How much does it cost to install a barn door?

Interior barn doors are a popular way of separating rooms and creating privacy, while saving space at the same time. They have a rustic style that appeals to many people and, with different stains or hardware, can complement a range of styles.

The cost of installing a barn door varies depending on the material, size, and structural integrity of the wall you are hanging it on. Most people spend around $600 for a 30-inch barn door installed on an interior wall of their home.

Pros and cons

Barn doors have advantages and disadvantages. The doors do not take up a lot of space like a traditional door because they do not swing out into the room. This makes them a good choice for smaller spaces, such as half baths. They are also stylish, enhancing many different interior designs. They can be easy to install and maintain.

However, because they do not cause a seal with the doorway, they let more sound in than a traditional door. The track the barn door rolls on can also be extremely loud, especially in some settings. When opened, the door covers part of the wall, which makes that section inaccessible. The doors may also be heavy and difficult for some people to slide open and shut.

Finally, if you only want a single track at the top, the wall you install the door on needs to be structurally strong enough to hold it. Otherwise, this could cause problems over time.

Materials

While the majority of barn doors are made of wood, usually pine but other types as well, it is possible to find them in a few different materials. Each has pros and cons, which you want to consider before making your choice.

Hardware

For a barn door to work properly, it needs the correct hardware. The door slides on a track mounted above the entryway header. This track needs to be strong enough to support the weight of the door. The hardware also involves a roller system that allows the door to slide along the track. This varies depending on the style and may include wheels or ball bearings, and in some cases clips. The hardware attaches to the door itself, and the moving parts are inserted into the track. When pushed, the door should slide along the track to either end.

Installation

Installation of a barn door is fairly straightforward. The entryway is checked to ensure it can support the weight of the door, and the track is leveled and mounted above the door frame. The door itself usually has the mounting hardware already attached, but if not, this will be screwed into place. The door is then inserted into one end of the track and slid along the path to check its balance and position. A stop is placed at the end of the track to prevent the door from leaving the track once it is in the correct position.

Labor

Installing the door is usually charged on a one-time or flat-fee basis. The total charge depends on the size of the door and opening, whether a single or double door, and if the door is meant to be bi-fold or a single slider. How difficult the studs are to find and whether the wall needs reinforcing can also impact the cost of the install. Labor costs range from $100 to $300 on average, with most homeowners paying around $150 to $200 for the installation. Most people spend around $600 in total for a 30-inch wooden barn door installed on an interior wall of their home, with $150 for the labor and $450 for the door itself.

Maintenance

The majority of the maintenance that a barn door requires is the same as any other door. If the door is wood, for example, it may need to be repainted or stained periodically. Otherwise, the biggest maintenance comes from the track. It should be kept clean and free of debris that could cause the rollers to stop working. It may occasionally need to be oiled, and the door may need to be rehung or repositioned in some cases if the track begins to sag.

Barn doors vs pocket doors

Barn doors are a space-saving method for dividing rooms. Pocket doors offer a similar service but with different appearances and results. If you want to conserve space and are comparing the two, consider the way they look and install. Barn doors are decorative and seen whether open or closed. They install on the wall above the doorway and cover the wall when open. Because the track is visible, they are easier to install and maintain.

Pocket doors install on a track that goes into the wall adjacent to the doorway. When open, the door is invisible. Because the track goes into the wall, they are more difficult and expensive to install and maintain.

Both perform similarly in terms of sound and how well the door seals. They may also look similar in some ways when the doors are closed. However, the installation and how they look when open are the biggest differences between the two.

Additional considerations and costs

• Half baths and powder rooms make great places to install barn doors. They slide rather than swinging in, so they take up less floor space in an already small area.
• Chalkboard barn doors work well in kids’ bedrooms or playrooms. Any barndoor can be converted into a chalkboard door with chalkboard paint.
• Barn doors can be used to conceal appliances, TVs, trash cans, and laundry areas as well as other areas you prefer to keep from view.
• It is also possible to add a mirror to a sliding barn door. Doing so can increase the amount of light in the room as well as make the space appear larger.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ : A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others