Barn Door vs. Regular Door

Barn doors have been an unexpected yet welcomed addition to the interior design trends of recent years.

Designers and homeowners from all around the world have fallen in love with its practicality and rustic charm. They have even grown to be a highly desirable alternative to regular doors!

Understanding the differences between barn doors and regular doors can help you choose the best option for your space.

This article is designed to provide you with everything you need to know about barn doors vs. regular doors. We’ll equip you with valuable insights into their pros, cons, types, styles, and cost differences.

Let’s get started!

Barn Doors

Barn doors were first used in barns. Recently, they have become popular in homes and businesses. Their rustic elegance makes them a great choice for many interiors.

Unlike regular doors, these doors are mounted on a sliding track above a door frame. From glass to natural wood, barn doors are available in a variety of materials and styles.

Advantages of barn doors

Sliding barn doors are a great way to add style, functionality, and personality to your space. Let’s take a closer at the most significant benefits that a barn door can bring to your home:

Space-Saving

One of the biggest reasons why barn doors are so widely sought-after is their ability to fit into small rooms.

Unlike conventional doors, they slide neatly out of the way and make it easy to move from one space to the next.

Stylish

Barn doors come in a variety of designs and can easily fit any aesthetic that suits your particular tastes.

These doors are most known to be used in industrial interiors that incorporate tons of rustic furniture and decor.

Easy to Install

Barn doors are easier to install than traditional doors. You can put them up yourself or get help from a professional. Traditional doors can be hard to fit into pre-cut doorways.

The best part is that once the barn door hardware is installed, you can effortlessly change out the doors later.

Disadvantages of barn doors

Barn doors provide a comfortable flow from one room to another in ways that conventional doors cannot. However, barn doors can also come with a few downsides that you need to consider:

Not Good at Sound Dampening

When fully closed, standard doors completely fill out openings that barn doors do not.

Barn doors only cover the outline of a doorway. They do not block sound like regular latch doors do.

Won't Stay Closed If Unleveled

Sliding barn doors that are not slid shut at the right angle won't stay put. They can be difficult to latch and can slide from one inch or open all the way if you are not careful.

Can Be Loud

Some sliding barn doors can be loud when they are open and shut. Depending on the hardware, the sound of a sliding barn door can resemble the rumbling of thunder.

Types of barn doors

Each barn door type has its own set of unique functions and advantages. With so many types of barn doors to select from, you’re sure to find the perfect style to match your interiors:

• Wood Barn Doors - Wood barn doors are traditional-style barn doors and are some of the most popular options on the market. Since wood is a universal design element, it can suit almost any home style.

• Metal Barn Doors - Metal barn doors have become increasingly desirable in recent years due to their sleek elegance. Whether your home design is industrial, contemporary, or minimalist, metal barn doors have a timeless quality that can match.

• Glass Barn Doors - Glass barn doors are a magnificent addition to any home. One of its biggest benefits is that it can open up your space. At the same time, it still provides separation and privacy.

• Mirror Barn Doors - If you need more space in your closet, bathroom, or bedroom, consider a full-length mirror. There are many barn door styles that can include one. Mirror barn doors can serve as a full-length mirror while also saving you more wall space.

• Double Barn Doors - Double barn doors are essentially two separate barn doors on a single track. They are the ideal choice if you have a large space that lacks privacy or style.

• Bypassing barn doors are a great choice if you want an alternative to double barn doors. They can help you save space. As opposed to double barn doors, bypassing barn doors overlap on top of each other instead of resting on either side of the track.

• Bifolding barn doors are an excellent addition to your home if you are looking for a functional and timeless design. This type of barn door folds in on itself and protrudes out from the track when closed.

• Barn door cabinets are perfect for creating a rustic look similar to farmhouse chic interiors. They function similarly to regular-sized barn doors but require special mini hardware for proper installation.

• Exterior Barn Doors - There is a wide array of specialty-designed outdoor barn doors that are built to last and ready for the elements. They are typically made with strong wood and various finishes.

Best use cases for barn doors

Barn doors can be used as a stylish entrance to a closet, home office, laundry room, and many more. Sliding barn doors are also one of the most effective ways to maximize space in a small bathroom.

Typical cost

New barn doors can be some of the most expensive types of doors to install.

They cost an average of $1,800 and prices can range anywhere from $1,350 to $5,000.

Regular Doors

Standard or regular doors are basically doors that swing in one direction to close and open.

They have simple designs and are affordable. This makes them a popular choice for many different uses. They are usually solid in form but may also be available in hollow-core or lightweight form.

Advantages of regular doors

Regular doors can easily blend into most room designs and are the go-to choice if you want a simple door for your space. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable benefits that standard doors can offer:

Versatility

Regular doors are made in different shapes and sizes that can fit any particular space. They can also be customized with various accessories like glazed viewing windows, fixings, and locks.

Functionality

Regular doors can be used in many places. They work well in kitchens, closets, bathrooms, bedrooms, and laundry rooms. Their ease of use makes them a great choice.

You can leave them constantly open or closed and they are highly adaptable to match the design you need.

Safety and Security

Standard doors are ideal for both exterior and interior usage. Depending on the style, they can give a professional look. This look offers durability and security for homes and businesses.

Disadvantages of regular doors

While regular doors offer a multitude of benefits, they can also come with potential drawbacks that you need to keep in mind:

Require Extra Maintenance

Standard doors will need regular maintenance to keep them in their best condition. To keep your door looking great and avoid costly repairs, regular maintenance is important.

Can Be Expensive Depending on the Materials

The cost of high-quality hardwood or timber can be very expensive for regular doors. If you opt for a premium door, that will last longer then you will end up spending more money.

Thin Doors Have Limited Customization

Regular hollow-core doors made of cardboard-like materials cannot be sanded down. This makes it hard to remove the old finish and refinish them. They are also much more difficult to paint because the existing paint does not allow for adequate adhesion.

Types of regular doors

Each type of standard door has its own main features and benefits. This depends on how it is made and the materials used

• Timber Wood Doors - Timber wood doors are the prevalent mainstay in the manufacturing of standard doors. Its biggest benefits are its simplicity and local availability.

• Ledged Doors - Ledged doors are one of the oldest and easiest types of doors to use. Ledged entryways can either be braced or braced and framed for more strength and better appearance.

• Paneled Doors - Paneled doors are mostly common in homes. The door’s frame is made of wood and shutter panels with plywood, timber, hardboard, and pieceboard.

• Flush Doors - These are totally smooth door with medium-density fiberboard or plywood over a relatively light timber frame. Its hollow core is typically filled with a cardboard material.

• Glass Doors - Glass is more generally used in the paneling of doors. However, some areas, like the back of the house, can be made entirely of glass. This design offers a clear view of the garden.

• Steel Doors - Steel is one of the most durable choices for both interior and exterior doors. These steel entryways can either be solid or hollow.

• PVC Doors - PVS, or Poly Vinyl Chloride, is essentially a type of plastic that is utilized in making items such as funnels, water tanks, or fittings for houses. The use of PVC as a material in door manufacturing has rapidly risen in popularity with a vast assortment of designs and colors.

• Fiberglass Doors - Fiberglass is a type of glass that is solid, non-combustible, lights, and has high rigidity. Fiberglass doors are easily accessible and have qualities that can match and design style.

• Aluminum Doors - Aluminum is a metal that has a great number of applications due to its lightness. Aluminum frames for regular doors provide the benefit of resisting tough weather conditions.

Best use cases for regular doors

Regular or conventional doors are a good option for spaces that need insulation against dust, heat, and noise. With a variety of colors and designs, they can be used for both commercial and residential purposes.

Typical cost

Factors such as material and labor can determine the overall cost of a regular door. Hollow-core doors can cost anywhere from $40 to $400, while solid wood doors can cost around $200 to $900.

Making the Choice

Depending on what you need, a new door can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Here are some of the most crucial considerations you need to take note of when choosing between barn doors and regular doors:

• Consider your priorities: Space requirements, practicality, soundproofing, convenience, and functionality are the most important factors that will help you determine the ideal option for your space.

• Match the style of your home: Rustic themes favor barn doors, while regular doors can be a better fit for modern interiors.

• Budget and DIY skills: Door installation can be done by yourself or with a professional. While barn doors need a track installed, regular doors may require a new door frame.

• Cost: Making the right choice between a barn door and a regular door is about the value you receive from your investment. Barn doors can cost much more but also provide unique advantages and serve as a better quality door.

Ready to start your barn door project? Shop for the materials you need now!