The 10 Best Sliding Barn Door Kits
Special Honors
Rustica Garrick If you're looking for hardware with an authentic, weathered appearance, like you just brought it in from the outdoors, Rustica manufactures a few eye-catching options like the Mountain Gold that pairs nicely with their Garrick style. This company also makes hard-to-find ceiling mounted kits as well. rustica.com
Horseshoe Flat Track For those with an unlimited budget who crave an added touch of whimsy, the Horseshoe Flat Track is reminiscent of an era when farm families recycled everything. This rugged kit can support a whopping 550 pounds and comes in a few finished, including an unfinished raw steel. realslidinghardware.com
Editor's Notes
October 20, 2019:
When evaluating a quality barn door kit we looked for sturdy all-metal construction for longevity, except for the rollers. Most users will prefer high-density nylon wheels that are more common because they are significantly quieter and less prone to squeaking over time.
When you're dealing with doors on the heavier side choose a kit with a one piece rail like the Industrial By Design and the Smart Standard Single, the entire installation will be a little simpler as well. Both options also provide superior instructions and customer support.
Why A Sliding Barn Door?
Because it doesn't swing out, you can leave it open without it being in the way, but if you prefer more privacy, one of these doors can shut away even small spaces.
The sliding barn door has really come into its own; various research has shown that this feature can help fetch a higher price for a home, with buyers searching specifically for these doors pre-installed. You don't need to be in the market for a new house to benefit from these room-dividing wonders, however, as a sliding barn door kit lets you put one in your home with minimal fuss and effort. And there are plenty of other benefits you can reap besides augmented resale value.
You'll have an efficient way to carve up your space, for example, making the sliding barn door an excellent choice for a room that won't admit a regular door. Because it doesn't swing out, you can leave it open without it being in the way, but if you prefer more privacy, one of these doors can shut away even small spaces. They may even outshine the pocket door, as they're easier to install.
But sliding barn doors have more to offer than a strictly utilitarian way to arrange your space. Although you might immediately think of these doors' rustic appeal, they can be styled to harmonize with just about any type of décor you can imagine, from ultra-modern to industrial. This is because you have virtually unlimited choices when it comes to colors and finishes, and both handles and installation kits come in a wide range of styles, too. Additionally, you can choose whether the door will blend in or function as a focal piece.
If you don't have the room to style around a large sliding barn door, you can still incorporate one of these pieces into your home. They've started to show up in smaller versions, covering the openings to pantries, cabinets, even small dog houses. Your budget doesn't have to hold you back, either, as many stores offer new doors for sale (although you may not get the same authentic, bucolic vibe).
Choosing A Sliding Barn Door Kit
Whether you decide to buy a new or antique barn door, you're going to need the proper mounting hardware to hang it. Sliding barn door kits include everything you need to get your door up and running, minus the tools, and generally come with instructions that take you step-by-step through the hanging process. When choosing between kits, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
You should also match the type of railing to the type of door setup, of which there are three kinds: single, bi-parting, and bypassing.
At the top of the list is size. First, you'll need to be certain that the kit will hold your door; manufacturers generally give the max weight and thickness rating, numbers that should be heeded. Then, you need to ensure that the included rail is long enough. For the door to open fully, the rail will need to be at least twice the door's width. As you plan your project, keep in mind that a sliding barn door should be about an inch wider than the opening on each side to avoid unsightly gaps.
You should also match the type of railing to the type of door setup, of which there are three kinds: single, bi-parting, and bypassing. The first is self-explanatory, the second involves two doors that open away from each other, and the third refers to a setup in which one door can slide in front of and across the second. These each have their own mounting needs, so you need to ensure that the kit you buy will support your choice.
Once you have the material concerns under control, don't forget to consider style and color. You can change the overall look of your sliding barn door just by selecting different mounting hardware, what some installers have referred to as the "jewelry" of the door. You may also need to install a header (in fact, most experts recommend that you do), which is another opportunity to accessorize your door, depending on the type of wood and finish that you choose.
Style Tips
Your new sliding barn door is probably stylish all on its own, but there are plenty of ways to jazz up these pieces and show your individual style. One of the easiest is to try a pop of color. It may seem daunting to add such a large, brightly painted piece to your room, but if you choose smaller pieces to tie it all together, a bright sliding barn door will easily function as a gorgeous accent piece. Remember that for a truly polished look, you want coordinating items, such as throw pillows, that complement each other, rather than items that are too matchy-matchy. For a truly fun and funky room, don't rule out metallic paints.
If you're looking for a new style without so much effort and time, you can quickly rejuvenate the look of your sliding barn door by changing the handle.
You could also try aligning the door with the room's purpose for an inventive look. One eye-catching choice, for instance, is the chalkboard door for a kitchen, one where grocery lists and menus can be quickly and easily scribbled. Or, for an office, a door featuring cork is a useful choice, as you can pin up your notes, memos, and to-dos.
For the handy, making a door from reclaimed lumber is an excellent way to go. Such a door will give your home a unique touch, even adding some historical depth, as the wood brings its origin story along with it. You'll also be lengthening the lifespan of these materials, which helps reduce your environmental footprint. Reclaimed wood does require care in buying to receive quality pieces, so you'll want to work with a dealer who uses processes to address any inconsistencies in the wood and ensure that they are in tip-top shape for a new life.
If you're looking for a new style without so much effort and time, you can quickly rejuvenate the look of your sliding barn door by changing the handle. A larger, more prominent handle will make a statement, while one that's smaller will blend in with a finish that you'd like to highlight.