Barn Door Size Guide: How to Measure for a Barn Door

That’s why we created this guide! In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of barn doors, including what they are, their benefits, and how to measure for a barn door. Let’s get started!

What is a Barn Door?

Before we get into measuring barn doors, let’s take a moment to discuss what they are. 

A barn door is a door slab that slides left and right on wall-mounted hardware, which makes it starkly different from the traditional swing door. Their roots lie in the countryside, where farmers needed large barn door sizes to accommodate their farm machinery. Since then, they’ve evolved into something completely new!

Nowadays, barn doors have taken a stylish leap from the farm to the foyer. They are the epitome of rustic chic, and make regular appearances in both residential and commercial spaces. Whether you’re working with a cozy country home or a sleek city apartment, a barn door can completely transform an interior design.

The Benefits of a Barn Door

Of course, barn doors are more than just a show-stopping focal point. There are many benefits of installing a barn door in your home, including:

Space Saving

Unlike traditional doors, barn doors slide along the wall, which saves precious square footage. They’re great for minimalist designs and compact spaces!

Accessibility

Wider standard barn door sizes provide better accessibility, especially for large items or wheelchair access.

Versatility

Barn doors can blend effortlessly into almost any interior design, which makes them one of the most versatile door styles on the market.

Easy Installation

Worried about major renovations? Don’t be. Installing a barn door is usually a straightforward process that can be accomplished by professionals and DIYers alike. How to Measure for a Barn Door

Now that we’re on the same page about how incredible barn doors can be, let’s delve a little deeper into how to measure for a barn door, to ensure a seamless fit and optimum functionality.

Step One: Measure the Doorway Width

Start by measuring the width of the doorway from one edge to the other. Make sure you’re measuring the widest part, including the door casing.

Step Two: Measure the Doorway Height

Next, measure the height from the floor to the top edge of the doorway. It’s crucial not to forget any extra features like mouldings or trim in your measurements.

Step Three: Account for Extra Space

To ensure that your barn door covers the entire doorway when closed, add at least 2 inches to your doorway width measurement. The adjustment will help ensure there are no gaps on the sides.

Step Four: Determine the Barn Door Height

To determine the barn door height, add about an inch to the door opening measurement. The extra space helps to accommodate the hardware at the top and gives a little breathing room at the bottom.

Step Five: Measure for the Door Track

Your barn door will slide along a track, usually mounted above the door frame. As a rule of thumb, the track should be at least twice the width of the door, in order to allow it to fully open.

Step Six: Don’t Forget the Clearance

Finally, check the clearance. Be sure to look for baseboards, outlets, and other wall elements that could interfere with your barn door. You might need to account for extra space or consider a header board.

Step Seven: Order Your Barn Door!

Once you’ve gathered and double-checked the measurements, you can select from standard barn door sizes or order a custom door that fits perfectly. Remember, accuracy in measuring for a barn door not only ensures a good fit but also prevents potential installation hiccups.

3 Inspiring Barn Door Design Ideas

Ready to breathe some rustic charm into your space? Here are three barn door designs to help inspire your next home improvement project:

1. Rustic and Chic

This image shows a classic barn door that looks like it was taken right out of history. The designer of this barn door chose a wood grain option that pairs perfectly with the industrial door track, and the results are absolutely breathtaking.

2. Modern Minimalism

https://residential.masonite.com/how-to-install-a-sliding-barn-door/

The designer of this room decided to go a different route, by choosing an unconventional barn door with fogged windows to let in lots of natural light. This unique feature further proves that you don’t have to do what’s always been done in order to get a beautiful barn door design.

3. Contemporary Craftsmanship

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This image depicts another classic barn door setup with dark wood grain staining and an industrial black door track. This time, the home décor is super contemporary, which creates an interesting blend of the first two showcased designs.

Looking for Trim and Moulding to Complement Your New Barn Door?

Don’t stop at the door! The right trim and moulding can elevate your barn door’s look. 

At Metrie, we offer exquisite trim and moulding options at rates any designer could afford. From traditional to modern and everything in between, our diverse range of products is sure to complement whatever barn door you choose.