Installing Barn Doors for Bathrooms: Pros and Cons

Barn doors have become an interior design favorite, sliding their way into homes everywhere—from kitchens to lobbies and, yes, even bathrooms. And honestly, why wouldn’t they? They are space-saving, supremely stylish, and add a unique charm to any room.

But are barn doors for bathrooms a good choice? Let’s find out the pros, cons, costs, and installation tips so you can make an informed choice.

What Is a Barn Door?

A barn door glides along a track mounted above the doorway instead of swinging open (which is why it’s also called a sliding or hanging barn door). This setup eliminates the need for floor clearance, making them ideal for tight spaces. A standard barn door kit typically includes the door slab, a sliding track, rollers, and installation hardware.

Because conventional locks cannot be paired with style, the barn doors make use of latches, such as hook-and-eye or teardrop locks for security. From a material standpoint, solid wood, glass, and composite materials barn doors are readily available, with finishes ranging from distressed wood to ultra-modern matte finishes.

Pros of Barn Doors for Bathrooms

1. They Save Space: In awkward spaces where swinging doors don’t work, a sliding barn easily fits parallel to the wall. With pocket design, they even fit inside the wall, for an even better solution.
2. Stylish Appeal: With so many options like classic wood barn doors, frosted glass barn doors, or a painted finish, barn doors offer plenty of customization options to match your bathroom’s style. The unique hardware—like rails and handles—makes them a statement piece.
3. Easy to Operate: Barn doors are incredibly user-friendly because of the simple sliding mechanism. This could be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges.
4. Easy Installation: Unlike traditional doors, barn doors mount on any doorway size without major structural changes, perfect for DIY projects.

Cons of Barn Doors for Bathrooms

1. Privacy Gaps: Barn doors don’t typically seal tightly against the wall, leaving a small gap (about an inch) between the door slab and the wall. This can result in sound, light, or odors escaping, though it can be easily avoided with an appropriately sized barn door.
2. Noisy at Times: While high-quality hardware minimizes this issue, barn doors can be noisier than traditional doors. Misaligned or worn rollers can amplify the noise.
3. Limited Locking Options: Most traditional locks aren’t compatible with barn doors. So they have to depend on latches that often don’t provide the same level of security or privacy as standard locks.
4. Require Wall Space: Though they save floor space, barn doors need a clear section of wall for the door to slide open. This can be challenging in bathrooms with wall-mounted fixtures like shelves, towel racks, switches, or limited wall space.

Is a Barn Door Private Enough for Installation in Bathrooms?

Privacy is a valid concern with barn doors in bathrooms due to the small gap between the door and the wall. Thankfully, there are solutions. One option is to use a slightly wider door slab so it overlaps the doorway more effectively, reducing visibility and sound leakage. Another approach is to install a blocking strip along the wall to cover the gap entirely.

For a foolproof method, consider a pocket barn door, which slides into a hollowed-out section within the wall. It’s a bit more work since you’ll need to modify drywall, but it’s worth it for a seamless look and perfect privacy.

How to Install a Barn Door for Bathrooms: Step-by-Step Guide

Below is the process to install a simple barn door in your bathroom.

Step 1: Prepping the Wall

Check if your wall can handle the weight of the barn door and its hardware. If there are no studs in the right places, attach a sturdy wooden header—a plank secured to the studs—to distribute the weight evenly.

Step 2: Measuring the Door and Wall

To measure the length of the doorway, start from the top where you’ll install the rail to the bottom. Mus about half an inch from this length to prevent scraping the floor. In the width measurement, add 4 inches to the doorway’s width for better privacy coverage.

Step 3: Install the Rail Track

Follow your hardware kit’s instructions to mark where the mounts should go. If working with drywall, pre-drill holes and use anchors to secure the mounts properly. If attaching the rail to a wooden header, drill directly into the wood.

Ensure the rail is perfectly level—precision is crucial here. Tighten the bolts securely but avoid over-tightening, as this can weaken the wood over time.

Step 4: Attach the Door

Attach the rollers or wheels to the top of the door slab and install the handle or pull hardware. Hang the door on the track and slide it back and forth to test for smooth movement.

Step 5: Add Stoppers and Guides

Install stoppers at both ends of the track to prevent the door from sliding off. Use a floor guide to keep the door stable and aligned with the track. These small additions significantly enhance the door’s stability and functionality.

Here’s a short video for a better understanding of the barn door installation:

What is the price for a Barn Door?

The cost of a barn door varies based on material, size, and finish. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Hardware Costs: High-quality tracks, rollers, and handles can cost an additional $100–$300.
• Customization: Personalized designs or unique finishes can add $200–$500 to the overall cost.
• Installation: Labor costs can further put you back at $150–$400.

Conclusion

Barn doors are becoming the contemporary option for bathrooms, providing a chic style and a space-saving alternative that will give your home interior a boost. Addressing privacy concerns with wider slabs or blocking strips can also be practical for bathrooms. Overall, barn doors are an easy-to-install, chic addition to any home.

If you’re looking to install barn doors for bathrooms, contact Mannlee today for premium door manufacturing services and personalized advice from expert advisors.