I’m a big fan of DIY projects and even make my own deodorant. So, when our office needed a door but the opening was an odd size that typical doors wouldn’t fit, I decided to create sliding barn doors instead.
Barn doors are really trendy right now, often seen alongside shiplap in many homes. We couldn’t use standard French doors for the office due to the space, so I thought sliding barn doors were the way to go. Although I’m not a professional like Ana White, I enjoy doing DIY projects because they spark my creativity and offer a fun distraction from my usual routine of motherhood, writing, and podcasting.
The door opening was an unusual size, which meant I couldn’t order them ready-made. Hiring a local contractor was also costly, with quotes between $2,000 and $3,000.
After some research, I figured out that I could build the doors myself for just a few hundred dollars, even with the added expense of hardware that allows one door to slide behind the other. For a single sliding barn door, using basic hardware and materials, the cost would be less than $200.
Regardless of the type of doors you’re planning to build, all you need is a few hours and some basic supplies!
Start by deciding what type of sliding barn doors you want. You could use solid wood panels to achieve a flat look and paint them to fit your color scheme. Alternatively, you might choose shiplap boards for that classic barn door style, or you could even repurpose an old door by just attaching it to the hardware.
Next, decide if you want a single or double sliding door. A single sliding door is simpler and requires basic hardware, which usually comes with installation instructions. The key is ensuring your measurements are accurate so the door reaches the floor perfectly.
For double sliding barn doors, there are a couple of construction options you can choose from, and I’ve included instructions for both single and paired doors here.
You’ll also need to think about the material for your doors. I opted for pre-made shiplap boards because they’re lightweight, not too thick, and easy to put together. I got them at a local store to save some money.
I used 1×8 boards for the top and bottom connectors and a 1×4 for the diagonal cross piece. Since these doors were for my office, I added soundproofing with insulation and fleece to keep noise down during podcasting sessions.
Once you’ve chosen your design and materials, find the appropriate hardware. You’ll need screws, any hardware you plan on using for assembly, and any paint or stain you want for finishing touches.
You’ll need a cordless drill with drill and Phillips attachments. If your door or wood isn’t the right size, you might need a saw or to have the boards cut to size at the store before you start assembling.
Building these doors is easier than you might think! I managed to do it while my husband was away, though my dad was around to lend a hand. It would just have taken a bit longer if I was doing it solo. Here’s how I put them together, along with some variations for other types of doors if you want to follow along.
One important note: Check the instructions and measurements for your specific hardware. Ensure you have sufficient room between the top of your door and the ceiling to mount the hardware. If space is tight, it’s better to shorten the door before you start building it. A quick sketch might help plan things out.
Everyone’s approach might differ, but the possibilities are endless. Use reclaimed wood or an old door, or start from scratch with new materials.
Once you’ve got your door size and design set, assemble the doors to fit your project size. For mine, I needed to cover a 5-foot opening but had over 6 feet of wall space. I used shiplap boards—each 8 feet long and 5 inches wide—and arranged seven vertically per door to get perfect 35-inch doors for my space. My doors needed to be 95 inches tall, so I trimmed the tops slightly to fit.
I then screwed two 1×8 boards on the top and bottom of each door to secure the shiplap pieces. To enhance the barn door look, I used a trimmed 1×4 as a cross piece.
Now’s the chance to paint or stain the newly built doors, unless you prefer the unfinished look. I used non-toxic white paint. If you want the screws and hardware to show, it’s a good idea to paint the boards individually first, then do some touch-ups after assembly for a clean finish. If you prefer the rustic look, you can naturally distress the wood too.
Double-check your measurements for the hardware. Following your specific kit’s instructions, add the sliding wheels and brackets to the top of your doors. I included two roller brackets on top of each door.
Time to mount the track on the wall! Measure carefully to ensure proper placement. Attach the track at the top, securing it in studs or using suitable anchors. For single and double kits, this is usually straightforward.
For setups like mine, with bypass doors, the process involves more steps and might take a couple of hours to ensure everything’s mounted correctly. But don’t worry; the hardware kits provide detailed instructions.
Finally, if all your measurements are spot-on, the last step is to carefully hang the door on the track.
There you go! You’ve created sliding barn doors at a fraction of the cost and brought those Pinterest-worthy barn door vibes into your home! If you’ve tried this project or have any questions, feel free to let me know in the comments!
