Can You Hang A Barn Door From The Ceiling? (Find Out Now!)
Barn doors aren’t just for the barn anymore. With the rise of HGTV and Joanna Gaines fans, barn doors have become an indoor trend. Barn doors can add an accent piece to your home and also add another layer of privacy. If you are looking to install a barn door, you may be wondering, “Can I hang a barn door from the ceiling?” We have the answer!
Yes, it is possible to hang your barn door from the ceiling. In homes where you don’t have space for headers or doorways where you have arches instead of a door jamb, you may have no other choice! If you are mounting your barn door using a ceiling mount you will be using ceiling studs instead of wall studs.
Hanging a barn door from the ceiling may not be as common as a wall mount, however, it should be just as sturdy. We’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to hang a barn door from the ceiling.
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How to Hang a Barn Door from the Ceiling Step-by-Step
While hanging a barn door from the ceiling is similar to hanging it using a header, you will notice a few differences. You will need to use a different track and hardware kit specifically designed for ceiling mounts. At the same time, you will still need to find studs to make sure your door is hung securely.
Each barn door mounting kit has specific directions you should follow. Here we’ll walk you through the general step-by-step process of how to hang a barn door using a ceiling mount.
Measure your doorway
First off, you will want to measure your doorway so you know what size door you will need. You may need to use 2 doors, or one large barn door may cover your area. Sliding barn doors can be pretty forgiving and can extend past your opening without looking off. However, you don’t want to end up with doors that are smaller or shorter than your opening.
Choose your door
After you know the size of your opening, you can choose a door that fits the look you are wanting to create. While the barn door is currently one of the most popular choices, it is not the only choice. You can reuse an old door, go with a modern look, or even use a French door. It all depends on the style of your home and the purpose of the door.
For example, if the door will go on a home office, a glass French door could be a nice option. It can help cut down on sounds but visually expand your space. However, for a bathroom door, you may want to choose a thicker wooden door.
Choose the Right Hardware
Next, select the right hardware for the job. If you are mounting your door to a ceiling, you will want to choose the appropriate kit that specifically states it is for a ceiling mount. You will notice this kit has a flat ceiling mount and track. You can match your hardware to the color and style of the hardware on your door.
Mount the Ceiling Track
Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your ceiling. Drill your track into your ceiling studs. Make sure to use only the hardware provided in your kit and follow the included directions to prevent accidents.
Attach Hardware to Your Door
You will want to make sure you place your door hangers so they are spaced evenly and will line up with your track. Measure and mark where you should place your hangers on your door.
Hang Your Door
Now that your track is in place and your door sliders are in place, it is time to hang your door. You will probably need a friend to help you lift your door onto the track.
Drill in Door Stoppers
Once you have your door on your track you are almost done (but not quite!) You will need to drill in door stoppers to keep your door from sliding off its track. This adds an important safety measure that you won’t want to forget. Otherwise, your track can slide off its track, creating a hazard to others and possibly damaging your door and ceiling, as well.
Install Floor Track
Now that your door is hung, you can add a floor track. This is one more safety measure that keeps your door in its place. Especially if you have small children, adding a floor track can put your mind at ease.
Why Choose a Sliding Barn Door?
Besides being the latest HGTV fad, a sliding barn door can be useful in tight spaces. While many older homes included sliding doors that fit inside the door frame, a barn door is the modern alternative. Here are some reasons a barn door can be a good addition to your home:
- Space-saving: When you don’t have space to open a door wide, a door that fits against your wall can be a space saver.
- Privacy: These sliding doors are useful for adding privacy to wide doorways or blocking smells and smoke from open kitchens.
- Accident prevention: You also don’t have to worry about accidentally opening the doors into someone in heavily-trafficked areas.
On the downside, you will need to leave a wall clear from photos and furniture so your door has room to open.
If you decide a barn door is right for your space, but you don’t have enough headroom above your door to hang a door using a header, a ceiling-mounted barn door can be a good option.
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Related Questions
Can you lock a sliding barn door?
Yes, while most barn doors will not include a lock in the hardware kit, you can add a lock to a sliding door. If you are looking for privacy in a bathroom or bedroom, you can choose locks that go only on the inside of the door. For family or public areas, you can place locks that can be opened from either side.
How much bigger should a barn door be than the doorway?
You will want your door to be 2 to 3 inches wider than your doorway and at least 1 inch higher than the opening. If you have a little more overlap, this should not be a problem. However, you won’t want your door to be too short or slim for your doorway as this will defeat the purpose of adding a door.
How can I make my barn door more soundproof?
You can add weather-stripping to the gaps around the barn door and also to the bottom of the door. This can give you an extra layer of privacy and can help you to better block out noises. For the best look, you can choose weather-stripping that is similar in color to your door.
Alex Praytor is a native Texan who got her degree in English Literature and decided to travel the globe. She finds the architecture and design of homes across cultures fascinating. In her spare time, she visits coffee shops with her family and creates projects for their own home. Alex enjoys sharing tips on how to keep repairs up to date while turning a house into a home.
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