FAQ

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I have never had a barn door before. Where should I start?

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If you have questions, we’re here for you all day, every day, even on weekends. Just shoot an email to evan@thebarndoorhardwarestore.com. He’ll give you all the personal assistance you need to get your order just right. 

Do I need a header for my barn door setup?

When installing barn door hardware, a header is crucial for several reasons:

  • Enhanced Aesthetics: A header provides a cleaner and more finished look to your installation, elevating the overall appearance of your space.
  • Structural Integrity: By distributing the weight of the barn door system evenly, a header prevents potential damage to drywall, especially for large or heavy doors.
  • Flexible Installation: Headers come pre-drilled with track mounting holes, allowing you to customize the track's position on the wall. Without a header, you're limited to the stud locations.

What type of wood is best for a barn door header support?

For your barn door header support, a sturdy hardwood is recommended. This will ensure it can adequately support the weight of your barn door.

Here are some popular choices:

  • Red Oak: Known for its strength, durability, and attractive grain.
  • White Oak: Another strong and durable option with a slightly lighter color.
  • Maple: Offers excellent strength and a clean, classic appearance.
  • Birch: A solid choice that is affordable and readily available.
  • Poplar: Known for its consistency and paintability.

Avoid softwoods like pine, as they may not be strong enough to support the weight of your barn door over time.

What is the recommended thickness and length for a barn door header support?

For optimal support, we recommend a minimum header board thickness of 3/4 inches. The length of your header board should be equal to or slightly exceed the length of your barn door track. This ensures adequate support for the weight of your door and prevents sagging or instability.

Do you offer custom track lengths for barn door installations?

Yes, we can provide custom track lengths to suit your specific needs. Please note that custom orders may have a slightly longer processing time.

Important: Custom length tracks are typically not covered by our standard warranty, and returns may not be accepted. Please review our return policy for more details.

Are your barn door hardware products suitable for outdoor use?

All hardware included is weather-resistant, except for the bolts. Please purchase outdoor-grade bolts from your local hardware store.

My door is larger than average. Is there a size limit for barn doors?

To prevent a door wider than 4 feet from warping or bowing over time, we recommend using additional hangers to distribute the weight more evenly.

Is a floor guide essential for a barn door installation?

A barn door floor guide is a crucial component of any barn door hardware system. This bracket, floor-mounted included in our barn door hardware kits, ensures that the door remains aligned with the track above, preventing it from swinging towards or away from the wall.

Types of Floor Guides:

  • Floor-Mounted Door Guide: Our floor-mounted door guide is the most popular type and is included in all our kits. It's installed on the floor near the door frame.
  • Wall-Mounted Door Guide: If you prefer to avoid drilling into your floors, a wall-mounted guide can be used. It attaches to the baseboard or wall at the bottom edge of the doorway opening.

Benefits of Using a Floor Guide:

  • Smooth Operation: Prevents the door from swinging, ensuring a smooth and quiet sliding motion.
  • Durability: Made from high-quality materials to withstand daily use.
  • Easy Installation: Includes all necessary hardware and clear instructions.

Have more questions?

If you have any further questions or would like to discuss your project in more detail, please don't hesitate to reach out to Evan at evan@thebarndoorhardwarestore.com. We're always happy to help and provide personalized recommendations to ensure you create the perfect barn door solution for your space.