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Should You Install Sliding Barn Doors?

Sliding barn doors can be a DIY design improvement that can drastically alter your home’s aesthetic. They’re an incredibly popular design within the realm of interior design and are mainly due to the rising popularity of farmhouse style homes. Sliding barn doors Melbourne are a door which can be placed anywhere in your home, usually having a metal or wood door, which is mounted on the track that slides. Instead of closing and opening like a traditional door it is able to slide to the side, and can be hung on the walls. People love them for the fact that they can easily transform spaces and give them a lot of personality. But before you get into the trend made famous with Chip and Joanna Gaines, there are certain things to think about.

Trend and. classic

Although the sliding doors of barns have been around forever, they definitely have been able to achieve “trendy” position. Like any trend, you need to consider your motivation before investing in the sliding barn door. There’s a difference between actually loving a look and liking it simply because it’s the “cool” trend at the moment. Ask yourself questions like “Am I still going to enjoy this in five years from today?” and “If I move out in the next couple of years is anyone going to be able to like it?” If you can see the long-term benefits, then you’re all set.

Pros and cons of sliding barn doors

There are many advantages to installing a sliding barn door within your home. They’re ideal for smaller spaceslike hallways, and are a relatively simple DIY project that means you don’t need to engage a contractor (unless you’d prefer to undertake the task yourself). However, they will require enough extra wall space for they to be able to move about, which could cause a glaring shadow to any artwork you have on that wall.

Considerations to consider prior to your visit

Before making any changes to your house or undertaking the task, there are some essential questions to be asking yourself. These questions can aid you in deciding if sliding barn door are the right option for you.

Do sliding barn doors work in your home?

It is important to consider your home’s style before embarking on any home renovation project. Traditional barn doors can look great in a farmhouse style coastal, or traditional homes. However, if you place doors in a mid-century or modern house they’ll appear out of the norm. There are also lots of different types of sliding barn doors, each with a different look. For instance, a minimalist home could benefit from the French-style metal sliding barn doors While a contemporary house would be better suited with a more streamlined design.

Are you sure you’ll have enough privacy?

Before you start thinking about installing DIY wooden doors for the barnyard, Cynthia Peller Hum, an associate of Hirsch Bedner Associates, the worldwide leader in hospitality and interior design, offers two major details you need be aware of the privacy and sound.

Unlike a traditional door, sliding barn doors aren’t able to stop the majority of sounds. “Don’t think that you won’t hear more sound through a sliding barn door than a swing door, because the edge isn’t as tightly,” Hum pointed out.

Regarding privacy, you won’t be able to close a barn sliding door in the same way, which can be frustrating if looking to secure your loved ones or roommates from getting in. If you’re planning to install the barn door as an opening to the bedroom or bathroom, look into hanging hooks or a latch with strike plates.

Is your door header proportionate?

Before you embark on your DIY sliding door installation, it is important to take note that a balanced header is vital, suggests Hum. A header is a solid piece of wood which is used to support the door to the barn which assists in spreading the load of the door while providing stability. It also adds aesthetic value.

“When creating the door with a proportionate header, it is important for decorative hardware” Hum noted. “I consider that a plain block-finished edge that is not adorned with trim is the easiest way to get as it provides an open, modern-looking opening that allows the door to be the main feature.”

The weight of barn doors could be as much as 200 pounds (or more) Headers are also important for sturdiness. Mount the header to wall studs (and ensure that there are wall studs at every interval on your track).

Does your hardware have a coordinated look?

A barn’s hardware that is coordinated on the door has less to do with aesthetics, and more to do.

“Remember, the door and hardware have to extend past the opening, so you have to make sure that you have enough space, and set the hardware so that the door will slide past the wall’s base” Hum explained. “The door needs to be larger than the opening, and the hardware must be on the outer edge.” She says it is crucial to connect the pulls and hardware, “for example, so the decorative pull isn’t impacted by against the frames.” It is also recommended adding a stop on the track so fingers aren’t injured.

Sliding barn doors can add an infusion of style to your home. Just remember, if you do decide to install one you must plan it out. If you decide that sliding barn doors don’t suit you There are many other ways you can achieve the rustic look when you’re renovating your living room, bedroom or even your entire home.