You don’t have to have been “raised in a barn” to appreciate the aesthetics of a barn door. Once reserved as the main entryway to a barn, these doors are now a way to add rustic charm to a modern home’s interior. These paneled doors attach to a metal track mounted above the door, which is usually made of solid wood with a set of wheels instead of hinges. The door slides back and forth on the track to open and close. Not only do barn doors add rustic charm, but they also save space in entryways or closets that don’t have the clearance needed for swinging doors.
Although barn doors often are associated with wood panels, they also are made with glass panes, mirrors, and even sheets of steel. This guide not only examines the features that are important to consider when shopping for the best barn door but also reviews some of the top models on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: WELLHOME Paneled Wood Painted K-Series Barn Door
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: BELLEZE 36 Inch DIY Sliding Interior Barn Door
- BEST RUSTIC: Lubann Paneled Wood Unfinished Barn Door
- BEST GLASS: JUBEST DIY Glass Sliding Barn Door
- BEST UNFINISHED: ReliaBilt Pine Z-frame Solid Core Barn Door
- BEST MODERN: Renin Pavilion 5-Lite Glass Barn Door
- BEST INDUSTRIAL: Artisan Hardware Industrial Panel Barn Door
- BEST MIRROR: Rustica Ponder Mirror Barn Door
- BEST DOUBLE BARN DOOR: WELLHOME K Series Carbon Gray Knotty Pine Barn Door
- BEST FOR WIDE ENTRYWAYS: Barndoorz Paneled Wood Finish BarnWood Barn Door
What to Consider When Buying the Best Barn Doors
When shopping for the right interior barn door, consider a number of important factors, including size, design, and installation. Ahead, learn more about these and other crucial characteristics of these stylish interior doors.
Sliding vs. Classic Door
A sliding barn door differs from a classic door in the way it opens. A traditional door uses hinges to open inward or outward, but a barn door consists of a door with two metal wheels mounted to the top of it. The doors sit on a track that runs across the top and to one side of the door. The door opens by sliding along the track from left to right or right to left (or both, in the case of a double door). Sliding barn doors add a distinctive rustic look to a room, and they’re ideal choices for rooms in which clearance for a swinging door is an issue.
Size
Size can vary dramatically in barn doors. While most barn doors are around 84 inches high, the width can range from narrow models that measure just 24 inches wide to oversize doors that span 48 inches.
A barn door should be a little larger than the opening of the door frame. To determine the proper size, measure the width of the inside of the door opening, then add 2 to 4 inches to that dimension to ensure no small gaps remain around the door. Since interior door opening widths can vary from 24 to 36 inches or more, it’s important to know the size of the door opening before purchasing a barn door.
In addition to the proper width, a barn door also requires enough clearance adjacent to the opening to allow the door to slide open. Measure the width of the wall to the side of the opening to ensure the door has enough room to slide open completely.
Material and Design
Most barn doors, like those on actual barns, are made from wood. Pine is the most common type of wood used for barn doors, followed by alder. Both types of wood have attractive grain patterns and light colors that make them ideal for staining or painting. Alder and pine are also lighter than species like oak or maple that are too heavy to function as a sliding door. Barn doors can also be made out of glass, glass mirror, aluminum, and even steel.
Although most people’s idea of a barn door is the rustic Z-frame paneled door, quite a few design options exist. Sophisticated French-style barn doors have paned windows and metal frames, while modern barn doors feature frosted glass and sleek lines. Industrial models consist of sheets of steel.
Finish
Barn doors come in a variety of different colors and finishes to suit different styles, which range from painted white to brown and gray stains. Unfinished barn doors are available that allow the user to paint or stain them to their preference.
Installation
Most barn doors include detailed instructions for installation, which typically requires basic tools such as a screwdriver, a cordless drill, and a hammer. Heavier doors may require the installation of a header for added support.
A barn door may come as a stand-alone piece that includes only the door or as a complete kit with roller wheels and track. If purchasing the door and hardware separately, check for compatibility to make sure the door works with the wheels and track.
Our Top Picks
This list takes into account all these considerations to include a variety of different styles and sizes of barn doors. This assortment of durable, well-rated barn doors features traditional rustic models as well as modern options with glass windows and mirrors.
Photo: wayfair.com
This sliding door, which adds the classic rustic look of a barn door, comes with everything needed to complete a full installation. Thanks to its four finish options, including dark walnut, dark gray, light gray, and red walnut, the door suits a variety of interior decor.
At 36 inches wide and 85 inches high, the K-series barn door suits most standard interior entryways. It’s built with ¾-inch-thick lumber, giving it a sturdy feel while remaining light enough at 75 pounds to slide back and forth easily on the 79-inch track. It also includes roller wheels, sliding door hardware, plus all the screws needed to complete installation, eliminating the need to purchase extra parts.
Product Specs
- Material: Wood
- Size: 36 inches wide by 85 inches high
- Hardware included: Yes
Pros
- Includes all hardware necessary for installation
- Solid wood construction
- Four finish options
Cons
Photo: amazon.com
For those who aren’t scared off by completing some assembly, this model from BELLEZE is one of the more affordable barn doors on the market. It features solid knotty pine construction with a classic barn wood-paneled look.
The door comes predrilled and mitered, and finishing the job requires just a hammer and screwdriver. It’s available in four finishes—espresso, gray, brown, and unfinished––making it suitable for a variety of color schemes. Its two width options (36 inches and 42 inches) make it a good option for both standard width and oversized entryways. However, the BELLEZE barn door doesn’t come with the sliding track or mounting hardware; they must be purchased separately.
Product Specs
- Material: Knotty pine
- Size: 36 inches or 42 wide by 84 inches high
- Hardware included: No
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Available in unfinished wood
- Sturdy 1.5-inch-thick frame
Cons
- Requires some assembly
- Hardware not included
Photo: wayfair.com
Rows of black screwheads dotting its surface coupled with black hardware make this barn door an ideal choice for those looking to build on the rustic farmhouse look of their home. This barn door’s alder construction showcases wood-grain patterns that enhance both dark and light stains. And since it’s unfinished, stain or paint it to suit the style of the home’s decor.
With seven width options, from 24 inches to 42 inches, this barn door can fit a variety of entryways. All hardware, including the roller wheels and roller track, along with the handle and wall-mounted floor guide, are included. Predrilled holes and included screws make assembling this barn door easier.
Product Specs
- Material: Alder
- Size: 24 to 42 inches wide by 84 inches high
- Hardware included: Yes
Pros
- Solid alder wood construction
- Hardware included
- Numerous size options
Cons
- Some assembly required
- Only available as unfinished wood
Photo: amazon.com
With its metal frame and glass panes, this modern take on the barn door creates a sound barrier between rooms while still keeping the space open and airy. Scratch-resistant transparent glass panels are set in an aluminum frame that resists rust and corrosion.
The grills dividing the window attach separately, allowing the owner to design a custom pattern for a traditional or modern look. Each door measures 36 inches wide and 84 inches high and includes the door panel only. JUBEST offers two compatible hardware kits, one with large rollers and the other with J-shaped rollers, which are sold separately.
Product Specs
- Material: Aluminum
- Size: 36 inches wide by 84 inches high
- Hardware included: No
Pros
- Explosion-proof tempered glass
- Adjustable panel dividers allow for different looks
- Sturdy aluminum frame
Cons
- Roller kit hardware sold separately
Photo: lowes.com
Unfinished wood barn doors are the perfect option for those looking to paint or stain a wood door to suit the decor of their home. This model from ReliaBilt features high-quality Monterey pine with knots and wood grains that are ideal for accentuating stains. With a Z-frame support that zigzags from corner to corner, this door offers a traditional barn look.
Metal rollers, a roller bar, and a handle are included, eliminating the need to find compatible hardware. The ReliaBilt Z-frame door comes in two width options—36 inches and 42 inches—to fit different-size entryways.
Product Specs
- Material: Monterey pine
- Size: 36 inches wide by 84 inches high
- Hardware included: Yes
Pros
- Hardware included
- Monterey pine is ideal for staining
- Easy-glide mechanism for quiet closing
- Two size options
Cons
- More expensive than other unfinished doors
Photo: wayfair.com
Five panes of frosted glass and two stylish finish options (bright white and gray) make this Renin Pavilion barn door a suitable choice for modern decor. The frosted glass creates privacy between two living spaces while still allowing light to pass through. A double-sided handle makes it easy to open and close from inside or outside the room.
This door comes with everything needed for installation, including roller wheels, a roller bar, and an invisible floor guide. Installing the Renin is easy thanks to its predrilled mounting holes for the roller wheels.
Product Specs
- Material: Manufactured wood
- Size: 36 inches wide by 84 inches high
- Hardware included: Yes
Pros
- Frosted glass panes create privacy while still allowing light
- Hardware and handle included
- Easy to install
Cons
- Heavy overall weight of 94 pounds
- Consists of manufactured wood versus solid wood
Photo: artisanhardware.com
Who says barn doors need to be made of wood? For those who prefer a more modern, industrial look, this Artisan Hardware barn door eschews wood and glass for raw steel that covers the door’s exterior, while durable wood makes up the edges and core. Natural dings and color variations in the metal add to the aesthetic.
Each door is 1¾ inches thick and can be made to fit various heights and widths. Artisan Hardware sells the door with or without hardware, handle, locks, or a support header. Keep in mind that though this door has a protective coating on it, it can eventually corrode and rust if exposed to moisture or high humidity.
Product Specs
- Material: Steel sheet with a wood core
- Size: Custom sizing
- Hardware included: Optional
Pros
- Lightweight design features steel facing with wood core
- Options include hardware, locks, and handles
- Custom sizing available
Cons
- More expensive than other barn doors
- Can eventually corrode in high humidity
Photo: rustica.com
With a glass mirror that encompasses one entire side, this door brightens a room by reflecting natural light while also making the room look bigger. One side consists entirely of a mirror, while the other has a knotty alder or MDF back panel. The frame is available in a variety of finishes, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
As with other Rustica barn doors, this door is customizable. It can be paired with various styles of Rustica roller wheels and track systems as well as different types of handles. Shoppers can choose from a variety of wood backings for the door’s opposite side.
Product Specs
- Material: Mirror glass and wood backing
- Size: Custom sizing
- Hardware included: Optional
Pros
- Variety of compatible hardware available
- Customizable backing and handle
- Three frame finish options
Cons
Photo: homedepot.com
Those with wider entryways that require a pair of barn doors may want to consider this stylish set of double doors from WELLHOME. The doors feature a panel design with Z-frame supports that match well together when the doors are closed. With its nine finish options, this set of knotty pine doors can suit a variety of interior designs.
Each door measures 36 inches wide and 84 inches tall, allowing a pair to cover an opening up to 68 inches wide. The doors come with roller wheels and a single bar that holds both doors, along with all the necessary screws for installation.
Product Specs
- Material: Knotty pine
- Size: 36 inches wide and 84 inches tall (each door)
- Hardware included: Yes
Pros
- Rollers and roller bar included
- Numerous finish options
- All hardware for installation included
Cons
Photo: wayfair.com
With its extra-wide size, this barn door is ideal for wide entryways between dining rooms and living areas or hallways. The doors are available in sizes as large as 48 inches wide and 96 inches high, and Barndoorz ensures the long spans required by the wider dimensions won’t cause warping. The doors are well constructed with ¾-inch thick planks and 1-inch thick cross rails.
The door, which is made of Western red knotty alder, comes in two finishes—coal gray and ranch brown. All hardware, including the roller wheels, sliding rod, and handles, are sold separately.
Product Specs
- Material: Western red knotty alder
- Size: 48 inches wide and 96 inches tall
- Hardware included: No
Pros
- Comes in large sizes for larger openings
- Multiple finish options
- Thick knotty alder construction
Cons
- Expensive
- No hardware included
Our Verdict
The WELLHOME Paneled Wood Painted K-Series Barn Door has a classic barn door look and comes with a full set of hardware, making it one of the best all-around options for adding rustic charm to interior doorways. Those in search of a more modern look may want to consider the Renin Pavilion 5-Lite Glass Barn Door with its metal frame and glass panes.
How We Chose the Best Barn Doors
We considered a variety of criteria while examining more than 30 barn doors for this list. Durability was crucial, so we selected only those doors with solid wood or metal construction to ensure they could withstand daily use. We also understand that ability levels can vary regarding assembly and installation, so we chose doors that were ready to hang out of the box and unfinished models that can be tailored to meet specific designs.
We also included a mix of different styles to suit preferences, ranging from the classic rustic barn door to modern models with metal frames, glass panes, and mirrors. Size is critical with barn doors, so we leaned toward models that offer multiple size options to suit entryways of varying sizes. For doors that require assembly, we stuck with models that require minimal tools and time.
FAQs
If you’re wondering if you can install a barn door or whether you can lock a barn door, keep reading for answers to these and other commonly asked questions about these alternatives to the standard hinged door.
Q. Can I install barn doors on my own?
Yes. In fact, most barn door manufacturers send detailed instructions explaining how to install the door. If you’re feeling unsure about installing the door, make sure to purchase a door that includes all the necessary hardware, so you don’t have to deal with compatibility issues.
Q. How long do barn doors last?
Because the best barn doors consist of solid wood with durable steel rollers and rolling tracks, they can last as long as the house.
Q. Do I have to remove trim when installing a barn door?
For most barn doors, you don’t have to remove the trim. However, if you’re trading out an existing hinged door for a barn door, you will have to fill the holes left in the trim by the old door.
Q. Can I customize my barn doors?
Yes. Many barn doors come unfinished, allowing you to paint or stain them to your preference. You can also choose a barn door that doesn’t come with hardware, allowing you to choose the style of hardware and handles you prefer.
Q. Can I lock barn doors?
Yes. Interior barn doors can be locked using a sliding barn door lock. You can also use hook- and-eye locks or teardrop locks to secure a barn door. Some barn doors are sold with these locks, or you can purchase them separately.
