Double barn doors are a practical choice for modern homes. They add functionality and style to your space. Unlike traditional doors, double barn doors save space with their sliding design. Double barn doors work well in bedrooms, kitchens, pantries, and even laundry rooms. But before choosing one, it is important to learn more about double barn doors, their functions, and the limitations. This blog will take you through everything about double barn doors.
What Are Barn Doors?
Barn doors are a type of door that combines both style and function. They come in different styles, such as flat panels, frosted glass, and horizontal wood designs, and you can pair them with simple hardware. They work well in modern, mid-century, and contemporary homes, adding a sophisticated look to bedrooms, offices, and entertainment spaces.
Double Barn Door Ideas for Every Room
Double Barn Doors for Rustic Living or Dining Rooms
For rustic open spaces like living or dining rooms, sliding barn doors are the perfect choice. Two doors on both sides of the brick fireplace enhance the rustic charm of wood ceiling beams, a floating mantel, and a farmhouse-style dining table. This creates a balanced look by distributing color and natural materials throughout the room.
Double Barn Doors for Bedrooms
You can add style to your bedroom by installing double barn doors to separate the bathroom from the bedroom. Match the barn doors' color to the bedroom walls to highlight the room's architectural details. Just replacing regular doors with barn doors and some decorative trim can further elevate the look of the space.
Double Barn Doors for Pantries
If you want a practical, elegant barn door for your pantry, choose a rustic wooden barn door with a glass window panel. It saves space because you don't need room for a swing. The glass also lets you see what's inside.
Double Barn Doors for Kitchens
To bring some fun into your kitchen, choose barn doors in a bold color. For instance, a bold green barn door can bring energy and a playful vibe to a boring gray kitchen. Additionally, this barn door can also hide clutter in pantries.
Double Barn Doors for Laundry Room
You can add a stylish look to your laundry room by installing barn doors, especially wooden barn doors, to enhance a boring laundry room. Simple sliding doors also help hide the laundry mess when needed.
Types of Double Barn Doors
There are mainly two types of double barn doors. They are as follows:
Bi-Parting Doors
Bi-parting doors have two panels that slide toward each other from both sides and open from the center. They are a great choice for wide openings.
Bypass Doors
Bypass doors overlap each other on parallel tracks, making them a good choice if you have limited wall space.
Limitations of Barn Doors
Here are some limitations of barn doors:
Barn Doors Allow Limited Noise Reduction
In a traditional door, there are no auditory issues because it closes and fills the opening. On the other hand, a barn door hangs and doesn't allow sound dampening as effectively as traditional close-and-latch doors. Though sound dampening isn't a big deal if nobody is around, it can be disturbing when someone is.
An Uneven Barn Door May Not Stay Shut
The door needs to be completely shut to stay put. Sometimes, it may open just a little, or it can open completely at times.
Barn Doors Can Be Tough to Latch
Barn doors can be a bit tricky to lock; however, a flat bolt can keep the door securely closed without scratching the wall.
Barn Doors Can Be Noisy
Barn doors can make sound when you open and shut them. Depending on the hardware, the door may make a loud rumbling sound.
Barn Door Installation Tips
Assess Your Space
Make sure you have enough space to install barn doors. Make sure to leave at least 6” of space above the door frame to hang the header and rail. On each side of the door, there must be space that is at least double the width of the door opening.
Bring in the Experts
This is a DIY project, but it may involve too much hard work. Barn doors are heavy, and positioning the hardware can be tricky, especially if you don't have enough space. Therefore, it is best to call in experts to install barn doors. Even if you follow all the instructions, it's best not to do this project alone; get help.
Get Everything in Order
Gather all supplies before you start the DIY project. This will help you to avoid the hassles and work mindfully on the project.
Mirror Image
While you're working with barn doors, remember that one set of hardware will be the mirror image of the other one. The instructions may confuse you a little, so start with the door that matches the instruction diagram. Once it is hung, it will be easier to work on the opposite side.
Header Requirement
The type of wall you have determines whether you need a header. You will need a header board if you are attaching it to the drywall. This helps you secure it to the wall studs, then attach the rail to the header board. You can use concrete anchors that come with the kit to attach the rail directly to the wall if you are installing on a concrete block.
Double Barn Door Size Guide
To measure the double barn door, you will need a tape measure, pencil, paper, and a step stool.
Here are the steps to measure the barn door sizes:
Step 1: Measure the Doorway
Before you choose your barn doors, make sure to measure all the doorways, stairs, and hallways through which barn doors will pass. Also measure the height (top to bottom) and the width (side to side) for each. These measurements will help you determine the barn door size that fits your home.
Step 2: Measure the Width
Next, measure the door width and available wall space. This helps to ensure that the barn doors provide full coverage and slide effortlessly from side to side.
Here's How to Measure the Width of Your Doorway If It Has a Trim:
Measure the total width from the outer edge of one trim to the outer edge of the other trim. Add an extra 2” or 4" to ensure that the barn door fully covers the framed area.
Here's How to Measure the Width of Your Doorway If It Doesn't Have Trim:
Measure the total width from the inner edge of one side to the inner edge of the other side. Once again, add an extra 2" or 4” to the measurement for complete coverage.
Here's How to Measure the Available Wall Space:
Measuring the wall space is equally important because it ensures the barn door has enough space to slide open. In the case of a double barn door, there should be enough space on both sides of the frame. Use a pencil to mark the doorway width at the position where it will slide. Make sure there are no obstacles in the path of the door slide. If there's any because of which the door from opening properly, then this location isn't ideal for installation of a barn door.
Step 3: Measure the Height
Decide how far above the door you want to mount the track to choose the right barn door height. Mostly, tracks are mounted halfway between the ceiling and the doorway’s top or directly above the door frame. Use a pencil to mark where you want to position the door track. From the measurement, subtract one inch so that the door can close without scratching the floor.
Step 4: Measure Track Length
Now that you've decided on the ideal barn door size, it's time to work on track length. If you've a single barn door, multiply the door width by two. This measurement gives the minimum track length needed for the door to slide open completely. If you've a double barn door, multiply the width of one door by four. This ensures the track has enough space to slide fully along both sides of the doorway.
Conclusion
Double barn doors are an ideal choice if you want to save space and make your space look stylish at the same time. Follow the steps carefully for a perfect installation. Also, consider the pros and cons of the different double barn door styles.
