Also see Pocket Doors
If you desire sliding doors but do not wish, or cannot insert the doors into the wall, forming a pocket door, there is an alternative. Sliding doors, or as they are sometimes referred to as Barn Doors, are doors which are hung on a rail and slide across an entryway in a similar manner to a pocket door.
Figure 1 - Sliding or barn door
The major difference between a pocket door and a sliding door, is that the sliding door is visible on one side of the entryway. From a construction standpoint a sliding or barn door is a much easier home improvement install than a pocket door as there is no need to do any wall demolition nor should there be any concern about structural support across the open doorway.
Although the hardware that is used to install a pocket door could be used to install a sliding door, it is usual to use a different style of hardware, one that appears and is more rugged. The heavier hardware helps to keep the door from swinging on the bottom as it is opened and closed. Figures 2 shows the open box style of track usually used on a sliding or barn door, while Figure 3 shows a typical sliding or barn door roller.
Figure 2 - Typical sliding or barn door track
Figure 3 - Typical sliding or barn door rollers
Selection of barn door hardware and track
Because sliding doors are becoming more popular some manufactures have created more decorative hardware, as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, for residential applications.
Figure 4 - Contemporary sliding or barn door track and hardware
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for their specific kit. The order of installing the components can be critical.
Figure 5 - Modern sliding or barn door track and roller
Figure 6 - Various contemporary and modern sliding or barn door rollers
Because there are so many variations in the track and roller hardware that is available, it is next to impossible to provide installation instructions.
There are some key points to consider:
- Sliding doors that open across electrical receptacles, literally make that electrical receptacle unusable.
- Sliding doors that open across light switches makes the light switch inaccessible at times.
- Do not have sliding doors open in front of pictures.
- When mounting, mount brackets that hold the track to wall studs or ceiling joists.