How to Install Double Barn Doors & Hardware?

So, you have decided to opt for double barn doors? Props on you because you just made the right decision! These can surely amp up the interior with a modern and rustic outlook. However, getting proper single or double bypass barn doors is one thing, and installing them is another.

How so? Well, if you do not know how to install double barn doors properly, you will face a load of issues. For example, the track might just give in and make the panels fall flat on the ground. Now, imagine what would happen if you were standing in front of the panels when that happens.

But fret not! We have installed loads of double and single bypass double barn doors. And through that experience, we have perfected the installation process. Want to know all about it? Well, you would need to stick till the end of this article.

Steps to Install Double Barn Doors with Hardware

Usually, brands provide an installation guide with the double barn door kit. But for most cases, the installation guide will vaguely go over the process, and you can be more confused after going through it. Well, that will not be the case for our guide.

We will break things down and describe the entire process through easy-to-follow steps. And after going through it, you will find it easier to install bypass barn doors. Also, this guide will be applicable for all of the double doors. That includes double barn doors with glass. So, without further ado, let us get into it!

Step 1: Get the Required Tools

Before diving headfirst into the installation process, you need to get some materials and tools. Here is the list:

• Lumber for the header
• Stain or paint
• Level
• Pencil
• Stud finder
• Tape measure
• Power drill
• Philips screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Philips screwdriver
• Drill bits
• Speed square
• Wood screws 2 inches
• Socket wrench set
• Step ladder

That’s it! Keep these tools close to you because you would not want to go and look for a specific tool during the installation process. That would be pretty annoying.

Step 2: Assemble the Barn Doors

Most of the barn doors will come in the DIY-manner. That means you would need to put the pieces together. So, after getting all of the tools, you would need to assemble the door.  During the assembly process, you should pay proper attention to the beveled edges.

The like sides of the wood would be together. As in, the parts should blend well with each other. For most cases, manufacturers will not mention this tip. And when you keep the non-beveled edges next to the beveled edges, the door would look pretty odd.

On that note, you would have the full freedom to form the pattern for the DIY doors. So, if you want the wood’s natural markings to look good, you can place the pieces next to each other on the floor first.

Step 3: Locate and Mark the Studs

Get the stud finder and mark the placement of the wall studs. These would go about three to four inches above the door opening. You should use a pencil to mark the studs because it would allow you to erase the marking afterward.

Ensure to mark each of the studs along the entire track length. Without marking the whole length, you would not know where to fasten the backer board or the track.

Step 4: Check if You Need a Backer Board and Install the Track

At this point, you must determine whether the installation requires a backer board or not. When will you need a backer board? First, when there is a need for more space to accommodate the trim. Secondly, you should install a backer board if the wall studs are not aligning with the screw on the track.

That said, if you do need to work with a backer board, measure the stud placements again and get yourself some 1×4 sq. inches board. Cut the board according to the length of the track. You should also stain it and try to match it with the paint or stain of the door.

Transfer all of the measured stud-markings to the backer board and transfer the holes that are on track to this board. To install the board, you must first determine the wall placement. Keeping the center of the board aligned with the wall, you would need to secure the panel to the wall.

The screw placements would look a bit off. For that reason, you should fill them up with wood filler and put the stain on them too. Finally, align the track-fastening holes with the backer board holes and install the track. You would need to use the included washers, lag bolts, and spacers in this process.

On that note, you must keep the track aligned during the tightening process, or else the door will hang oddly. And if you do not need a backer board, just install the track on the marking you just made earlier.

Step 5: Install the Stoppers

There should be fasteners for the stopper in the kit. However, consider using aftermarket fasteners if your door kit does not come with these fasteners. Do check the length and the width of the required screws before making the purchase.

To get the stoppers fixed, just slide each to the end of the track. Fasten the fasteners with a screwdriver. Do keep your desired opening size and door size and adjust the stoppers accordingly.

Step 6: Attach the Rollers

After installing the stoppers, you would need to work with the rollers. For this, we would first recommend going through the manufacturer’s instructions. You will find the exact steps you should follow to get the rollers in place. To ensure that the straps are straight, we would recommend using a square slab.

That said, we do have a tip in this case. Make the pilot holes a bit larger. That will let you adjust the door if needed. With double doors, you might need to make multiple adjustments afterward. Also, a large pilot hole will let you quickly modify the gap between the barn doors later.

Step 7: Attach the Handle

Now that the rollers are in place, you should focus on the door handle. A good idea would be to place it about 36 inches above the floor. That is the ideal placement for the handle, at least according to us.

On that note, if you want to get an authentic rustic look out of the door, get the large handles. Those will even include large hardware, which is pretty easy to work with. Also, ensure that the fasteners are appropriately placed. If they are off, the door will look a bit odd. So, mind the alignment.

Step 8: Fasten the Anti-Jump Discs

The anti-jump discs are basically the thing that will help the wheels to stay on track. These will also ensure that the door does not pop out of the track and fall straight to the floor. In this case, you would need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 9: Attach the Door to the Track

You might want to call a friend for help with this step, especially if the doors are heavy. Ask them to help you lift up the door and place it on the track. Carefully lift the panel up and rest the wheels on the track. You should try to slide it left and right to check whether it slides appropriately.

If it does not, there is something wrong with the rollers. Take the door down and check whether the rollers are in the appropriate place or not.

Step 10: Attach the Door Slides

The door slides would go to the floor. These would be there to hinder the door from swinging. You might also want to opt for a floor guide. Those will do a better job of making the door slide properly. Some of the floor guides will even offer better protection when it comes to swinging.

That said, to get the slides in place, you would need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However, do check whether the placement is correct or not.

Step 11: Final Checking

At this point, every part will be in place, and you must check whether the door functions optimally or not. It should open and close smoothly. And the stoppers should stop the door from going off of the track. If all things work out properly, you can give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy the rustic look of the doors.

Final Words

As you can see, learning how to install double barn doors is not learning rocket science. And even though different manufacturers make the process hard to carry out, it is actually pretty easy. All you need to do is follow the steps we have mentioned properly, and you can get the door in place in no time at all!