FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERSSingle vs. Double Bypass Barn Door (+Tips on Choosing)
Posted by The Barn Door Hardware Store on Jan 26th 2024
Are you in the midst of a house renovation?
Or, maybe you just want to give an area of your house a refresh!
In either case, you may be looking to replace and modernize your doors with barn doors.
Barn doors are a stylish addition to any home. However, it can be difficult to decide whether to install a single or double bypass barn door!
In this article, we’ll delve into the features and differences of the two, as well as how to decide which is best for you. We’ll cover:
- What barn doors are
- An overview of single bypass barn doors
- An overview of double bypass barn doors
- Factors to consider when choosing between the two options.
Let’s get into it!
What Are Barn Doors?
Barn doors first originated from farmers who needed barn doors that would allow animals to enter and exit the barn without opening a door into their path.
They are now frequently used in homes for their style, design features, and ease of use.
Instead of opening on a hinge, barn doors slide across to create an opening and slide shut to close off the doorway.
This occurs through the presence of the door sliding along hangers on a track that is mounted to the wall.
Single Bypass Barn Doors
Now that we know exactly what barn doors are, let’s take a look at the specific features of single bypass barn doors!
Single bypass barn doors are composed of a single door which is attached to hangers that slide along the track mounted to the wall above the door frame.
Single bypass barn doors are great for smaller spaces and can be used in all rooms in the home.
Pros and cons of using a single bypass barn door
So what are the pros and cons of using single bypass barn doors? Let’s take a look at these below:
Pros
- Great for small spaces
Single bypass barn doors are great for rooms that don’t have a great deal of wall space! This is because there will need to be at least as much wall space as the width of the doorway for the door to be able to open.
- Easy to install: Single bypass barn doors are relatively easy to install as they function through a simple hanger that slides across a tracker or rail.
- Lightweight and Easy to Use: Single bypass barn doors are great for providing easy and quick access to adjoining spaces or rooms.
Cons
- Less of a statement As they are smaller and more simplistic, simple bypass barn doors make less of a design statement than double bypass barn doors.
- Loss of privacy: Single bypass doors aren’t ideal for private spaces due to the inability to lock them, and the small cracks at either side of the door that can be seen through.
Best use cases for a single bypass barn door
Knowing these pros and cons, what are the best use cases for single bypass barn doors?
Pantry door
Single bypass barn doors are perfect as doors for small spaces such as pantries.
These doors provide easy access by simply sliding across instead of opening out into the kitchen space.
Hallway Door
Single bypass barn doors in the hallway to another room are also a great option.
This provides the option of creating a more open feel if kept open, without an open door in the way.
Closet door
Single bypass barn doors are also great for closets. They create a stylish design option that won’t clutter your bedroom space with an open door!
Double Bypass Barn Door
Next, let’s take a look at double bypass barn doors.
Double bypass barn doors have two doors that are able to slide open and slide on two trackers that are mounted to the wall above the door.
As a result, double bypass doors require slightly more complex technology to operate.
Pros and cons of using a double bypass barn door
So what are the pros and cons of double bypass doors?
Pros
- Good for larger spaces: Double bypass barn doors are great for larger spaces such as dining areas and living spaces! As they require a larger area to install, they are more suitable for areas with a larger doorway.
- Stronger design statement: As they are larger, double bypass barn doors create more of a statement design piece in your home that will modernize your home.
Cons
- More expensive: One of the downsides of double bypass doors is that due to their larger size and larger number of required materials, they are more expensive to install.
- More complex to install: In addition, double bypass doors are more complex to install due to composing two overlapping doors as opposed to only one door.
Best use cases for a double bypass barn door
Double bypass doors are a great option in the following areas:
Dining/Living areas
Double bypass barn doors are ideal for large rooms with large doorways!
Installing double bypass barn doors into rooms such as the living room entrance creates a spacious open feel to the room.
Dividing rooms
Double bypass barn doors are also great for dividing rooms where you still want easy access between the two.
An example of this could be installing a double bypass barn door between the kitchen and dining areas. You could even install these doors between a bedroom and a walk-in closet.
| Aspect | Single Bypass | Double Bypass |
| Space Suitability | Small spaces | Larger spaces |
| Installation | Easy | More complex |
| Cost | Less expensive | More expensive |
| Design Impact | Minimalist | Strong statement |
| Best For | Pantries, closets | Living areas, room dividers |
| Privacy | Less (due to gaps) | Better (with two doors) |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Two Options
Now that we’ve covered the main features of each of the two types of barn doors, as well as their various pros and cons, let’s take a look at the factors that you should consider when choosing between the two options!
Available space
When deciding between a single and double bypass door, the space you have available to install the door is a large factor in the decision you make.
When the door slides open you will need to have the space of the width of the door available on the adjoining wall.
For a single bypass barn door, you will need this space available on one side of the doorway.
However, for a double bypass barn door, you will need this space available on both sides of the doorway for the doors to fully slide open.
Therefore, for smaller spaces, a single bypass barn door may be your best option!
It’s always a good idea to properly measure the space before you go ahead with installation to ensure the door will fit without issues.
Desired functionality
Another consideration you will need to make is what kind of access you will need to the room or space.
For example, if you have a large closet where you would like to prioritize easy access to clothes, you may prefer a double bypass barn door to meet your needs.
Budget
In addition, you will need to consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on the doors!
Double bypass doors will cost more due to more materials needed, and a more complex installation.
Style and aesthetics
When choosing between the two options, you should consider the existing design and style of your home.
It’s important you choose an option that will complement your home and add to its decor!
Double bypass doors are great for homes that have large open spaces and an open-plan feel. Single bypass doors are great for single doors you might want to replace, such as pantry doors or office doors.
Installation complexity
Double bypass doors are more complex to install than single bypass doors!
Therefore, if you are installing the doors yourself, you will want to make sure you are confident in the process before you make your decision.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, barn doors are a great way to modernize and add style to your home!
Barn doors operate through a sliding technology where doors open and close on rails or tracks that are mounted to the wall.
Single bypass barn doors are a great option for smaller spaces such as pantries, closets, and offices, while double bypass barn doors are great for larger spaces such as dining areas and living areas.
When choosing between the two, some factors you will need to consider include your functionality needs, the cost and complexity of installation, and the current design and aesthetic of your home.
Whichever you choose, single and double bypass barn doors are sure to elevate the existing look of your home and add a statement design to any space!