The Best Barn Door Hardware Kits of 2021
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Best Barn Door Hardware Kit
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Barn doors are on the rise, and for a good reason. The kits make them relatively easy to install and provide an interesting design element compared with a standard door. I personally have two in my own home. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best barn door hardware kits currently available.
UPDATED: November 10, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Industrial By Design Kit because it features a durable 1/4" powder-coated steel rail, nylon wheels for smooth opening, and is available in both single and double door configurations.
What is a Barn Door?
Similar to a pocket door, this type of door is mounted from above and slides on a track along the wall. Often, the doors are painted or stained to mimic actual barn doors, providing a rustic touch that works well in all kinds of modern homes.
Because the door slides away instead of swinging open, it’s perfect for compact spaces like hallways and studio apartments. They’re less costly and complex to install than pocket doors, which require installing the hardware inside the wall. Yet they have the same space-saving effect.
However, your barn door is only as good as the hardware you use to install it. If you cut corners and use cheap hardware, you’ll pay the price over time as the gears become squeaky and the door becomes difficult to open. High-quality barn door hardware should operate smoothly even with regular, everyday use.
Why Use A Kit?
Barn door kits are a dream come true for makers and DIY-ers, because they include all the components you need to set up your door. Except for the door, of course: you’ll have to purchase that separately.
When looking for the right barn door hardware kit, you’ll need to pay attention to the door thickness, door opening width, and weight capacity. I also recommend taking some time to read or watch an installation video before you choose the product. Read on to learn more about barn doors, how to install them, and my reviews of the best hardware kits.
Is a Sliding Barn Door Right for Me?
Sliding barn doors have a ton of benefits, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re redecorating a vacation house or a country home, and you’re aiming for farmhouse-style decor, sliding barn doors are an excellent way to tie everything together. They also work in modern interiors given the right door and hardware setup. They are highly versatile and can be painted or stained to fit a variety of interior design styles.
Another benefit is the fact that sliding doors are easy to open and close, especially if you use light materials for the door. This makes them attractive for people who need a more accessible option.
One challenge to sliding barn doors is the fact that they can be more difficult to lock. They also may let more sound through than conventional doors. If you’re installing the door on a bathroom or private office, it’s important that you consider how you will lock the door, with a sliding latch or another solution. You’ll also want to make sure that the door won’t block any electrical outlets or run into shelves when it is open.
Another concern is noise isolation since there will be a gap between the wall and the door when it is fully closed. If you need maximum privacy and sound separation you may want to go with a standard door installation.
How to Install a Barn Door
Sliding barn doors are fairly simple to install, whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a contractor. The only thing that may complicate the process is if you have an irregular-sized door opening because then you’ll have to use a saw to cut the metal down to size.
One quick tip. No matter which kit you choose, you’ll notice that the rail contains pre-drilled holes in order to speed up the installation process. But the holes may not line up with where the studs are located in your wall. If that’s the case, don’t worry. There’s a simple fix. Simply install a header board into your studs, then attach the rail to that board. Done!
Here are the tools you’ll need to install your barn door:
Socket Set
Level or Laser Level
Router (if you want a beveled mounting board)
Reciprocating Saw with a metal cutting blade or Chop Saw (if custom metal track length is required)
Now, here are the installation steps:
Attach the mounting board to the top of the door opening. This should ideally be fixed to the wall studs as it will be used to bolt on the steel track supporting the door.
Cut the metal track (if custom track length is required). As a general rule, the track should be at least twice as long as the door is wide.
Drill holes in the track (if it is not pre-drilled or you require additional bolts).
Install the track above the door opening. Spacers will be required to allow the rollers to move along the track.
Attach hanger rollers to the door and hang the door off of the track. Follow the instructions from the specific supplier as the directions will depend on the type of hardware provided.
For a more detailed overview of the installation process, check out: How to Hang an Interior Barn Door Track System.
Also, you can check out this quick video of the process:
Your Guide to the Best Barn Door Hardware Kits
Below, I’ve gathered my top picks for barn door hardware kits. Each of the following kits contains everything you need to install your sliding barn door, combining cutting-edge craftsmanship with innovation to provide reliable materials and hardware.
These kits do not come with doors. Barn doors must be purchased separately.
Best Overall: The Industrial by Design Barn Door Hardware Kit
Industrial by Design is a small, customer-centric company that was founded by a guy named Wes. They specialize in barn door hardware and hairpin legs, creating all-inclusive kits that make your life easier. For hardware with incredible, out-of-this world durability, you don’t have to look further than their 8-foot Barn Door Hardware Kit.
The black powder-coated railing in this kit is made from solid, ¼”-thick steel. The gears comfortably support up to 225 pounds, so this is a good choice if you’re using heavier materials for your door. The kit includes a T-shaped floor guide with anchors to keep the door on track and protect your walls and baseboards from getting dinged.
Another huge benefit to this kit is the customer service from the brand. Their customer service team is US-based, and every person you talk to has actually installed this kit on their own. They’re friendly and super responsive, and they’re right on hand to answer any questions you have about shipping, installation, set up, or maintenance.
Plus, they’ve even made a simple installation video so you can see exactly what’s required to install your door:
Features at a glance:
Fits doors from 1¼- 1¾ inches thick
Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee
Customer service team is based in the US
Kit includes two 8-foot rails with pre-drilled holes, lag bolts, washers, rail spaces, hangers with nylon wheels, door stoppers, and a T-shaped floor guide
Best Value: The Heavy Duty SMARTSTANDARD Barn Door Hardware Kit
SMARTSTANDARD is a company that specializes in barn door kits. You won’t find a better value on the market than their Heavy Duty Sliding Barn Door Kit. At an affordable price, you get high-quality metal, smooth bearings, and an excellent, sleek black powder-coat.
The gears support up to 220 pounds. The kit itself comes with a floor guide, door stoppers, and anti-jumpers to prevent your door from doing any damage to the surrounding walls.
Another benefit: SMARTSTANDARD sells a pre-drilled, sliding wood barn door and a heavy-duty rustic handle set. Both are sold separately but are compatible with this hardware kit. If you don’t already have a door picked out, this is a great way to save time and get all your materials from one place.
Features at a glance:
Fits doors from 1⅜ - 1¾ inches thick
Fits door openings between 36-40 inches wide
Simple installation experience
Kit comes in 5, 6, 6.6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 12-foot length options
Must-have accessories:
Don't forget the door and handle.
Most Durable: The TMS Stainless Steel Barn Door Hardware Kit
Made from 304 stainless steel, this hardware by TMS is sturdy and high-quality, and it will keep your door gliding gracefully for years. The gears support up to 150 pounds, which is slightly less than other kits but still plenty for most standard doors.
The kit comes with a rail, wall hangers, rollers, door stops, a floor guide, a door handle, and hex tools and screws for installation. All components are finished with a beautiful, lustrous satin finish.
The only downside to this kit is the fact that the instruction manual is a bit sparse. If you have any experience with building, DIY, or construction, you won’t have a problem. If you’re a first-time, you may have to look up an instructional video on Google. But the pictures included with the product are easy to follow, and the kit installs in minutes.
Features at a glance:
Industrial-strength hardware
Excellent for rental properties
Fits doors that are 1⅜ inches (35 millimeters) thick
Fits door openings up to 40 inches wide
Best Installation: The SMARTSTANDARD J-Shape Barn Door Kit
Another affordable option from SMARTSTANDARD, this J-shape hardware kit is 8-feet long and built from sleek black standard steel. Like their Heavy Duty Kit, the J-Shape kit supports up to 220 pounds of materials.
The hardware is heavy-duty and incredibly easy to install. Pre-drilled holes make it simple to attach the rail to your wall studs or a header. The holes are built for 16-inch studs, but you can attach the rail to a header board if the holes don’t line up with your wall studs.
Features at a glance:
Excellent choice if you want a simple installation experience
Kit comes with a rail, rail spacers, rollers, door stops, end caps floor guide, and a hex key
Kit is also available with a 5, 6, 6.6, 10, and 12-foot rail
Fits door between 1⅜-1¾ inches thick
Fits door openings between 42-48 inches wide
Best Roller: The U-MAX Barn Door Hardware Kit
Simple, straightforward, and easy to install, this barn door kit by U-MAX is every DIY homeowner’s dream. The nylon wheels glide silently along for a smooth opening and closing experience. The hardware can hold up to 200 pounds, so it’s perfect for doors of all sizes.
The 6.6 foot rail comes with pre-drilled holes for easy attachment to your wall studs or a header board.
Features at a glance:
Great for homeowners who are worried about noise
Fits doors from 36-40 inches wide
Fits doors from 1⅜-1¾ inches thick
Kit includes a rail, rail spacers, lag bolts, hangers, door stoppers, floor guide, anti-jump disks
Best for Outdoors: The Homlux Sturdy Barn Door Hardware Kit
This industrial-strength kit by Homlux comes with waterproof, rust-resistant components, making it perfect for indoor and outdoor use. It’s priced affordably, but you won’t sacrifice strength or durability. It also comes with multiple screws, so you can install your sliding barn door in either cement or wooden surfaces.
The gears will hold up to 350 pounds of weight, which is quite a bit more than most kits on the market. With anti-jump disks and a sturdy floor guide, the hardware will keep your door firmly on track. If you’re working with a heavy door or installing on a patio or four season room, this is an ideal choice.
Features at a glance:
Waterproof components for indoor/outdoor use
Compatible with cement and wood
One of the only options for heavy doors over 220 pounds
Fits doors from 1⅜-1¾ inches thick
Rail comes in lengths from 5-13 feet
Best Rustic Design: The Genius Iron Barn Door Hardware
This simple, elegant hardware will support your sliding door wonderfully. The railing sports a chic, black powder coat, which looks great against a rustic door. The rail itself comes in two 3.3-foot pieces. This gives it an extra bit of strength, and it also makes it easier to install.
The J-shape rollers are constructed with well-crafted nylon wheels, so they won’t make a noise when you open or close them. The hardware supports up to 220 pounds, and the kit comes with extra bolts to fit concrete walls.
Features at a glance:
Fits doors between 1⅜-1¾ inches thick
Has a weight capacity of 220 pounds
Kits includes 6.6 feet of rail with pre-drilled holes, J-shaped rollers, anti-jump pad, door stop, rail support, and floor guide
Best Wheel Roller: The WinSoon Flat Track Barn Door Kit
WinSoon Sliding Hardware is a company that specializes in interior sliding barn doors and hardware. Their flat track kit is built to exceptional, industrial-grade standards. It contains an 8-foot rail and high-quality thermoplastic wheels that slide quietly along for a silent experience.
These nylon wheels come with lubricated bearings that will last the lifetime of the door. This is ideal for bedrooms or closets, where silence is a priority. The kit is also a great choice in short-term rentals, where doors might be exposed to a lot of wear-and-tear.
The exposed wheels at the top of the door add that extra industrial chic look. If you want to maximize the aesthetic of your home or apartment, this is a great choice. The hardware is built to support up to 230 pounds, and it’s made from corrosion-resistant steel. WinSoon also offers two styles of door handles to match their hardware.
Features at a glance:
Comes with a 5-year warranty
Supports up to 230 pounds
Fits doors from 1⅜ - 1¾ inches, although custom options are available for irregular door thicknesses
Fits door openings up to 48 inches
Kit is available with a variety of railing lengths, from 5-18 feet
Kit includes sliding tracks, wall hangers with rollers, a floor guide, anti-jump disks, bolts and spacers
I hope this list of the best barn door hardware kits was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
