Single vs. Double Bypass Barn Doors

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 will explore the features and differences of the two options. We will also help you decide which one 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 were first created by farmers. They needed doors that let animals enter and exit the barn easily. This way, the doors would not block 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 have one door. This door is attached to hangers. The hangers slide along a track. The track is 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 use a 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: Single bypass barn doors are smaller and simpler. They make less of a design statement than double bypass barn doors.

• Loss of privacy: Single bypass doors are not great for private spaces. They cannot be locked, and there are small gaps on each side. These gaps allow people to see through the door.

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 on two tracks 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 barn 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.

Cons

• More expensive: One downside of double bypass doors is that they are larger and need more materials. This makes them more expensive to install.

• More complex to install: Double bypass doors are harder to install because they have two overlapping doors instead of just one.

Best Use Cases for a Double Bypass Barn Door

Double bypass barn 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 discussed the main features of both types of barn doors, let’s look at what to consider when choosing between them!

Available Space

When choosing between a single and double bypass door, the space you have is very important. This space will greatly influence your decision.

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.

For a double bypass barn door, you need space on both sides of the doorway. This space allows the doors to slide open fully.

Therefore, for smaller spaces, a single bypass barn door may be your best option!

It's a good idea to measure the space before installation. This will help make sure the door fits well.

Desired Functionality

Another consideration you will need to make is what kind of access you will need to the room or space.

If you have a large closet, you may want easy access to your clothes. A double bypass barn door could be a good choice for you.

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!

If you are installing the doors yourself, make sure you feel confident in the process before deciding.

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. Double bypass barn doors are great for larger spaces such as dining areas and living areas.

When choosing between the two, consider a few factors. Think about your needs for functionality. Also, look at the cost and how hard it is to install. Finally, consider the current design and style of your home.

No matter which you pick, single or double bypass barn doors will enhance your home’s look. They will add a stylish touch to any space! Shop all bypass barn door hardware here.