The Best Barn Door Hardware

Buying Guide

In recent years, some homeowners have traded in traditional doors for barn doors, which add a unique look to any décor. These doors hang from a rod mounted above a doorway, allowing you to slide the door to the right and left to open and close the door.

In addition to aesthetics, barn doors also take up less floor space than a traditional door. In tight spaces, barn doors can be a great way to separate rooms without having to free up space.

But if you want to hang a barn door, you’ll need to know the different types. Barn doors come with either a solid or hollow core, with hollow doors being better for pantries and closets. For a living space, you’ll need a solid door to help with insulation and noise muffling. A solid door isn’t necessarily solid wood. In some cases, the interior utilizes different materials to provide the insulation you need, which can help cut down on the cost.

Barn doors are hung using hardware, which includes a track, wheels to glide along the track and the items you’ll need to mount the track. This type of kit typically isn’t sold with your door, so you’ll need to purchase it separately. The hardware comes in a variety of looks and finishes to help you match the look you’re going for in your home.

• Keep in mind that although barn doors do cover an empty doorway, they don’t provide the same insulation you’ll get with a more traditional door. You’ll probably find you don’t get protection against noise with a barn door.
• Pay close attention to the type of hardware you’re getting with your barn door kit. You’ll need one that’s durable enough to hold up over years of daily use. If you’re installing your door in an area that’s prone to moisture, like your bathroom, it will also need to be able to hold up in those conditions as well.
• If you’ve never installed a barn door before, look for a hardware kit that comes with step-by-step instructions. Some even provide a customer support line you can call if you run into issues.
• Pay close attention to weight capacity. A solid door will weigh more typically, so you’ll need hardware that can handle the extra load.
• In addition to weight capacity, it’s also important to carefully measure the area where you’ll be mounting the hardware and pay attention to the clearance you’ll need for some barn door mounts. Many are also marked with the thickness of the barn door they can handle.