How Do I Install Barn Door Hardware?

Steps to Follow for a Seamless Custom Barn Door Installation

Custom barn doors not only add a touch of rustic charm to a home, but they’re also a practical addition that offers a myriad of functional and aesthetic benefits. Beyond their stylistic appeal, barn doors are space-saving wonders, an innovative solution to traditional swinging doors. Imagine reclaiming all that wasted space behind the doors in your bedroom or office.

The sliding mechanism that barn doors utilize promotes efficient use of square footage, making them an excellent choice for smaller rooms. Moreover, there are numerous barn door styles to choose from, allowing homeowners to tailor the design to complement their current interior aesthetics.

Whether it's a reclaimed wood finish for a cozy farmhouse vibe or a sleek, modern design for a contemporary touch, a custom barn door adds a unique focal point while enhancing both the functionality and visual allure of any living space.

Of course, buying a custom barn door for sale leads to a very big question: “How do I install the door’s hardware?”

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps of installing a custom barn door’s hardware and address some of the most common questions that come up during the process.

Essential Custom Barn Door Terminology

Before breaking out the power tools, it’s best to familiarize yourself with some basic barn door terminology. Although custom barn door hardware varies by product, they all include a pull and flat hangers.

A pull is the barn door version of a knob and is available in numerous styles and finishes. Flat hangers are the hardware that attach to the barn door so that it can slide horizontally along the track that is installed above your doorway. When selecting flat hanger hardware kits, there are two main questions to answer.

1. Is this for single or bi-parting double doors?
2. What track length do I need?

Because track length correlates with the size of your barn door, you will need to measure for your barn door first. Contact a Kansas City door company if you need any assistance with this process.

Steps to Install Barn Door Hardware

Custom barn door hardware is designed to be user-friendly and easy enough for anyone to install. The challenging part is that custom barn doors tend to be on the heavier side, so we recommend enlisting the help of a friend or family member to help maneuver it onto the track after it’s installed.

After removing your old door from its frame and clearing the area to make space, follow these steps to install your barn door’s hardware:

1. Install the header board. The header board goes above your door frame and is what holds the barn door track Ideally, this board is ¾” solid wood board that matches the wood species of your door. Cut the header board to the ideal length to accommodate the door’s track. If you paint the header board to match your barn door or walls, let it completely dry first before installing.
2. Next, use a stud finder to locate your wall studs and mark them. Follow the instructions included with your hardware about where to position the header board. The instructions will account for the dimensions of your door and which areas require a little extra space for functionality.
3. On the marked stud locations, pre-drill holes on the header board using a countersink bit. Drill two holes per stud location.
4. Following the hardware’s instructions, clamp the hardware track to the header board and drill starter holes for each hole on the track. Set the track aside for the time being.
5. Next, attach the header board to the wall. It’s ideal to work with a partner during this phase to keep it level and in place. Install it onto the wall, screwing into the wall studs so that it’s secure and capable of bearing weight.
6. Using the lag bolts, washers, masonry anchors, and other mounting materials included with your hardware, you can now attach your barn door’s track to the header board. Your hardware kit will include specific instructions on how to do this. Afterwards, follow the instructions to attach the door pull and rollers which enable the door to slide on the metal track.

Contact a Kansas City Door Company for Barn Door Products and Assistance

Installing a custom barn door in your home is a great way to elevate the look and feel of the space while reclaiming some of the room’s square footage. Plus, the numerous styles, finishes, and sizes of barn doors make them a readymade solution that can be incorporated into any home.

Whether you’re a novice DIYer or a seasoned handyman, installing a custom barn door for the first time can be tricky, especially if you’re attempting it on your own. The best way to go about it is to follow the installation instructions that come with your hardware. Custom door companies provide detailed instructions with their products. If you’re confused about a certain step, contact your custom door manufacturer for clarification.