Homemade Barn Door Plans

Planning the Barn Door

• Sliding doors are often used for the large alleyway doors in a barn. It has the advantage of being able to be partially closed. The door can securely be left open just a foot or two for ventilation. A swinging door left partially open is not as secure and could completely open if animals push on it.

  Sliding doors also are completely out of the way when the door is open. The door, hanging from its overhead tracks, is parallel to the barn wall. This provides a safer space to handle livestock than an area with open swinging door.

  Swinging doors are often used for smaller walk-in doors. In some cases Dutch doors may be used. A Dutch door is actually two swinging doors in one opening. The bottom part of the door latches to the door jam while the top part of the door latches to the bottom part of the door. In this design the top part of the door can be kept open for ventilation while the bottom part of the door prevents the exit of any animals in the barn.

Barn Door Design

• No matter which type of barn door is chosen, it needs to be solidly constructed. The entire weight of the sliding door will be carried by the wheeled rollers mounted in the overhead track. The framework of the door the rollers are attached to must be substantial enough to support the weight of the door in any type of weather conditions.

  Swinging doors also need to be constructed of heavy material. The weight of the swinging door puts a tremendous load on the top hinge of the door. This hinge, and all the framework it attaches to, must be solid. Swinging doors are also more prone to be caught by a wind gust and slammed shut or open, potentially damaging the door if it is not well constructed.

  Consider 2 x 6-inch lumber for the construction of the framework of any barn door. Use the heaviest possible door hardware the project budget will allow. Finish all wood with paint or a water sealant.