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  • August 08, 2023 4 min read

    Incorporate a Piece of Functional Artwork into Your Home with a Barn-Style Door

    When most people think about adding art to their home, their minds go to paintings, photographs, sculptures, and other decorative pieces that inject a space with character. Although these works of art are undeniably beautiful, their purpose doesn’t generally extend beyond aesthetics. Functional art has been a rising interior design trend in recent years as more and more homeowners want elements that not only look great, but also serve a utilitarian purpose.

    Our barn door kits are the perfect example of this. Our unique designs are visually stunning, while offering an easy and space-saving way to enter and exit a room.

    On top of that, our barn-style doors are completely custom, meaning as long as you can dream it, we’ll build it. Our craftsmen construct each of our products by hand using high-quality materials, so you can be confident you’re getting a door that’s unique, expertly crafted, and made to last.

    Before you start designing your dream interior barn door, you may have questions about what to expect. We’ve compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions, so you can find all the answers you need in one place.

    Will an Interior Barn Door Look Good in My Home?

    At Walston Architectural Products, we have a wide variety of barn-style door options to choose from that suit a range of style preferences. Whether your tastes skew more modern or are more traditional, we can help you create a door that seamlessly fits with the rest of your space.

    Our barn door kits elevate whatever room you include them in and showcase your personality, just like any good piece of art. We offer an array of designs, wood stains, and finishes, so there’s no shortage of ways to create an interior barn door you’ll love for years to come.

    How Should I Measure for an Interior Barn Door?

    To ensure your barn door kit is sized perfectly for your space, you’ll need four measurements: height, width, floor to ceiling, and wall space.

    • Height: Height should be measured from the floor to the top of the doorway trim (or cased opening if there is no trim). We recommend adding an extra inch to this measurement, so there’s no sign of the opening when the door is closed.
    • Width: To determine width, measure the outside of the trim to the outside of the opposite trim (or cased opening if there is no trim). If you have trim, your door should be three inches wider; if you don’t, add on five inches.

      Additionally, if you choose our bypass barn door hardware, your doors’ combined widths should be six to eight inches wider than the opening, including trim, to allow for enough room for overlap.

    • Floor to ceiling: You’ll need about six inches of space above the door opening for your barn door hardware. Make it a point to measure from floor to ceiling to be certain there’s plenty of space.
    Wall space:
      First, consider which way your door will slide. You’ll then want to measure the wall space on the side it will open to confirm it’s at least as wide as the barn door kit you want to install.

    Check out “How to Measure for a Barn Door” for a visual representation of how to take the right measurements.

    If you’d like help measuring, we offer local on-site consultations for an additional fee. You can also email us photos of your space, and we’ll be happy to assist virtually, free of charge.

    Do I Need a Header Board for a Barn-Style Door?

    A header board is generally necessary to help evenly distribute the weight of your interior barn door across the rail and add structural stability to the wall. It also ensures your door will clear any trim and molding.

    If you prefer to not have a header board, we can accommodate your request by incorporating longer spacers in your kit.

    Is Barn Door Hardware Included?

    Barn door hardware doesn’t come with your door order by default, but you can shop different styles of hardware on our website or by visiting our showroom. You’ll also receive installation instructions with your hardware purchase, so you have everything you need to hang your door correctly.

    How Soon Will My Barn Door Kit Be Ready?

    Because our barn door kits are handcrafted, there is some wait time, but we guarantee it’ll be worth it! Production typically takes around six to 10 weeks. If you’ll be having your barn-style door shipped, this can add another three to seven business days. Keep in mind that these are estimates, and every custom creation is different.

    Want your door faster? Reach out to our team for information about our expedited process and fees.

    Who Should Install My Barn Door Kit?

    For those who are handy around the house, it’s easy to install one of our barn door kits yourself. However, you can also benefit from the expertise of a contractor. By partnering with someone you can trust, you can enjoy added peace of mind that the job will be done right.

    Should you decide to seek out professional help, we suggest waiting until your interior barn door has arrived before scheduling your installation.

    Do I Need a Showroom Appointment to Purchase a Barn Door Kit?

    No matter where you live, you can shop our barn door kits online, but if you’re in the Kansas City area, we’d love to see you at our showroom! When you’re here, you’ll be able to check out example doors on display, along with our paint and stain color options.

    When you come in for a consultation, we encourage you to bring the measurements of your space, pictures, and any flooring and paint samples you’d like to try to coordinate with your interior barn door.

    Still Have Questions? We Can Help.

    To learn more about our barn door kits and how you can get started bringing your vision to life, call (816) 726-3841 or send us a message.