Your Guide to Barn Door Types (And Tips)

Are you thinking of installing a barn door in your home?

These trendy doors are attractive, super practical, and popular for a reason. If you’re looking to enhance your space, they are a great choice!

You may have noticed that there are many different types. The terms used can be a bit confusing.

In this guide, we’ll help you find the perfect barn door for you! We’ll cover everything you need to know, including:

• Types of barn doors
• Barn doors materials
• Factors to consider when choosing an interior barn door

Let’s get right to it!

Types of Barn Doors

The first thing to consider when looking at barn doors is which basic type is best for you!

There are clear differences in how these types look. However, the main factor in choosing them is space. Make sure to measure the door frame and wall where you want to install them.

Single Barn Door

Design and functionality

The single barn door might just be the most popular type of barn door out there at the moment.

It consists of a single door on a rail that’s mounted above the door frame. These doors are easy to install, work in a variety of diverse spaces, and are very adaptable.

Advantages and disadvantages

The single barn door is very versatile. It fits over the doorway like a traditional swinging door.

It is very affordable compared to more complex models. It works well in most spaces. As the most popular type of barn door, it comes in many different styles.

However, there are still some downsides to a single barn door.

It can only replace one traditional door at a time. Therefore, it is not good for closing off entire rooms in open-plan homes.

Double Barn Door

Design and functionality

Double barn doors mimic the look of traditional barn doors, giving them a higher level of rustic appeal than single barn doors.

They are quite charming, and are a very practical type of door to have in your home!

With two adjustable doors, you have many options. You can completely separate your spaces, leave a small gap, or create an open flow.

Advantages and disadvantages

This style of barn door gives you the most day-to-day customization options. They are also a total classic and add a homely, welcoming vibe to any space they are installed in.

However, there are still some disadvantages to this style of barn door.

They can slam and/ or pinch between the two main doors, which can be a hazard especially if you have children in the home.

They also take up a lot of wall space when open. You might need to keep an entire wall clear for a double barn door.

Bypass Barn Door

Design and functionality

Bypass barn doors refer to the type of door in which one can overlap the other!

There are two (or, in some cases, more) doors, but their rails are layered allowing them to smoothly move over their counterparts.

These doors are perfect if you want the look of double barn doors but have space for just one. They are also great if you value a tidy home.

Advantages and disadvantages

The primary advantage of this style of barn door is the saved storage space while still having the range of a double barn door.

If you have a versatile, often changeable space, these are the doors for you!

Bypass barn doors need a bit more care than single or double doors. Be ready to clean and lubricate them more often than you did before.

However, this uptick in maintenance is worth it for the flexibility of this door type.

Bifold Barn Door

Design and functionality

The bifold barn door might not be one you’ve come across before.

These doors work like barn doors. They are mounted to a sliding top rail, not the sides of your doorframe. They do not swing outwards. However, their shape may remind you of more traditional doors!

Bi-fold doors are split in half vertically, meaning when they are opened they segment in half. This design is appealing, as well as space-saving.

Advantages and disadvantages

Bifold doors are appealing, but they don’t preserve as much room as other barn doors as they still fold outwards.

These doors are best for smaller spaces in our opinion, such as guest ensuite bathrooms, closets, and pantries.

Ceiling Mount Barn Door

Design and functionality

If you have room for some real industrial hardware and love barn doors, you should consider getting a ceiling-mount barn door!

These doors, as the name suggested, are mounted to the ceiling rather than the wall they run along.

This is a great option if your interior walls are not load-bearing or suitable for a barn door. It also offers a stylish appearance.

Advantages and disadvantages

Unfortunately, ceiling-mounted doors don’t do much to save space.

You will see the same wall space used when the doors are open. There is also extra vertical space taken up by the hardware that attaches to the ceiling

However, because the building materials are strong, you can often hang a heavier barn door from the ceiling. This gives you more options to choose from.

It’s also a very stylish, trendy look to have a ceiling-mounted barn door.

Materials Used in Barn Doors

The second factor to consider when you're shopping for a barn door is the material they are made from.

Depending on your aesthetic preference and needs, what your barn door is made from makes a massive difference! Here are some of the most common options:

Wood barn doors

Wooden barn doors are the most classic variety of this charming door style. They’re rustic, match with almost anything, and are loved by many.

They’re also definitely the most readily available variety of barn doors! You can get a range of these doors, from unfinished, cheap (but sturdy light) wood to fancy, oiled, and treated hardwood – it’s up to you!

Metal barn doors

If you love the industrial aesthetic, metal barn doors are the way to go.

These doors might be a bit louder when you open and close them. However, they are just as soundproof, if not more, than high-quality wooden barn doors. They also add an unbeatable sense of security.

Glass barn doors

If you’re looking for a middle ground between flow and sectioning, look no further.

I may be a little biased, but glass (either full sheets or multiple panes) is my favorite type of barn door!

They can separate living spaces while still allowing natural light in. They also reduce sound, so you can see what’s happening in the other room.

For home offices, glass barn doors are a must (especially if kids are in the picture!).

Composite barn doors

If you’re after a cheaper option that is still super functional and stylish, don’t turn your nose up at composite barn doors!

These doors may not be as authentic as wooden ones or as modern as metal or glass. However, they serve the same purpose. They are sure to bring joy and peace to you and your family.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Barn Door

Make sure to double-check your needs and wants before securing a new barn door!

While it’s tempting to grab something right away, take a moment to think. Consider if what you see will really meet your needs. Some of the most important factors include:

Space availability

The most important factor to think about when buying a modern barn door is the space you have.

You will need to note down the dimensions of your door frame or entranceway, but also the wall space available on either side.

Barn doors save a lot of interior space because they do not swing outwards. However, they require more vertical wall space. This is a trade-off you need to think about!

Design preference

It’s a bit of a stereotype that barn doors are rustic and have a homey, country-style aesthetic.

While this can definitely be true for traditional wooden barn doors, this isn't the case at all in modern times!

There are barn doors for every style. You can find options that are rustic, modern, or minimalist. There is something for everyone.

It's still important to think about two things: a) the current feel of your home and b) how much you want to change before choosing a door.

Budget

Even if you’ve found the door of your dreams, you may still have to face reality.

It's important to stick to your budget. Most barn doors are affordable, but a special one might cost more

If this is true, it’s time to rethink your choices. Look for more affordable options. Unfortunately, you may need to wait for your ideal barn door until it fits your budget.

Maintenance and durability

Standard barn doors require very little maintenance. They’ll typically need normal cleaning (dusting and wiping when general household surfaces are being done), and a rare oiling of the hardware if it gets slow, sticky, or creaky.

These doors don’t need any more maintenance than traditional swinging doors!

Additionally, they’re often more durable as they tend to be made of higher-quality materials. 

Ready to start a barn door project? Shop for the hardware you need!