Creating a Sliding Barn Door for Your Home

I’ll continue with a new batch of woodworking articles! Here are three fresh topics for you to enjoy:

Article 13: Creating a Sliding Barn Door for Your Home

By: A Home Renovator Who Loves Big Doors

Sliding barn doors are stylish and functional, making them ideal for rooms where swinging doors take up too much space. Here’s how you can build your own from scratch.

Materials

MaterialDimensions1x6 or 1x8 pine boards8’ long (cut to width for panels)3/4” plywood1 sheet, 36” x 80”Wood glueAs neededBarn door hardware kitIncludes rail, rollers, bracketsFinish (stain/paint)As preferred

Tools Needed

• Table saw or circular saw

• Drill and drill bits

• Screws and nails

• Sandpaper or sander

• Clamps

Steps

1. Build the Frame

   • Cut four 1x6 boards for the frame (top, bottom, and two sides).

   • Drill pocket holes for assembly, then join the pieces together with screws.

2. Add Panels

   • Cut the plywood to size (36” x 80”).

   • Attach the plywood to the back of the frame with wood glue and screws.

3. Sand and Finish

   • Sand the edges and surface smooth.

   • Apply your preferred stain or paint finish.

4. Install Hardware

   • Follow the hardware kit instructions to install the rail, brackets, and rollers on top of the door.

5. Mount the Door

   • Attach the rail to the top of your doorframe and hang the door.

Visual: Door Setup

[Wall]      [Barn Door]
   |          ______________
   |    --->|              |
           |______________| <--- Sliding mechanism