washers, nuts and bolts supplied. Using a socket wrench, tighten bolts into place. You may need the help of a friend or family member to install the door, attaching the bottom roller guide and rollers, and hanging the door on the top track.

Barn Door Price Guide

Hardware Prices

Whether indoor or outdoor, as we know sliding barn doors require a track and related hardware. The cost of barn door hardware ranges greatly and depends on whether this is custom built or purchased as a kit, as well as the amount of weight the system can hold, size, durability, and number of tracks. Further, the material of the hardware will affect the cost.

For example, standard aluminum hardware can start at $120-$360, whereas a stainless-steel hardware set can range from $215- $480, also depending on size and manufacturer. For premium materials such as brass, a kit can cost anywhere between $240-$720. For custom designed hardware kits, costs can range anywhere from $240-$2400, sometimes reaching over the $2500 mark.

It is important to also remember that this does not include the door itself, though most important in this project is the hardware. Quality hardware will make the difference between a noisy bar door and one that runs smoothly.

Barn Door Prices

The price of sliding barn doors also ranges greatly and generally depends on the size of the door itself, as well as the material. Again, prices vary widely as many homeowners choose to repurpose or salvage materials themselves, helping to keep costs down extensively. Further, some barn door kits do include the door, and these kits can range anywhere from $1200-$4800.  

Standard-sized interior lightweight doors can cost between $240-$480. Custom built doors with glass inserts will be between $360-$840 whereas all wood models will range from $600-$1200. Again, remember that these prices do not include installation! If you’re not so keen on completing the process yourself, remember to speak with a professional!

Recap of the prices for a barn door installation project

(excluding the labour costs)

To find out about the average prices of different home renovation projects, check out our Home renovation price guide. 

For more inspiration, read:

• The Different Types of Barn Doors

• Cost of Purchasing and Installing an Interior Door