One of the most persistent myths about barn doors is that they only come in one style, and are only built one way. We’re talking about the farmhouse style barn doors you’ve seen on every HGTV show since roughly 2015. But a barn door is any door that slides on exposed hardware–so it can be any design you want. Whether rustic, modern, minimalist, or totally unique. You have more design options than you think when it comes to barn doors. 

A primary way that barn doors differ is in how they are built. There are three basic methods for building a barn door, and we use all of them at RealCraft. 

So here’s your guide to the primary ways that barn doors are built, plus some design inspiration for each type.  

Plank style barn doors

This is probably what comes to mind when you initially imagine a “barn door” in your head. This door type is composed of horizontal rails at the top and bottom of the door slab, as well as potentially in the middle (called a mid-brace). Vertical planks form the primary surface of the door. 

Diagonal braces, such as X or Z braces, add more of a rustic look. (They used to be necessary for structural integrity, but for interior barn doors, diagonal braces are just there for decoration). 

This style of barn door is the only one that can be built DIY--the others are too complex for that. So if you're looking for a fun weekend project, this is the type we recommend. Our DIY barn door kits come with everything you need. 

Farmhouse barn doors

Rancher Vertical Plank

The simplest take on a farmhouse barn door, the Rancher Vertical Plank features just a top and bottom rail and vertical planks–perfect if your style leans more minimal. 

Rancher British Brace

Looking for less “home on the range” and more “English countryside”? This door has a Union-Jack style brace for a nod to our friends across the pond. 

Rancher Mid Bar

The Mid Bar Barn Door is a versatile take on this design style, with a mid brace breaking up the design. 

On core doors

An on-core door is something of a confusing term. You might hear it and associate it with an inferior quality product–but it has more to do with how the door is assembled than what it’s made of. An on-core door is any door that has pieces glued on top of a “core” slab. We use this construction method with our Modern Chevron Diamond, Arrow, and Point designs, with real, solid wood panels. We also use a solid core, rather than a hollow core. This means that the door is heavier–but that also makes it better at sound dampening, and lends a luxurious look and feel to the door itself. Here are some of our best selling on-core designs:

Modern barn doors

Modern Arrow

The Modern Arrow Barn Door features diagonal wood planks that meet on the door’s mid-line. 

Butcher Block Panel

The Butcher Block Panel Sliding Barn Door is constructed just like our Butcher Block countertops, assembled and glued one piece at a time for a stunning mosaic effect. 

Rustic Barn Doors

Hardwood Variety

A barn door design with unparalleled texture, this design places staggered pieces in either a horizontal or vertical orientation.

Reclaimed Sliding Wood Door

Constructed similarly to the Hardwood Variety door, this door is built with genuine reclaimed wood planks. It's a rustic door with a modern edge. 

Rail and stile sliding barn doors

Rail and stile construction is a traditional method dating back centuries. This forms the bulk of our barn door collection, as its the method we specialize in across all our product categories–from carriage doors to Dutch doors to pivot doors. In this door construction style, mortise pockets are carved into the vertical stiles, while horizontal rails get a “tenon” cut in. The mortise and the tenon fit together like puzzle pieces around the panels, which form the bulk of the door surface. 

The primary advantage of building barn doors this way is longevity. Mortise and tenon style joinery lasts for decades. It also allows for the widest range of potential designs. Even though it’s a traditional construction method, you’re not limited to traditional designs–modern and completely unique designs are also achievable.  

Traditional barn doors

Craftsman T Window

The Craftsman T Window is a timeless and versatile design–customize the glass panels to control how open or private you want the door to be. 

Shaker Classic Single Panel

The Shaker Classic Single Panel is a timeless design that works in virtually any space, with any architectural style. 

Single Panel Glass

The glass variation of our Shaker Single Panel design is a must-have barn door for offices, commercial spaces, pantries, and anywhere you want more natural light. It can read as modern or traditional depending on the wood species you choose and the other architectural features of your space. 

Modern Barn Doors

Plank Screen

The plank screen barn door offers a friendly peek through tiny gaps between the panels. It's a classic interpretation of Mid Century Modern design. 

MCM Side Window

Now a best-selling entry door, the Mid Century Modern Side Window Barn Door features a narrow glass panel that makes any doorway feel sophisticated. 

Tri Window

Three square windows create drama and scale, turning your barn door into an elegant statement. 

Unique barn doors

Offset Slat

Offset glass panels create a stylish first impression. This design shows how elevated barn doors can be.  

Chalkboard panel 

With a real metal chalkboard, this door design does double duty as a canvas for your ideas, inspirations–or just your shopping list. A must-have for children’s playrooms and walk-in pantries. 

Baudelaire

This double panel French style barn door has true divided glass lights for an Old World look.