BLOG/ How to Install a Barn Door the Right Way?

You’ve just bought your gorgeous new barn door and brought it home. You get ready to install it and realize it’s nothing like the doors you are used to! If you have found yourself in this position, we will show you how to install a barn door the right way. 

Steps to install a barn door the right way

Step 1: Materials Prep

If you want to know how to install a barn door the right way, here is the first step.

Barn doors are durable and heavy. The track system that allows the door to slide open will need to be mounted on a backer board for added security. The backer board creates the necessary 1” gap between the barn door and the wall while also securing the weight of the door. 

A 1”x4” board that is the same length as the door’s track should do the trick. First, paint the backer board the same color as the trim in your home, or the same color as your wall if you’d like it to be less noticeable.

Step 2: Door Prep

If your barn door comes with hardware installed, skip to step 3. Otherwise, you will need to install the door’s handles, rollers and anti-jump disks.

You will definitely want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing hardware as each product is unique. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• The center of the handle should be 36” from the bottom of the door and a couple of inches from the edge of the door.
• When marking the location of the rollers, make sure you put the track between the wheel of the roller and the top of the door for an accurate placement.
• Leave some space between the door rollers and the track so it opens with ease.

Step 3: Locate and Mark the Studs

While waiting for your paint to dry, locate the studs above the door frame that will allow you to securely anchor the backer board.

You will want to look 3”-4” above the door opening for the studs to account for the height of the rollers. Make sure you measure the distance between the top of the door and the rollers to get an accurate measurement! Be sure to clearly mark their location with a pencil.

It is essential to measure your specific hardware to ensure a good fit!  The location of the board should account for the height of the door, including the necessary ½” gaps between the door and the backer board and the bottom of the door and the floor.

Check the instructions sent to you for the height and floor clearance required for your specific door.  

Once the paint on the backer board is dry, transfer the stud locations to the corresponding locations on the board.

Step 4: Mounting the board

After you have marked the stud locations and checked them twice, you can confidently mount the backer board!

Use a level to ensure that the backer board is as straight as possible. Attach one end of the board using wood screws, re-check the level, and then attach the remaining screws.

If you’d like to hide the screws, cover them with wood filler and then touch up the marks with paint. Though not key to install a barn door, this detail work will make the finished product look more professional.

Step 5: Mounting the track

Find a track that comes with pre-drilled holes for the most seamless installation and polished look. Bust out your level; this step is ultra important to ensuring a level door!

Once you have double checked that the track is level on the backing board (which you have already made level, right?), install the track to the backing board.

Don’t forget to install stoppers on each end of the metal track! These keep the door from running off the track.

They should simply slide on the end of each rack. Tighten them and marvel in the fact that you’re one step closer to installing that barn door!

Step 6: Hang that barn door!

It’s not quite as exciting as a barn raising, but this is the point where you can tell you’ve really made progress!

You’re track is securely attached to the wall, the rollers are attached to the door and now all you need is a friend to help you hang the door!

Lift the door so that the rollers are just above the track. Lower the door slowly onto the track to ensure alignment. Gently slide the door back and forth to make sure it has made full contact and that it rolls smoothly. 

Step 7: Installing the door guides

The door guides job is to keep the door from wobbling back and forth. These are installed on the floor after the door has been hung.

When you are confident that the door is hanging straight, place the guide on the floor according to manufacturer instructions. Mark the screw locations, check them twice, and then screw the guides into place.

Step 8: Maintain your barn door

If you occasionally clean your barn door, you will keep it looking nice for years to come!

Using a diluted soap solution and a sponge, gently wipe the areas that get touched the most. This should keep grubby fingers from leaving a mark! Thoroughly dry the door to prevent moisture related damage and drip marks.