How to Choose the Right Barn Doors: The Complete Guide
Unlike swinging doors, barn doors need to overlap the frame in order to provide privacy and reduce light or sound leaks. The proper size of the door will be determined by measuring the width of the doorway from one side to the other, including any molding or trim.
During this process, it's important to check the clearance for outlets and other wall elements that might be in the way.
Privacy
Custom barn doors are a popular choice for modern home decor as they can be styled to suit many different interior design themes.
They're also an excellent way to separate a room without losing sightline and are ideal for closets or stylish separation. However, the unique look of these doors also requires attention to installation, design, and privacy considerations.
Door Material
When it comes to a barn door, the material choice plays an important role in both function and design. Wood is a classic favorite, but metal and glass options are available as well. Waydoor barn doors are typically filled with honeycomb cardboard, making them lighter and less dense than solid-core models.
They are a great option for pantries and closets but not recommended for bedrooms or bathrooms since they don’t insulate or muffle sound.
Solid-core barn doors offer more durability and are a good option for bedroom or bathroom doors, as they help to insulate the space and muffle sound.
To maximize your custom barn door's coverage and minimize unsightly gaps, opt for a door that is several inches wider than the opening.
This will allow for a smooth and comfortable operation while ensuring that there is enough wall space to accommodate the doorway, including any furniture or outlets that may be located along the track.
To further reduce gaping, install a brush-style door sweep to create a barrier that seals the gap and helps to improve privacy and reduce sound transmission.
Light
Custom barn doors have a unique style that makes them an interesting addition to a room. They are also a good way to shape light in a room.
In particular, they can be used to create a hard light quality with stronger shadows and high contrast. This quality of light is ideal for highlighting the beauty of a subject’s features or to make a person look more attractive.
Custom barn doors come in a variety of styles on the market, ranging from basic flush models to paneled options with rails and stiles.
The design you choose should be based on the type of aesthetic that you want in your home. For example, if you want your barn door to complement the color of your trim, consider choosing a stained option. If you prefer a lighter look, there are painted options as well.
When choosing a custom barn door, you will also need to decide on the core type. Waydoor doors are lighter and more affordable, while solid-core options provide greater insulation. If you are unsure of what type to choose, it is always best to visit our online store and see the doors before making a purchase.
Once you have determined what type of barn door you want, the next step is to find out how much space you have available to install it.
Take measurements of the width and length of your doorway, including any trim or baseboards. To ensure that the custom barn door fits properly, you will need to account for wall spacers.
It is helpful to buy a complete hardware kit that includes all of the pieces you will need for installation. This will help you save time and make the process easier.
All of Waydoor’s quality barn door hardware designs include weight ranges in their descriptions, so you can easily find a kit that is suitable for your project.
Security
Barn doors offer an excellent alternative to traditional hinged doors for doorways that need privacy and security.
However, there are some key design and installation considerations to keep in mind when incorporating this style into your home.
Mistake #1: Neglecting Door Material
When choosing a custom barn door, the type of material can impact both the aesthetic and functionality of your space. Solid wood is a classic option for its durability and timeless beauty, but you can also find barn doors made from metal or glass.
Explore different materials to see what would suit your space best, and be sure to take into account the sturdiness of each option in relation to how often you use your barn door.
Mistake #2: Incorrect Sizing
Proper sizing is important to ensure that your barn door fits the doorway comfortably and doesn’t interfere with adjacent walls or furniture. Make sure to measure the width of your opening and add 2-4 inches to that number for a comfortable fit, and include any trim or molding in your measurements.
It’s also a good idea to account for how much your door will overlap the frame on both sides when determining size.
With Waydoor’s barn door hardware track system, a standard minimum gap of one inch is recommended, but this can vary depending on the thickness of the baseboard and molding you’re using.
Style
As with any home decor, barn doors can come in a variety of styles to suit your taste and complement the design of your space. For a natural, rustic look, they can be painted, stained, or left unfinished.
Some are even made of metal, which can add a modern, industrial touch to your space. Adding glass to your door is also a popular option for privacy as well as visual appeal.
Measuring the size of your doorway is one of the most important parts of installing a barn door. It is crucial to measure correctly with a tape measure from the wall to the trim, and make sure to include any extra features like moldings in your measurements. Ideally, your barn door will overlap the opening slightly to reduce light and sound penetration.
Once you have the measurements, choose your hardware style and size. Waydoor has a wide selection of hardware kits to fit any style and budget. Be sure to check the weight limits for your hardware to ensure that it will support your door and frame.
Once the hardware is installed, it’s time to hang your door. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a stud finder to find studs for accurate mounting.
After your door is hung, it’s important to periodically wipe down the surface with a dry cloth to prevent water damage from occurring.
Wrap Up!
With a wide variety of designs available, you can choose a barn door from Waydoor that ideally suits your style and complements the overall design of your space.
From painted or stained options to rustic or modern styles, Waydoor has the perfect barn door to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home.
