Sliding Barn Door Hardware

How to Select Barn Door Hardware

Before you begin shopping for barn door hardware, you’ll need decide what type of barn door you want and where you’ll mount it. Large and heavy doors will require more robust hardware. If the door will be mounted outside, you’ll want to shop for galvanized hardware that can withstand the elements. For interior spaces, find a hardware finish that matches the door. Going for sleek and modern? Then you probably don’t want raw steel hardware that will rust over time.

We recommend buying barn door hardware in a kit to ensure compatibility. Use the tips below to help you find the hardware that’s right for your project.

Barn Door Tracks

For exterior applications, there are round and box type barn door rails. Always match your hardware with the type of rail you’re using.

There are two types of barn door track mounts; adjustable and non-adjustable. The adjustable mounts allow you to slide the anchor points on the track to a stud for proper installation. Non-adjustable mounts don’t allow this so you either have to mount the track where the mounts align with a stud, or you need to install a header board to mount the barn door track.

Hardware to Hang a Barn Door

We’ve broken out the basic parts necessary to hang a barn door below:

Track

• Sometimes called rail, barn door tracks come in different lengths and styles. Since some barn door wheels and tracks are not interchangeable, you’ll want to pair the type of barn door track to the type of wheels you’re using.

Door Hangers and Wheels

• Also called barn door trolleys, this hardware mounts to the top of the door, and the wheels allow the door to slide down the track. Wheels can be metal or plastic depending on the application. There are different types for different installation methods. The correct installation height is important to ensure you have proper floor and ceiling clearance.

Junction Plate

• Also called a splice collar, junction plates are used to connect two lengths of track together. Since there are many different types of rails, always buy the junction plate for your type of barn door track.

Floor Guides and Rollers

• Floor guides prevent the door from swinging on the track. There are many different types, such as C guides, T guides, roller guides and more. Rollers are used to guide large barn doors along the wall they slide next to. They help with operation and keep the barn door from hitting the wall as it slides or is blown by the wind. We recommend pairing the floor guide or roller with the type of door you’re using.

Door Stop

• Also called a bump stop, these important pieces of hardware keep the wheels from sliding off the track. Some are adjustable, which helps with door adjustment once it’s installed.

Box and Round Caps

• Use these pieces of hardware to cap each end of the rail for a cleaner look and to keep debris from accumulating in the track.

Your Local Barn Door Experts

Barn door installation must be done correctly to ensure safe and reliable operation. If you need a hand, reach out to your local Mr. Handyman. Our experts can take care of the installation from start to finish, including purchasing or building the door and sourcing the correct hardware. Give us a call today or request service online. We look forward to working with you.

All Mr. Handyman franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about barn door hardware offered in your area, contact your local Mr. Handyman for details or a customized on-site assessment.

Barn Door Hardware FAQs

For over 25 years, Mr. Handyman professionals have been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their space. We are a one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about barn door hardware:

How much bigger should the barn door be than the opening?

When choosing a barn door, you’ll want it to be a bit bigger than your doorway. Ideally, go for a door that’s two to four inches wider and at least one inch taller than the opening. This extra size helps cover the entire doorway, reducing any gaps that might let light through or affect privacy.

Ultimately, the barn door hardware its installation height will dictate the barn door height. Also be mindful of the max weight your barn door hardware can accommodate when determining the width.

Do barn doors need a bottom guide to prevent swinging?

Yes, barn doors typically need a bottom guide or a floor guide to keep them stable and prevent them from swinging or wobbling as they slide along the track. The bottom guide helps ensure the door stays aligned and moves smoothly, especially if it’s a larger, heavier door. Without a guide, the door might sway during opening and closing, which can cause damage to both the hardware, door, and surrounding walls over time.

Can you attach any door to barn door hardware?

You can attach many types of doors to barn door hardware, but not just any door will work well. The key is to choose a door that’s strong enough to handle the sliding motion and won’t warp or bend over time. Solid wood doors, engineered wood, or metal doors are good choices and typically meet the max weight requirements. Lighter doors, like hollow-core interior doors, can technically work with sliding barn door hardware, but need to account for enough material in the top and bottom part of the door panel for proper hardware installation.

Can you use a regular door slab for a barn door?

Yes, you can definitely use a regular door slab for a sliding barn door. The important part is making sure the door slab is the right size for your opening and sturdy enough to hold up to daily use. Ensure your slab doesn’t have pre-drilled hinge openings.

Can barn doors be installed on a carpeted floor?

Yes, it’s possible to install barn doors on carpeted floors. A bottom guide attached to the wall or baseboard would be essential for this type of installation for a smooth gliding operation.