Replacing Closet Doors with Sliding Barn Doors: An In-Depth Look

Published: August 18, 2020

Are you looking to upgrade your current closet doors to a more modern look? Look no further than sliding barn doors.

What are Sliding Barn Doors

Sliding barn doors sit on a track kind of like sliding doors of past with the exception of the rail sitting on the outside of wall above the doors instead of being mounted in the opening above the doors. There are some cases where people mount the metal rail within the opening but leave it exposed, this is usually the case when the opening requires two doors and it is not possible to slide the doors past the opening in both directions.

Things to Consider Before you Start

Quality Hardware

Your new barn door will likely be a focal point, so it need to perform well, look good and hold up to everyday wear and tear. Good hardware may cost a little more but it will be worth it in the long run.

The Right Space

Before you get started make sure the space is compatible for a sliding barn door. For a barn door to function properly you will need enough room to one side of the opening so the door can slide completely open.

Oversized Door

The new door must be bigger than the opening for complete coverage and to minimize gaps. So for example if you have a 36-inch opening you will want a 48-inch wide door.

How Do I Replace My Current Closet Door

First you need to remove the existing door and jamb. We suggest replacing the jamb to remove the cutout for the latch and the stop so you have a nice clean look around the opening. If replacing the jamb you'll want to fill any screws or nail holes in the new boards and then paint them. If your doors are unfinished now is the perfect time to finish those as well.

Once your opening is prepared you can start mounting the top rail, you will want to make sure this is level and at the proper height for your doors so they aren't catching on the floor and so the slide smoothly and stay in place when opened or closed.

After the rail is properly installed on the wall, you will next want to install the roller hardware on the bottom door first as this door will need to be hung first, once the first door is hung move onto the second door if applicable and repeat the process.

At this point your doors are hung and ready for a handle to help with opening and closing. Depending on which type of handle(s) you are planning on using it may be easier to mark where you want the handle(s) to be while the doors are hanging and then remove the doors and lay them down flat to drill any holes and install the hardware.

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Custom Barn Doors: From Farmhouse Charm to Modern Minimalism

Barn doors have surged in popularity beyond farmhouse interiors, finding their way into contemporary lofts, mid-century modern homes, and even commercial spaces. Their appeal lies in the combination of visual impact, space savings, and functional versatility. Because barn doors slide on a track rather than swinging on hinges, they eliminate the clearance arc required by conventional doors, freeing up floor space in tight rooms and hallways.

When selecting a barn door, consider both the door panel design and the track hardware. A louvered barn door allows airflow and is ideal for closets and laundry rooms. A solid raised-panel or flat-panel barn door provides full privacy for bedrooms and bathrooms. Board-and-batten construction delivers the classic rustic look most associated with the barn door style. Estate Millwork builds barn doors in any of these configurations, sized to your exact opening dimensions.

Wood species choice affects both the visual weight and the practical weight of a barn door. Lighter species like Poplar and Spanish Cedar keep the door manageable for everyday sliding while still providing solid construction. Heavier species like White Oak and Walnut create a more substantial presence and deeper grain character. Regardless of species, every Estate Millwork barn door uses mortise-and-tenon joinery to ensure the large panel stays flat and square over years of daily use.

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