Barn doors are fabulous! They are exceptionally versatile and can bring a rustic or modern vibe to the interior. However, one problem can make you think twice before deciding to integrate them into your interior.
Not all of the standard hardware will make the panels roll smoothly. After a short period, you might even struggle with opening and closing the panels. Let us not forget the squeaky noise the average-quality rollers can make. But fret not; you can solve all of these issues with the best soft close barn door hardware.
How will you pick one such as that? Well, we have a good amount of experience with these kits. And we know which things make a kit worthy of getting. So we used all of that knowledge to make things easier for you.
Top 6 Best Soft Close Barn Door Hardware Kit Reviews
There is an overabundance of barn door hardware available. And even if some options state that they are soft-close, in reality, they will be rougher than the standard hardware. That is why we had to do a load of comparison among the promising options. And these are the ones that stood out:
1. DonYoung Spring Buffer Damper Soft Close Barn Door Hardware Kit
Specs:
- Material: Steel and Plastic
- For: Single Door
- Weight Capacity: 70-160 pounds (depending on the model)
On the lookout for upgraded soft close barn door hardware? You are in luck! We have found a great offering from DonYoung that will meet all your needs.
To start with, it features a hole-free design. Such a design will eliminate the need to go through the hassle of operating a drill. The installation process is pretty simple as well.
Another thing that makes it worthy of getting is the actuators. They feature an upgraded design, which will make the door slid softly and smoothly.
You will even have the option to adjust the actuator if you want to. Also, the parts have a high durability level.
- Sports a hole-free design
- Easy to install
- Comes with upgraded actuators
- The actuators are adjustable
- Each part is highly durable
Cons
- Not compatible with hollow core doors
- Might ship with missing parts
Verdict
It is a soft close kit for barn doors that feature a hole-free design. That design will make installation a breeze. Even the quality of the parts is pretty high. Also, you can use it as a double barn door soft close hardware by purchasing two sets of the kit.
2. SmartStandard Soft Close Mechanism Sliding Barn Door Hardware Kit
Specs:
- Material: Steel and Plastic
- For: Single Door
- Weight Capacity: 50-176 pounds (depending on the model)
So, what makes an offering be the best interior barn door hardware? Well, if you asked us, our first answer would be high-quality construction. And that is exactly where this kit from SmartStandard excels at.
The brand has opted for quality steel and plastic for the overall build. These materials will make each of the components last hold the test of time.
Even the installation process is hassle-free. There will be no need to work with drills or any other intricate tools. Why? Because it features a hole-free design.
There are actuators that can adjust vertically. This adjustment mechanism will ensure that the door slides smoothly throughout the entire track. Also, as the design is flush, it will not stick out from the door.
- Constructed of high-quality materials
- The installation process is hassle-free
- Features a hole-free design
- Has automatically adjusting actuators
- Stays flush
Cons
- Might require some modifications for some doors
- Comes with a vague installation guide
Verdict
The high-quality construction of this soft close barn door hardware kit is the thing that makes it stand out the most. It even has a hole-free design.
3. DIYHD Brushed Nickel Barn Door Hardware with Soft Closing Mechanism
Specs:
- Material: Steel and Nylon
- For: Single Door
- Weight Capacity: up to 170 pounds
While looking for the best barn door hardware kits, you might want to opt for something with unique looks. In that case, consider this offering from DIYHD.
Wondering what makes it look unique? Well, the name says it all! It has a brushed finish on the exterior. That finish will not only blend well with most of the barn doors but also make them stand out a bit.
Other than the looks, the overall construction of the material is pretty solid. It is of high-quality steel, which means it will last for a prolonged time without showing any issues. And the floor guide that it comes with will ensure that you can open and close the door smoothly.
There are pre-drilled holes on the hardware. That will eliminate most of the installation hassles. Also, the mechanism is fully adjustable.
- Has a brushed finish
- Features an excellent build quality
- Sports pre-drilled holes
- Blends well with most doors
- Fully adjustable
Cons
- Might need some modifications for some doors
- Does not come with proper installation directions
Verdict
Its exterior finish is the main selling point. The brushed finish will not only stand out but also make your door look pretty unique. Also, the build quality is top-notch.
4. National Hardware N700-006 Gold Interior Barn Door Hardware with Soft Close Kit
Specs:
- Material: Steel
- For: Single Door
- Weight Capacity: up to 400 pounds
Premium design and great outlooks are something that we prioritized while looking for a soft close barn door hardware kit. And this one from National Hardware offered exactly that.
The kit is available in two color options. And both of them feature an exceptional finish on the exterior. They will be capable of making your barn door look unique.
You will be well-amazed by the quality of the kit too. The manufacturer has opted for premium metal. For this, the parts will be capable of handling heavy doors without any issues. It even comes with multiple floor guides. In the package, you will get both mortised and double bracket floor guides.
Furthermore, the package will bundle with all the barn door mounting hardware and a modern door handle. You will also get easy-to-follow instructions. Combined with the user-friendly design, that guide will make the installation a breeze.
- Available in two color options
- Made of premium metal
- Has a user-friendly design
- Comes with detailed instructions
- Can handle heavy doors
Cons
- The included bolts feel a bit low in quality
- Might ship with missing parts
Verdict
The premium metal construction and the elegant finish make this kit stand out a lot. Its construction even makes it capable of handling heavy doors.
5. SMARTSTANDARD Barn Door Hardware with Soft Closing Kit
Specs:
- Material: Steel and Plastic
- For: Single Door
- Weight Capacity: 170 to 180 pounds
Even though there are loads of options out there, only a few can be truly categorized as easy barn door hardware. And this offering is one of those few. The product includes a sliding rail, soft closing kit, floor guide, and all other hardware needed to mount the door in budget price.
What makes it easy? Well, the installation process is straightforward! The brand even offers videos that will guide you through the entire procedure. Also, there are four size options. You can choose one depending on the load of the doors.
That said, the soft-close mechanism works like a charm. It is highly efficient and can prevent the panels from slamming. Its black coating blends well with doors too.
The build quality is pretty solid too. It is made of high-grade materials, enhancing its lifespan and making it highly durable.
- Features an easy installation process
- Available in four sizes
- Utilizes an efficient soft-close mechanism
- Durable and long-lasting
- Blends reasonably well with panels
Cons
- Not that resistant to scratches
- Hard to adjust
Verdict
Its installation process is pretty straightforward. You will not have to rely on a professional just to set it up. Also, the build quality is top-notch.
6. Enconker 2PCS Hole-Free Soft Close Mechanism for Sliding Barn Door
Specs:
- Material: Steel and Plastic
- For: Double doors
- Weight Capacity: 77 to 176 pounds
Looking for modern barn door hardware that is compatible with heavy double doors? Take a look at what Enconker has to offer here.
As the name suggests, you will receive two soft-close mechanisms with the package. And when installed correctly, these two will be capable of holding doors around 176 pounds.
On that note, the installation process is pretty simple. As it features a hole-free design, there will be no need to work with drills as well.
Additionally, the quality of the parts is pretty high. For that reason, you will not face any issues while trying to operate heavy doors.
- Comes in a pack of two
- Has a weight capacity of up to 176 pounds
- Easy to set up
- Sports a hole-free design
- Boasts a high-quality construction
Cons
- Might not work with all rails
- Some packages ships with missing parts
Verdict
It includes two soft-close mechanisms, which makes it ideal for double doors. The weight capacity is pretty high. So, you can make it work with heavy doors pretty effortlessly.
Soft Close Barn Door Hardware Installation Guide
Just getting a proper soft-close mechanism is not the end of the story. You would also need to get it set up correctly if you would like to enjoy all of the benefits it has to offer. And the installation process is not that tricky. Do not believe us? Read through these steps:
Step 1: Get the Required Tools
First of all, you would need to get some tools. You will need nothing more than a drill and a screwdriver for most cases. However, some doors might require more tools. So, read the instruction of the manufacturer beforehand.
Step 2: Set the Mechanism on the Track
Now, you would need to install the mechanism on the track. For most cases, there will be pre-drilled holes, which means you will not need to operate a drill to install it. However, if there are no pre-drilled holes, use the drill machine accordingly. Measure the screwing point and drill holes on the track.
Step 2: Work with the Track and Stoppers
Next, you would need to mount the track on the wall. In this case, you would need to use the drill. But before you do put a hole on the wall, make sure to measure the points correctly. Remember to measure twice and drill once.
Once you set the track in place, you would need to work with the stoppers. Place them on both sides. While you are at it, mark the position of the left and right actuator on the door.
Step 3: Install the Actuators and Obstructers
Then, you would need to install the actuators on the door. Take the panel off and drill holes on the top. Make sure to double-check the placement position before drilling any holes on the door. Secure the parts with screws and a screwdriver.
You would also need to place the obstructers in place. These two should be just beside the actuator when you keep the door centered. So, consider the placement before fixing them in place.
Step 4: Set the Door up and Check the Actuator
At this point, you would need to set the door up in place. After placing it, check whether the actuator needs any adjustments or not. If the actuator is not at the right height, you would need to opt for a thick gasket. Sometimes, the brands will include this gasket with the kit.
However, check your local hardware shop if the kit does not come with any gaskets. Get a thick one and place it in between the actuator mechanism.
Step 5: Try to Move the Door
After going through all of the steps above, it would be time to test the door out. Try to slide it. If it makes any noise or if the door seems hard to slide through, you might want to check whether the parts are in the proper place or not.
Take the door off and go through the instruction of the manufacture. Fix what needs to be fixed and check again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will soft close mechanism make it easier to operate barn doors?
Yes, the kits will make opening and closing the doors easier. As the name suggests, it will softly close the doors, which will mitigate the noise issue and protect the door from getting damaged. The good ones will even have smooth rollers, which will make it easier to slide the doors.
Is it hard to install a soft close mechanism on barn doors?
Not really. Most will come with a hole-free design. That will eliminate the need to operate drills or any other intricate tools. Also, some brands will offer detailed installation guides and videos to make the setup process a piece of cake.
Are all door hardware kits made of steel?
Most of the parts will be made of steel. Some of the components will be plastic. However, the quality and grade of these two materials will vary from one offering to another.
Are soft close barn door hardware worth it?
Absolutely! These kits do not only protect the door from getting damaged but also make the overall operational mechanism smooth as butter. So, we would say that they are 100 percent worth it.
Do all barn doors need soft-close hardware?
Not really! You can still operate the doors without a soft close mechanism. However, according to us, the benefits that the soft-close mechanism kits offer make them a must-have.
Final Words
Standard hardware is enough to make the barn doors operate optimally. However, with the best soft close barn door hardware, closing and opening the panels will feel more like sliding a butter slab on a hot pan.
It will even protect the doors from getting damaged. So, instead of waiting, select one from our narrowed-down list and enjoy all of the benefits that this mechanism offers!
This is Adam Sullivan, the author of tchardwaretools.com! I started my days as a mobile carpenter to become a full-time shop owner, and have been living my professional life for more than 8 years now.
Here I want to share my thoughts, experiences, and ideas through this platform. Stay Tuned!