Barn doors are an attractive and practical addition to any space. They enhance the aesthetic while maximizing the space and providing privacy. Regardless of its design and structure, getting an accurate measurement will give you an advantage.
To make sure that you have picked the right size, knowing the proper measurement is best. This post will explain how to measure for a barn door step by step. Learn more about it below.
Contents
What is a barn door?
A barn door is a sliding door type inspired by the traditional barn doors used in rural spaces. This door type has a visual appeal yet is practical, making it a popular option for contemporary and modern decor. Since this is a sliding door, it has a track positioned above the door frame, allowing a sliding opening and closing.
Barn doors are versatile, as they can be made using various materials like wood, metal, or both. However, wood material is ideal, especially for farmhouses, due to how they are cheaper and can be painted. Aside from these, they also offer various benefits, such as being space-efficient, adaptable, and easy to use.
There are different types of barn doors that you can choose from, ranging from Sliding Barn Doors to Double Barn Doors to Glass Barn Doors and many more. With how aesthetically pleasing and practical they are, understanding what a barn door is will help you maximize its functionality in the space.
How to Measure a Barn Door Properly?
1. Measure the Width
The first step is to measure the width of the entryway. Start by measuring the width of the doorway from one edge to another using a tape measure. If your door has casing or molding frames, you must measure the space outside the edge of the casing or frame. The barn door you will choose should also be larger than the door frame.
If your door doesn’t have a trim, you should measure the inside of the door frame from left to right. If your door does have a trim, you should measure the door frame from one edge of the trim to another.
Additionally, to ensure that your door fits perfectly in the doorway, you must add a 2 to 4-inch allowance. These inches will ensure that the barn door will close with privacy without any gaps.
2. Measure the Height
The next step is to measure the height of the entryway. Start by measuring the left side of the opening from the top to the bottom. Do this step the same on the right side of the opening. If the doorway has moldings or frames, you must measure from the outside to the inside edge.
You must also start the measurement from the header (top) to the floor length (bottom). This is important, especially with doors with molding and frames. To get an accurate measurement, you should add a ½ or 1-inch allowance above the floor from your calculation.
3. Calculate the Track Length
You should also measure the track length, which refers to the horizontal trail or track positioned above the entryway to allow the door to glide back and forth. This is a fundamental aspect of the door to function effectively. So start by measuring the width of the barn door and multiply by two.
This measurement should be your minimum measurement for a single sliding barn door. You can also make your track length longer for aesthetic purposes. However, the longer track length is more suitable for a double sliding barn door.
4. Ceiling Clearance
When measuring your doorway, you should also include the ceiling. By doing this, you can ensure that the barn dorm hardware is installed correctly. So you need to add at least 2 to 6 inches of clearance. This allowance should be added, especially for standard sizes or 84” high barn doors.
5. Wall and Floor Clearance
When measuring the wall and floor clearance, choose a wall where the door will move against and in which direction. So you need to measure the distance across the wall and floor surface starting from the inside of your door frame. The wall distance it will take should have a 2 to 4-inch allowance. You also need to ensure that, when measuring the space, there are no light fixtures, outlets, or artwork so that the door will open and close smoothly.
If above information is not easy to learn, you can also check below video guide to learn how to measure for a barn door:
Conclusion
Transforming your space with a barn door has never been easier, especially if you have to measure them yourself. Achieving the right measurement is tricky. However, following this measurement guide will keep you on the right track.
At Mannlee, we have a top-notch barn door selection ideal for your space. Check out our full range of collections and let us know what you love.
