Rustica Hardware’s revolutionary DIY Barn Door Kit is the most cost effective way to add the beautiful character of a barn door to your bedroom, living room or bathroom. This kit allows DIY’ers to simply add their own slats of wood to the provided steel barn door frame to create their own, unique barn door in minutes! Personalize your barn door by pulling apart a pallet or old fence to create the popular reclaimed aesthetic or visit a local hardware store for new wood to best match your look!
Our barn door kits are made of steel, and the door width is completely customizable by you! We recommend to use plank widths of no more than three and a half feet to avoid wood warping and damaging the stiles.
Prefer us to provide the wood slats? Check out our Cottage Barn Door Kit. With the Cottage Barn Door Kit we provide the wood (alder or poplar) and you choose the finish and texture.
- Installation screws included
- Our kits can receive slats up to .75 in thick
- To use thicker slats, rabbet cut the edges to fit into the steel frame
- We recommend wood slats no wider than 4 ft.
- Rustica’s sliding barn door kit does not include Barn Door Hardware. (track, hangers and track installation components)
- NOTE: The 9' and 10' DIY kits will be shipped in lengths of 4.5' and 5' with splice plates.
Door frame thickness: 1.5 in
Recommended wood slat thickness: .75 in6 Benefits of Installing a Barn Door Kit
Enjoy the ease of installing interior barn doors with our DIY sliding barn door kits. These kits are perfect for a fun, hands-on renovation project for the homeowner who wishes to update any interior space, from closet to cabinet and bedroom to office. When comparing professional installation to a DIY barn door kit, it’s clear that DIY is the best option for those on a budget:
6 Benefits of Installing a Barn Door Kit
- All Parts Included
- Detailed Instructions
- Quality Materials
- Customizable
- Cost Effective
- Gives You a Sense of Accomplishment
In a matter of an hour or so, homeowners will have renovated or replaced outdated doors with new sliding barn doors; saving money and contributing to an exciting and innovative design feature into the home they love.
What is a Barn Door Kit?
A barn door kit includes everything needed to assemble a barn door. Along with the slab door itself, a barn door kit ships with the chosen hinges or track system, including hangers, wheels, and the track itself. Additionally, buyers can choose to purchase front and back handles, a support header, and optional door decor, like decorative strap hinges or clavos nails.
The homeowner is in charge of choosing what they want included in the kit and what they do not. Purchasing a barn door kit takes the confusion away from individually searching for and purchasing the different elements of a door. Everything you need can be purchased and shipped all within a concise and organized kit.
A DIY barn door kit differs only in that the door slab is not included. Why would a customer choose this option? Maybe you already have a door slab that you love but want to update the sliding door hardware, or maybe you want to craft the door yourself. In either of these cases, Rustica’s DIY Barn Door Kit is perfect for you.
6 Benefits of Purchasing a Barn Door Kit
It makes sense that DIY barn door kits are becoming more and more popular every year—it’s a quick, efficient, and fun way of putting on your renovator hat and having the hands-on experience of updating your home’s interior spaces. Taking a look at all of a DIY darn boor kit’s benefits might just convince you to try this new innovative way of purchasing barn doors:
1. All Parts Included
Purchasing a barn door kit or a DIY one will provide a homeowner or renovator with every single part needed to successfully install a door, including all hardware as well as the screws necessary to secure your door and frame. You’ll only need to provide the everyday household tools to install the kit, like a measuring tape, screwdriver, drill, and leveler.
2. Detailed Instructions
You won’t be left wondering what to do with that odd-looking piece of hardware whose name you can’t recall—all instructions and information necessary to understanding and executing barn door installation will be provided for you. Generally, homeowners are able to complete their door installation in as little as 45-55 minutes, which can be more convenient than working with a contractor for installation. With Rustica’s instructions, you’ll soon play the part of the expert craftsman.
3. Quality Materials
Rustica’s barn door kits are made of only the highest-quality materials. Craftsmen use solid steel cut by a CNC machine to form the frame of the kits, as well as the barn door hardware. Each frame is powder coated with a finish that will endure the test of time.
4. Customizable
A custom door is really the way to go if a homeowner wants to express their personality through design. Each solid steel piece can be purchased in a number of beautiful finishes. Flat back, modern gold, white, and bonded chrome are just a few of the many options available through Rustica.
Perhaps, more importantly, Rustica offers kits in a wide variety of dimensions, beginning at average door height (6’6” or 6’8”) and reaching up to an eight foot barn door hardware kit (nine foot and 10 foot kits are available as well, but will ship in two pieces). The width of door opening and thickness are likewise customizable.
Additionally, all hardware like barn door pulls, handles, hinges, track systems, straps, door guides, etc. can be individually chosen by you. Your kit will come with the features and designs you desire for your space. And, since you’ll be providing or purchasing the door separately, you have the freedom to mix and match the frame with any material you desire, like stainless steel, glass or solid wood such as mahogany or knotty alder. The final result will be the perfect contemporary or rustic barn door you’ve always dreamed of.
5. Cost Effective
Because a sliding barn door hardware kit is completely customizable, you hold the power to keep your door renovation on budget. You won’t be required to purchase the pieces you don’t really want, and you won’t need to shell out money for an expensive finish that simply doesn't suit your style. Instead, you can take the time to crunch numbers, set your budget range, and enjoy browsing the beautiful options for finishes and hardware. And because the DIY Barn Door Kit doesn’t come with a door panel itself, you’re free to repurpose old wood doors, slats, or panels made of materials that spark the inner creativity of DIY door design.
6. Gives You a Sense of Accomplishment
There’s no doubt that creativity brings joy and confidence in one’s abilities. There's nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment one feels when looking at the final piece of art they created with their own hands.
While any DIY project will give you a sense of accomplishment, there’s something truly special about designing and putting together your own barn door. By the end of the project, you’ll not only have something to show for your time and effort, but it will be something that you use every day. Every time you pass through your one-of-a-kind
decorative barn door, you’ll know that your own hands were the ones to put it together. That’s truly an accomplishment.
Plus, a handcrafted barn door allows you creative freedom in its design. Being in charge of every aesthetic detail of your door allows you to create a sliding barn door that matches your style and design goals perfectly. For example, a handmade barn door with reclaimed wood would greatly complement a living space with
farmhouse decor. In this way, it significantly benefits your space through its artistic design.
Furthermore, a DIY barn door kit is a great project to tackle if you want to stretch your creative limits with something you’ve never done before. This is a project anyone can do, and with our convenient barn door kit and detailed instructions, you’ll have everything you need to complete the task.
It’s also an easy “handyman” type project for those who want to learn how to do their own DIY projects but don’t know where to start. Finding or purchasing your own wooden boards and installing them into the metal frame will give you a sense of how easy it is to put a project together. And, with the knowledge and experience of what it takes to complete a sliding barn door project, you’ll feel a surge of confidence within yourself to tackle other projects that you may have felt less confident in before.
So, if you’re ready to flex your creative muscles in a way that makes a big difference to the look and feel of your space, then a DIY barn door kit may be for you!
Rustica’s Barn Door Kits
Rustica’s Barn Door Kits and DIY Barn Door Kit range in style and in price. Each kit includes a track system (track, hangers, wheels), front and back handles, support headers, and door decor. Pricing will increase as certain styles and finishes are altered. Remember, when purchasing a DIY sliding barn door kit, you have the freedom to purchase or find the door slab or slats elsewhere. If you’re looking for inspiration, you can always browse the many beautiful options for
barn doors on our website.
How to Install a DIY Barn Door Kit
Your Rustica DIY Sliding Barn Door Kit will arrive with detailed instructions. To get an overview of the process, read the steps below:
Step 1: Measure Your Space
Measuring is, by far, the most important step of the barn door kit installation process. If you measure incorrectly, the entire project will come out wrong and then you’ll either need to start over or, in the worst case, purchase a whole new barn door kit.
What are you measuring for your sliding barn door kit? First, you need to measure the length of your entryway or closet door opening. Next, you need to measure the width. The length and width of your opening will potentially determine the size of your barn door kit, the type of sliding barn door hardware kit you choose, and whether you need a single sliding barn door kit or a double barn door kit.
Single doors are only going to be so large. For areas that are larger than a single entryway. This includes a closet, an oversized entryway to the kitchen or dining room, or a custom interior door entryway to a den. You’ll likely need to purchase a
double barn door along with a double barn door hardware kit. If you have a particularly oddly sized entryway, it could be a good idea to decide on
custom interior doors.
Double-check the measurements you take so you’re certain you noted the correct numbers. If measuring isn’t your forte, ask for help from a spouse, neighbor, or friend who enjoys DIY projects just as much as you do.
Step 2: Figure Out Budget
All DIY projects require planning and preparation, not the least of which is a budget. Choosing your sliding barn door kit, sliding door hardware options, and extras largely depends on your budget.
At the most basic level, you can choose a barn door kit that comes with instructions and all the stainless steel parts. You’ll then be responsible for finding your own barn door wood slats. You can choose from wood that is rustic and weathered, such as wood from an old farmhouse or reclaimed barn wood, or go to a hardware store and purchase new wood beams that you can weather yourself.
If you have a bit more in your budget, you can get a barn door kit with the door included. These kits have less to DIY and are the fastest option available if you have limited time.
Depending on how much hands-on experience you want in building your door and how much of a budget you have to play with, you can customize the barn door hardware to the colors of your choice, such as barn red, white, or oil rubbed bronze. If you want to change the texture, you can even choose forged metal or bonded chrome.
For DIY barn door kits that come with wood, you’ll need to choose the finish, texture, and whether the wood has been sealed against the elements. If you’re planning to place your door in an outside area such as a patio, garden, or entryway to a sunroom, be sure you purchase an exterior sliding barn door kit and an exterior sliding barn door hardware kit. These kits have treated barn door hardware and wood that is safe to use outdoors. If you purchased an interior door and kit, then you’ll need to treat the wood and metal to prevent weathering, rust, and degrading over time.
Step 3: Purchase Barn Door Kit
This is the fun part! When you purchase your kit, be sure that the included supplies are ample for your measured space. Carefully check the description when purchasing a kit to make sure you’re not buying a double barn door when you need a single, or a cabinet door kit when you need a bypass barn door kit.
When you purchase your kit, you can choose custom options at the same time, such as the type and color of your metal and the type of finish if slats are included. Stay within your budget and get creative.
Consider where you’re planning to install the door. Go with cool colors and sleek metals for elegant entryways, such as those to a dining room. For a child’s bedroom or guest room, mix and match hardware finishes for a unique door that matches your interior design perfectly. The sky is the limit when you get to hand-pick what you want your
sliding barn doors to look like.
Step 4: Find Wood for Slats
If you’re into adventure and building your door from the ground up, then go out and find wood for your slats! Reclaimed wood is some of the most fun to go out and find, just be sure that you’re following several rules: you’re not trespassing, the owner is okay with you reclaiming the wood you’ve found, and the wood is still in good shape.
Watch out for wood that is termite eaten or overly weathered. The last thing you want to introduce into your home is a termite infestation from old barn wood that has been left to rot.
If you want new wood, go to your local hardware store. Take your measurements in hand and purchase slats long enough for your entryway. If the wood boards you choose are a little too long, cut them down to size once you get back home. Mark the excess that needs to come off and, using a hand saw, cut the slats to size.
Top 11 Places to Find Wood for Barn Doors
- Barns—Old barns are a great place to find and reclaim old wood, whether that’s wood not being used that’s stored in the barn or if it’s wood from the barn itself. Get in touch with neighbors in your area who have old barns or need help taking down an old structure and ask if you can have the wood in exchange for labor.
- Fences—Along with old barns, be on the lookout for old fences that aren’t in use. You can pull the old wood out, touch it up, and use it for your door. Reclaimed wood is so fun to go out and find, just be sure to be respectful. That means that you’re not trespassing, the owner is okay with you reclaiming the wood you’ve found, and the wood is still in good shape.
- Sheds—Similar to old barns, you may be able to find some good wood boards from some old sheds. Watch out for wood that is termite-eaten or overly weathered. The last thing you want to introduce into your home is a termite infestation from old shed or barn wood that has been left to rot.
- Floorboards—If you or someone you know is renovating a home, you can re-purpose old floorboards as barn door panels.
- Pallets—For a rustic and weathered look, pallets are a great source of reclaimed wood. It’s quite easy to find free pallets; simply ask and look around, and you’ll be sure to find some.
- Crates—Old crates can be disassembled, and the wood can be repurposed to create a one-of-a-kind, farmhouse-style barn door.
- Decks—Old deck wood can be a great option for a sliding barn door if you know somebody who is getting rid of or replacing their deck.
- Salvage Stores—If you can’t find any wood from the resources listed above, salvage stores usually have old wood for sale.
- Online Marketplaces—This is a great way to find local, reclaimed wood—more than likely someone looking to get rid of it from one of the resources above.
- Reclaimed Wood Suppliers—Some people make a living out of finding and re-selling old wood. Chances are good that you have a reclaimed wood supplier near you.
- Hardware Stores—Hardware stores supply several different types of wood, so they’re the best option if you want a specific wood species or if you want to purchase new wood.
Step 5: Assemble Barn Door
Again, this is where a DIY barn door kit and a
Cottage Barn Door Kit differ. First, you’ll need to assemble your barn door if purchased in individual, unassembled slats. If you’ve chosen to install a slatted wood barn door, follow the instructions below.
In general, you’ll need the following tools:
- Rubber mallet
- Screwdriver or drill with a Phillips-head screw bit
- Lay Out Frame: Lay out the different rails and stiles so that the letters written on each piece line up.
- Partially Assemble Frame: Put dowels in place and align the top rail to the left stile, creating an upside-down L shape.
- Set Panels: Begin to insert your panels for the top half of your door frame. Make sure each panel is securely in place using a rubber mallet, if necessary.
- Assemble Bottom Half of Door: Insert your middle rail and use a rubber mallet to secure it in place. Begin to set the panels for the bottom half.
- Finish Frame: Place the bottom rail along your final panel. Insert dowels along the right side of the door and place your second stile. Use a rubber mallet to secure everything.
- Insert Screws: Your door most likely arrived with pre-drilled holes along the stiles. Insert screws into these holes to secure the door’s stiles to your panels.
- Attach Support Panels: If your barn door’s design includes support panels, you’ll need to attach these last by using your drill and screwdriver.
Step 6: Attach Door Hardware
If you’ve purchased knobs, pulls, a door lock, decorative door hinges or clavo nails, you’ll want to attach these to your assembled door before attaching the track system and mounting it on the wall. Again, we will provide instructions specific for your hardware. You’ll need to have on hand:
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Leveler
For handles, pulls, knobs, and locks, you’ll want to make sure that the bottom of your hardware is around 36” from the bottom of your door. Hinges and clavo nail placement will depend on the door design. Measure your hole placement and mark it before pre-drilling your holes and lining up your hardware. To ensure that all hardware sits straight, use a leveler before securing each piece with the provided screws.
Step 7: Attach Hangers
Your hangers are part of the rolling door hardware system and will need to be attached to your door before you attempt to hang it. You can go ahead and complete this step while you work on attaching your other hardware. You’ll be given specific instructions as to placement, but the process is very similar to step 2— measure, mark, pre drill, and attach your hardware.
Step 8: Support Header
Now it’s time to approach the wall. This step could be completed first if you want to get it out of the way or could be left for later if you need to build up confidence first.
Most of the time, it’s best to attach a wood header to the wall space by drilling it into the support beams to distribute the weight of the door’s pull. To do this, you’ll need to use a stud finder. Find your beams above your door trim and make your marks. Then, replicate those marks on your header using a measuring tape. Pre drill the holes onto the header then place your header up above your interior door opening and drill away.
Step 9: Attach Track and Hang
Depending on whether you’ve purchased a pocket door, a double barn door, or a bypass barn door kit, your directions will vary. If you’ve chosen to install a header, your barn door track kit will be installed on top of it. Follow the same set of directions as before: measure, mark, predrill, and attach. If you’ve chosen to order door stops for a slow close or a door guide, you’ll want to attach these as well, following the included instructions.
Finally, you’re ready to hang your door!
Step 10: Test it Out
You’re ready to test out your DIY barn door! This is where an extra pair of hands can come in handy. Lift the door onto the track. Roll it back and forth to test out its function and slip it in between the bottom runner. Once satisfied, place your stop on either side of the mounting track to prevent the door from rolling too far and coming off.
DIY Barn Door Kits for the Entire Home
Once a homeowner or renovator has installed one sliding barn door hardware kit, it will be tempting to start another rolling barn door project. And why not? These doors are sure to stun while also saving money and time. The best part? These kits easily build up the confidence of even the newest DIYer.
The good news is that these kits are available not just for interior doors, but can also be purchased as an exterior sliding barn door kit. Imagine updating a garage door, exterior
patio door, or a
shed with a beautiful, quality steel frame that surrounds your ideal wood, steel, or glass panel. With endless options and infinite design inspiration, you won’t regret choosing a DIY Barn Door Kit.