How to Measure for a Barn Door - An Illustrated Guide

How big should my barn door be?

Most people do not know that measuring your door frame for a barn door is different from measuring for a regular swing door. 

Because if you have a door that is the exact same size as the opening, lots of light and sound will come through the edges of the door. And if your opening is irregular, that will then be evident when the barn door is closed. (You might have irregular door openings if you live in an older home where the framing has settled over time). 

So when you're buying a sliding barn door, here's how to answer the question:how tall and wide should my barn door be? 

First Things First: Consider Privacy

Whatever the situation, it's essential that a barn door totally covers its opening for both privacy and good design. We recommend adding at least one inch's worth of overlap on each side of the opening or molding. But the more overlap you have, the less light and sound will come through the edges. This is one situation where bigger really is better.   

How to determine your barn door width

To determine how wide your door should be, measure the opening from one side to the other.

If your door has molding frames, you'll need to measure the distance between the outside edges of the molding.

Lastly, you need to add at least 2" (two inches) to your total width measurement. The extra inches will ensure that you will have privacy and no gaps when closing your sliding barn door. This equates to one inch per side of the door opening.

Barn door width measurement example

Let's take a look at another example of how to determine the width of your sliding barn door.

In this example, the opening has no molding. The distance between the edges of the door opening is 36," and we will add 2" (two inches) to that measurement (one inch for each side):36" + 2" = 38" 

In this example, the barn door should be 38" inches wide. Make sure to measure the width at both the top and the bottom of the door frame, and use the biggest measurement. 

How to determine your barn door height 

To determine the ideal height for your barn door, you will have to measure from the floor to the top of the door opening. If your opening has molding frames, measure from the floor to the outside edge of the frame. Add one inch to your final measurement to find out the ideal height of your door. 

Barn door height measurement example

In this example, the door frame has no molding. The distance from the floor to the top of the opening is 80". For the final measurement, we need to add one extra inch:80" + 1" = 81" 

In this example, your barn door should be 81" tall. Make sure to measure the height at both the right and left sides of the opening, as well as the center of the opening. Choose the largest of the three measurements, if any variance occurs. 

Note: Keep it in mind that for proper operation, your barn door should be 1/2" above the floor. Always check your sliding hardware kit installation requirements. Don't worry if the top edge of your door sits slightly higher than you expect to; it will look proportional once hardware is added. 

How long Should My Barn Door Hardware Track Be?

Now that we know how to measure for a barn door, another critical question is: how big should your barn door track be?

Your track size should be at least double the size of your door width; this will ensure that the door will completely uncover the entrance when open. The correct measurement will also provide a smooth, effective, and safe operation of the door.

Barn door hardware track measurement example

In this example, the door is 38" wide. For the door to cover the entrance when closed, we need to make sure the track is at least double the door size: 38" + 38" = 76". 

For a door that's 38" wide, we will need a 76" long track.

Note: Make sure you have enough wall space on the side of the opening for the door to open completely. 

Now you know how to shop for the perfect sized barn door. Take a look at our extensive collection of sliding barn doors and barn door hardware kits. All of our barn doors are made to order for you onsite in Washington State. We use solid, true timber and traditional joinery. And our hardware kits are also manufactured locally in Washington, with only solid steel or brass--so you're always getting real American quality. 

What other barn door questions do you have? Let us know in the comments!