How to Buy a Barn Door: Buying Guide [2025]
Barn doors aren’t a passing design trend—they’re a smart, space-saving solution that can completely transform your home’s interior. Whether you're updating a bedroom entryway, concealing a pantry, or looking to add a statement piece to your living space, barn doors offer unmatched versatility and style.
At doors.com, you’ll find a curated selection of high-quality barn doors in a wide range of materials, finishes, and configurations to match your vision.
Before you make your decision, it’s essential to understand the key features that impact both function and design. Here’s what you should know.
7 Factors to Consider Before Buying Barn Doors
If you’re thinking about adding barn doors to your home’s interior, here are some factors to consider:
1. Size and Measurements
Accurate measurements are crucial when selecting a barn door. Unlike traditional hinged doors, barn doors slide across a wall and need extra space to operate correctly. Measure the width and height of the doorway or wall opening. Your barn door should be at least 1 to 2 inches wider and taller than the opening to ensure proper coverage and privacy.
Also, check for clear wall space on the side of the opening—your door needs enough room to slide open fully without obstruction (furniture, light switches, etc.). If you're ordering from doors.com, most barn doors come in standard widths (30", 36", 42", and 48") and heights (80", 84", 96"), with custom sizing available on many models.
2. Type of Barn Door Configuration
The type of barn door system you choose depends on your doorway and how much space you have. At doors.com, you’ll find options like:
Single Barn Doors
Ideal for small openings and classic room dividers.
Double Barn Doors
Perfect for wide entries like living room transitions or home offices.
Bypass Barn Doors
A great solution for closets or tighter areas where a standard slide isn’t possible. These doors slide past each other on separate tracks.
Bi-Parting Systems
Dual panels that slide away from the center, offering a symmetrical look and full access.
3. Style and Design
Barn doors come in a variety of designs that can suit nearly every interior aesthetic. Whether you’re going for a modern farmhouse look or something more industrial or minimalist, style plays a key role in the overall impact of your door.
On doors.com, you’ll find styles such as:
Houdini Invisible Rail Barn Doors
With concealed hardware and flush rails, these doors are sleek, modern, and quietly sophisticated.
Z-Pattern or X-Brace Designs
Classic for rustic and farmhouse themes.
Flat Panel or Shaker Styles
Clean and transitional, great for contemporary spaces.
4. Material Selection
The material of your barn door affects not only the look but also durability and maintenance. Doors.com offers a variety of material choices, including:
Mahogany
A dense hardwood known for its rich tones and long-lasting strength. Great for traditional and upscale interiors.
Birch
Smooth, modern, and versatile. Birch takes paint and stain well, making it ideal for a wide range of interior designs.
Knotty Alder
Features natural knots and grain patterns that add warmth and rustic charm. Ideal for cabins, country homes, or farmhouse-style interiors.
Glass & Composite Panels
Featured in modern designs like the Houdini series. Great for allowing light while preserving privacy.
5. Finish and Color
The finish of your barn door makes a huge difference in how it complements your home. Doors.com offers prefinished and unfinished models, allowing you to:
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Match your existing woodwork or trim
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Choose from a variety of stains and paint options
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Opt for a distressed or matte finish for vintage appeal
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Select sleek, bold blacks or whites for a modern touch
6. Barn Door Hardware
Don’t overlook the hardware—it’s essential for both the function and style of your barn door. On doors.com, barn doors often come with track kits, but hardware sets are also available separately.
Key components to consider:
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Track System – Surface-mounted vs. concealed (like in Houdini Invisible Rail systems)
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Rollers – Choose from exposed or hidden, depending on your style
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Handles/Pulls – Modern rectangular pulls, rustic wrought iron, or flush inset handles
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Soft Close Kits – Optional accessories that ensure gentle, quiet closing
7. Installation & Maintenance
Barn doors are typically easier to install than traditional hinged doors, especially with predrilled holes and included track systems. However, proper alignment is key to smooth operation. Most homeowners can install basic barn door systems with DIY tools, though you may want professional help for larger or double-door setups.
Once installed, barn doors require minimal maintenance:
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Keep the track clean and debris-free
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Tighten hardware periodically
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Treat wood surfaces with the appropriate polish or finish, especially in high-humidity areas
Different Types of Barn Doors
There are various types of barn doors to choose from. Let’s take a look at:
1. Single Barn Doors
Single barn doors are perfect for spaces where a swinging door would be cumbersome or consume too much room. These doors glide smoothly along a top-mounted track, maximizing space efficiency and lending a rustic, modern, or industrial flair depending on the design.
They are especially popular for bathrooms, pantries, closets, or small office areas, offering both style and practicality.
2. Double Barn Doors
Double barn doors feature two panels that slide apart from the center, making them ideal for larger entryways such as those in master bedrooms, home offices, or entertainment areas. These doors provide a dramatic focal point and can easily transform a plain wall into a statement feature.
They’re not just functional—they elevate the entire room's design narrative.
3. Glass Barn Doors
Glass barn doors are the perfect blend of elegance and utility. They maintain an open, airy atmosphere between rooms while offering privacy with options like frosted, tinted, or textured glass. These doors are often framed in wood or metal, enhancing both modern and transitional interiors.
Ideal for home offices, bathrooms, or shared living spaces, they let natural light pass through while adding sophistication.
Different Barn Door Styles
Along with the various types of barn doors to choose from, they also come in a variety of different styles to suit any home. Let’s explore these in more detail:
1. Rustic Barn Doors
Rustic barn doors exude charm and character. Made from woods like knotty alder or mahogany, they often include classic X- or Z-brace designs that evoke traditional barn structures.
Their distressed finishes, visible knots, and weathered textures make them ideal for farmhouse-style homes, country cabins, or spaces that embrace natural warmth and authenticity.
2. Modern Farmhouse Barn Doors
Modern farmhouse doors are a refined fusion of old and new. They feature cleaner lines and softer tones, often painted in whites, grays, or natural finishes. These doors are well-suited for transitional interiors and pair beautifully with shiplap walls, light oak floors, and matte black hardware.
The understated style brings comfort without sacrificing sophistication.
3. Mediterranean Barn Doors
Mediterranean-style barn doors are rich in texture and detail. They may incorporate arched tops, ornate carvings, or wrought iron accents, often combined with glass panels for a timeless aesthetic.
These doors bring warmth, history, and elegance into any room, making them ideal for traditional or globally inspired interiors.
4. Southwestern Barn Doors
Southwestern barn doors capture the bold spirit of desert design. Expect earthy tones, handcrafted textures, and rustic iron hardware. Many incorporate tribal patterns or rugged wood finishes that echo natural landscapes.
Perfect for adobe-style homes, cabins, or eclectic interiors that favor natural materials and bold artistry.
5. Contemporary Barn Doors
Contemporary barn doors embrace simplicity and innovation. With smooth surfaces, neutral tones, and subtle hardware, these doors are ideal for minimalist interiors or urban homes.
Whether you choose a high-gloss white finish or a soft matte black, the look is clean, understated, and refreshingly modern.
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Barn Door
Selecting the appropriate size for your barn door is crucial for both functionality and aesthetics. Here are some tips to guide you:
Measure Your Door Opening
Begin by measuring the width and height of the doorway you intend to cover. For single barn doors, it's recommended that the door be at least 2 inches wider than the opening on each side to ensure proper coverage and privacy. For double barn doors, each door should be slightly wider than half the width of the opening to allow for an overlap in the center.
Determine the Door Height
Measure from the floor to the top of the door opening. Add at least 1 inch to this measurement to ensure the door adequately covers the opening and allows for smooth operation above the floor.
Check for Wall Space
Ensure there's sufficient wall space adjacent to the doorway for the door to slide open completely. The wall area should be free of obstructions like light switches, vents, or artwork.
Account for Trim and Molding
If your doorway has trim or molding, factor this into your measurements. The barn door should be wide and tall enough to cover the trim, ensuring a seamless look when the door is closed.
Common Barn Door & Hardware Sizes
Hardware Track Length
The track length should be at least twice the width of the door. For instance, a 36-inch-wide door would require a minimum 72-inch-long track. This ensures the door can slide open fully without obstruction.
Standard Door Sizes
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Width: Common widths range from 36 inches to 42 inches for single doors.
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Height: Standard heights are typically 80 inches, but can vary based on ceiling height and design preferences.
Size Chart
|
Door Opening Width |
Recommended Door Width |
Recommended Track Length |
|
30 inches |
34–36 inches |
72 inches |
|
36 inches |
40–42 inches |
84 inches |
|
48 inches |
52–54 inches |
108 inches |
How to Pick the Best Material for Your Barn Door
The material of your barn door influences its appearance, durability, and maintenance needs. Here are some popular options available at doors.com:
Knotty Alder
Knotty alder offers a rustic charm with its natural knots and grain patterns. It's lightweight, making it suitable for larger doors, and takes stains well, allowing for various finishes.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a dense hardwood known for its durability and rich, reddish-brown color. It's resistant to warping and ideal for both interior and exterior applications.
Glass with Wood Frame
Combining glass panels with wood frames offers a contemporary look while allowing light to pass through. Options include frosted or clear glass, catering to privacy needs.
How to Shop for Barn Doors at doors.com
Shopping for your ideal barn doors couldn’t be simpler at doors.com.
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Browse our barn door collection.
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Select the door type, style, and material that suits your project.
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Enter your precise measurements (width, height, thickness, handing).
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Choose hardware and finish options.
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Review your order details and add to cart.
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Complete your secure checkout.
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Your door will be delivered directly to your home, ready for installation.
Key Takeaways
Barn doors can bring the perfect mix of functionality and style to your home. Here’s what to bear in mind when choosing the perfect addition to your interior:
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Measure accurately before choosing your interior door.
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Pick the right type and swing for the room.
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Match the material and style to your home design.
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Factor in insulation, durability, and budget.
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Use our product filters and buying guides to simplify your search.
FAQs
How do barn doors work?
Barn doors slide along a horizontal track mounted above the doorway, rather than swinging open on hinges. This saves floor space and creates a clean, streamlined look.
They're supported by rollers attached to the top of the door and glide along the track to open or close. Depending on the configuration, they can be single or double doors.
Can you use any door for a barn door?
Not all doors are suitable for barn door setups. Barn doors require specific thickness, weight, and structural integrity to support sliding hardware.
Doors designed specifically for barn use often include pre-drilled holes, solid cores, and reinforced edges. It’s best to purchase barn door–ready panels from a trusted source like doors.com.
How to measure for a barn door correctly?
Measure the width and height of your door opening, then add at least 2 inches to each side for width and 1 inch to the top for height.
This ensures proper overlap and coverage. Always account for trim, moldings, and floor clearance, especially for bathrooms or closets.
How much should a barn door overlap the opening?
A barn door should overlap the opening by about 1 to 2 inches on each side and at the top. This ensures privacy and proper coverage.
For double doors, each panel should be wide enough to meet at the center with a slight overlap to block the view through the middle.
Should the barn door be wider than the opening?
Yes, barn doors must be wider than the opening they cover—typically 2 to 4 inches wider. This ensures the doorway is fully concealed when the door is closed.
Undersized doors can leave gaps and reduce privacy, especially in bathrooms or bedrooms.
Should a barn door be inside or outside a room?
Barn doors typically mount outside the room, sliding along the wall beside the doorway. This allows for maximum usable space inside.
Mounting inside is rare due to wall clearance issues and aesthetics. Outside mounting also makes installation and maintenance easier.
What does the backside of a sliding barn door look like?
The backside usually mirrors the front but may lack decorative hardware or detailing, depending on the door model. Many doors.com doors are finished on both sides.
Some models may have a simpler back to reduce cost, so check product descriptions if a finished reverse side is important for your layout.
What are the most common barn door problems?
The most common issues include misalignment, noisy tracks, gaps that reduce privacy, and warping if improper materials are used.
Using high-quality barn doors and hardware, like those on doors.com, reduces the chance of operational issues and ensures long-term reliability.
What are standard barn door track sizes?
Standard barn door tracks are usually twice the width of the door. For a 36-inch-wide door, a 72-inch track is standard.
Doors.com offers various track kits to match door sizes, including adjustable options and stylish finishes like matte black and stainless steel.
How much do barn doors usually cost?
Barn door prices range from around $300 for basic models to $1,200+ for premium hardwood or glass-paneled designs.
Pricing depends on material, size, style, and hardware. Doors.com offers competitively priced options in knotty alder, mahogany, birch, and glass combinations.
What are the easiest barn door types to install?
Single barn doors with pre-installed hardware are typically the easiest to install. Houdini Invisible Rail doors, for example, include concealed tracks for a sleek look and faster setup.
Double doors or custom glass models may require professional help or more complex installation steps.
How thick should a barn door be?
Standard barn doors are typically 1.5 inches to 1.75 inches thick. This provides enough strength to support hardware and resist warping.
Thicker doors may be required for added insulation or soundproofing, while thinner panels are usually less durable.
Is a hollow or solid core better for barn doors?
Solid core doors are better for barn door applications. They provide better durability, sound insulation, and smoother operation.
Hollow core doors are lighter and more affordable, but are more prone to damage and don't slide as well on heavy-duty tracks.