FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I have never had a barn door before. Where should I start?
We’re here for you all day, every day, even on weekends. If you need help with your order, just shoot an email to evan@thebarndoorhardwarestore.com. He’ll give you all the suggestions, ideas, and personal assistance you need to get your order just right.
How much longer should the track length be to ensure a fully clear opening when the doors are fully open?
To ensure a fully clear opening when your sliding doors are fully open, you'll need to add extra track length on the folding side. Here's how much you'll need:
- 2-door setup: Add 5 inches of track length.
- 4-door setup: Add 10 inches of track length (5 inches on each side).
This extra length allows the doors to fully overlap and create a completely unobstructed passageway.
What range of barn door thicknesses is compatible with your hardware?
Our bifold barn door hardware kits are compatible with doors that are 1-3/16 to 1-3/4 inches thick. This ensures a secure and smooth-functioning sliding mechanism for your bi-fold doors.
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.
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: Our barn door tracks come pre-drilled with mounting holes for easy installation. Using a header allows you to precisely position the track on your wall, giving you more design flexibility. Without a header, you're limited to mounting the track directly onto wall studs.
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.
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.
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.
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