How to Measure for a Barn Door Inside Your Home

“How to measure for a barn door” is an important question to ensure the best fit when installing an interior barn door. Getting the measurement right isn't only a question of measuring the door itself but also the adjacent wall and the space above the door.

The perfect length and width for your barn door will come down to the dimensions of your doorway. Getting your measurements right the first time is the best way to ensure that your door looks great and serves its purpose.

Three Easy Steps to Measure for a Sliding Barn Door

Modern sliding barn doors are a unique option for a bedroom, home office, pantry, closet, or anywhere you wish to inject a touch of rustic charm. Regardless of where you put your sliding barn door, accurately measuring all the relevant dimensions is crucial for its aesthetics and functionality. When working out which barn door size works for you, measure the space above and adjacent to your door opening.

1. Assess the Space Above the Door Frame

Firstly, consider if a barn door is suitable for your door opening. Check the space above the door opening (the header) and make sure it can support the weight of your barn door. It must be able to support the barn door hardware and the door slab. Ensure there's enough room between the top of the opening and the ceiling to accommodate the track; allow for at least six inches of clearance to be safe.

2. Check the Wall Space Adjacent to the Door Opening

Assess the wall space next to the door opening where your barn door will slide open. There must be enough space to open the door fully. If you're thinking of installing double sliding barn doors, there must be enough space on both sides of the door opening. Ensure fixtures like light switches, electrical outlets, or heat registers won't interfere with the smooth operation of your barn door.

3. Allow Space at the Base of the Door

A barn door must sit around half an inch off the floor to ensure it slides seamlessly. If the door touches the floor, it will stick when opened and closed. This can damage the floor or the door and impact its functionality.

Top Tip: Choose Magic Doors If You Don't Have Space Above Your Door

If you're looking for a barn door but have low ceilings, a magic door could be the perfect solution. Magic doors—or concealed barn doors—run on a concealed metal track fixed onto the back side of the door slab. This creates the illusion that the door slab is holding itself up, almost as if it's floating.

Magic doors are a creative door idea that has become popular in minimalist home design as the door slab itself becomes the star of the show. Indeed, many homeowners love the sleek, clean lines magic doors offer. Their lack of visible hardware also means magic doors create an uncluttered look. Magic doors are beautiful and contemporary alternatives to regular barn doors and a perfect option for homes of all shapes and sizes.

Key Measurements for Barn Door Installation

The length and width of your barn door are the key measurements you’ll need to note down:

How Big Should My Barn Door Be?

When measuring barn doors, remember that the door must be slightly larger than the opening. If you purchase a barn door that's the same size as the opening, light and sound will come through around the edges of the door. It will also accentuate any irregularities in the door opening when the door is closed.

Benefits of More Door Overlap

To ensure privacy in your bedroom, purchase a barn door that overlaps the opening. Leave one to two inches of overlap on each side. The more overlap you have, the less light and sound will penetrate into rooms when the door is closed. This is especially important in the bedroom as studies show that it’s best to sleep in as much darkness as possible to reduce disruptions to sleep.

Measuring Your Barn Door Width

To determine how wide your barn door should be, measure straight across the door opening from one side to the other. If you have molding, start measuring from the outside edges. Add at least two inches to the width of the door opening. This will ensure you don't have gaps when your new barn door is closed.

Measuring Your Barn Door Height

To determine how tall your barn door should be, measure straight up from the floor to the very top of the door opening. Again, if you have molding, measure from the floor to its outside edge. Add one inch to your final measurement to achieve your perfect barn door height.

How Long Should My Barn Door Track Be?

Your barn door track should be at least double the width of the door slab. This ensures that you can fully open the door and maximize the space offered by the door opening. Be aware that artwork, light fixtures, or anything else fixed to the wall could impact how smoothly your barn door opens.

Ensure You Have Enough Wall Space

When you open a barn door, it will lie flush against the adjacent wall. This means you need a space at least as wide as the barn door for it to open fully and unimpeded.

Standard vs Custom-Sized Barn Doors

Our standard-size barn doors will fit perfectly into many homes, with six configurations to choose from:

30” x 80”32” x 96”32” x 80”32” x 96”36” x 80”36” x 96”

However, we understand that not all homes are standard. If you have a non-standard door opening, you may need a custom-size barn door. The following range of custom sizes is sure to meet your needs:

Width:

18”24”28”30”32”36”

Length:

80”84”92”96”

Invest Time in Measuring for Your Barn Door

Accurate measurements are the cornerstone of a successful barn door installation. Though it can be tempting to cut corners, it's worth measuring it right for aesthetic and practical reasons.

Taking the time to measure your space accurately means you'll be well-prepared to select the perfect barn door for your space. As well as guaranteeing a beautifully fitted door, measuring your space will save you from potential headaches and ensure a smooth installation process.