Sliding barn doors are a great solution for tight spaces that may not be able to accommodate a swinging door. They’re also a great way to modernize your home with some rustic flair. Believe it or not, installing a sliding barn door is an easy job you can finish in a single afternoon.
Here’s what you’ll need for this satisfying project.
TOOLS & MATERIALS
- Electronic Stud Finder
- 4-Foot Level
- Cordless Drill/Driver
- Impact Driver
- Drill Bits
- Socket of Box Wrench
- Barn Style Sliding Door Hardware Kit
- 2 1/4″ Structural Wood Screws
- 1″ x 4″ Mounting Board (If Needed)
When taking on this DIY task, be sure to equip yourself with the proper safety gear. Throughout the video, we’ll alert you regarding when you should and should not use the safety gear.
STEP ONE
Install sliding roller brackets. Since they vary with different models, check your kit’s directions for the location of your new doors roller brackets. Once you identify where they’ll be installed, lay a drop cloth on the floor. Set the door on the drop cloth and arrange the brackets in place. Check to make sure your measurements are the same on both sides and mark screw locations with a pencil. Pre-drill your marks. Place a washer from your kit on a bolt and push up through the door. Install hardware with an impact driver, or if cap nuts and bolts are provided, hand tighten and secure with a wrench.
STEP TWO
Find studs. Use an electronic stud finder to locate the studs above the door, marking each about four inches above the casing. If the door is in a load-bearing wall, the stud finder may indicate continuous wood over the door. If this is the case, you have a solid header. You’ll either need to install your new door directly into it or lineup screw holes with available studs.
STEP THREE
Determine track location. Measure the track and height of your door to make sure the track location will not only function correctly but look good as well. Draw a straight line above the door with a level. Align the top of the track with your line and mark for screw holes.
STEP FOUR
Install track. Pre-drill at your marks. When you’re ready to install your track, have a helper hold it in place while you secure with provided hardware into studs or a mounting board.
STEP FIVE
Install door. Lift the door up, tilting slightly to hook the rollers over the track. If your door is heavy, you’ll need to helper for this as well.
STEP SIX
Install stops. Slide the door closed and add any decorative hardware provided in your kit. Then install stoppers on one or both sides according to manufacturer’s instructions. Your installation is complete. Step back and admire your new sliding barn door.
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