How to Install a Sliding Barn Door

Sliding barn doors are a quintessential element to the beloved farmhouse look. See how you can hang your own sliding barn door in an afternoon.

By Hannah Bruneman

A sliding barn door is a stand-out feature in any home. In the kitchen, living room, bedroom, or even the bathroom, you'll love the look and compact functionality it instantly brings to a space. Making the small switch from a traditional swinging door to this statement piece may seem like a big deal, but it's really not. We'll show you how you can get it done in just one afternoon. Follow along as we show you how simple it is to assemble and mount the hardware and door to a doorway.

Check out these barn doors with style.

  • Working time 2 hrs
  • Start to finish 2 hrs
  • Difficulty Kind of easy
  • Involves Carpentry Skills
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What you need

Tools
Materials
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How to do it

Step 1

Add Mounting Board

Install a mounting board to the top of your doorway to help hold the weight of the barn door. Align the 1x4-inch board about an inch above the door frame, so there will be a 1/4-inch gap between the floor and the door. The mounting board should be the same length as the full sliding door track. Wherever you place it, make sure the door will have room to slide completely open and closed. This means it should extend past the doorway several inches on one side and several feet on the other (a few inches more than the door is wide). 

Secure the mounting board to the wall with a power drill and interior screws. Before drilling, use a stud finder to make sure you're drilling into the wall studs. This will ensure the strongest attachment for your door hardware. 

Watch

How to Use a Stud Finder

Knowing how to use a stud finder is a basic skill every DIYer should have. We'll show you the right way to use this simple tool.

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Step 2

Install the Track

You can purchase the track hardware separately or as a kit. We found this affordable option on Amazon that had everything we needed to hang the sliding barn door. 

Before you install the track, you need to measure the door height. Starting at the floor, use a tape measure to record the height of the doorway, then add 1-3/4 inches. (Ours was installed 81-1/4 inches from the floor.) The track should start at least two inches off the leading edge of the doorway. Using a level and a partner, hold the track in place and mark screw holes with a pencil. Drill pilot holes with a 1/4-inch bit. 

When installing the track, each screw hole should be aligned with a spacer behind the track. Then the track should be placed, followed by a flat washer and a screw. Repeat on all screw holes. 

Editor's Tip: Installing the track is a project that requires two people. We strongly discourage this project being attempted solo.

Step 3

Install Hangers and Handle

Lay the door right-side up on a work table or pair of sawhorses. Place the first hanger at least two inches from the edge of the door. The top screw should be 1-1/2 inch from the top of the door. Mark the holes with a pencil. The same measurements should be applied to the hanger at the other end of the door. 

Drill through your pencil marks with a 3/8-inch drill bit. Be sure to also install anti-jump discs to the top of the door, at least 1 inch from the edge of the door.  Mount hangers to door with nuts and bolts appropriately sized for your door's thickness. Select where you want the door handle to go and secure with screws. 

Editor's Tip: The standard height of door handles is 36–42 inches from the floor.

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Step 4

Place Door on Track

Carefully place the door on the track. Once in place, install floor guides following manufacturer's instructions. Slide the door side to side to make sure it runs smoothly. 

Editor's Tip: If you're using a custom door, double-check that the door track is wide enough to account for the sliding panel.

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