Do you like the look of glass-paneled french country doors, but don’t have the doorway clearance required? You may want to install french style barn doors that run along a track. They don’t need as much space, yet they have the same stylish appeal…
Barn Track Doors Don’t Require Lots of Floor Space:
Traditional french doors can require more room because they swing open. On the other hand, french doors on a barn track don’t need that extra clearance since they slide along the wall.
Therefore, if you want to conserve space, you may consider converting an interior doorway into one that uses sliding panels. However, you want to keep 2 factors in mind:
- The walls surrounding the doorway must be wide enough to accommodate the track.
- Barn doors need to be wide than the doorway itself. Therefore, you can’t simply convert your existing french doors to sliding barn doors for the same doorway. They won’t be wide enough.
How to Install French Style Sliding Barn Doors:
These french barn doors, (2) 36″ x 84″ slabs, come primed and ready to paint. Therefore, you get to choose whether your double doors have a light or dark tone, or a matte or gloss finish.
Idea: Make the french country style panels blend in with the underlying walls. Or, turn your doorway into a modern contemporary focal point with a bold or contrasting color.
Hanging french barn doors is a fairly straightforward process. In fact, this job is easier than installing a standard swing-open door, not to mention traditional french doors.
The 5-minute installation video below explains how to install barn doors yourself. It takes a lot of the guesswork out, making this DIY project much less intimidating.
In addition to the 2 french door panels, this barn door kit includes all necessary hardware for installation. Therefore, you don’t have to go out and purchase more pieces in order to hang your doors. In fact, the package even comes with a floor guide to prevent doors from swinging.
That said, you’ll need to select barn door handles. Sliding door pulls are easy to find and fairly inexpensive. Handles also give you an easy way to customize your doors, and you can match the color of other door knobs in your home.
Clear Glass or Frosted Glass Panes?
The glass panes within the door are clear. However, if you want opaque glass, you can simply apply frosted glass privacy film.
This “static cling” material is easy to apply (peel-and-stick), as well as remove. Just cut the film to size and remove the backing. Let the light shine through while still maintaining privacy.
By using frosted glass film, you also have the option to leave the upper panes clear if you want. This can allow more light in a bathroom while allowing privacy at the same time.
Note: Plus, opaque glass doors can hide clutter in a kitchen pantry, hallway closet. And for only about $20-40, you can transform your entire set of doors with minimal effort.
Specs for the French Style Barn Doors Kit:
- Dimensions: 84″ Tall x 72″ Wide x 1.375″ Thick
- Weight: 140 lbs
- Material: Composite, Solid MDF Core, Glass
- Door Color: White
- Glass Panes: Clear, Tempered
- Use: Interior
- Track Length: 157″ Long
- Track Hardware Color: Matte Black
- Door Handles Not Included
- Assembly Required (Installation Guide)
- Model #: 72 in. x 84 in. 15 Lite
- Manufacturer: MMI Door
- Phone: (800) 686-9218
- For Sale: Where to Buy French Barn Doors
The Cost Savings of Sliding French Doors:
Typically, installing french doors can get expensive. However, barn-style doors offer a simpler installation. Therefore, many homeowners take on this DIY project themselves.
You can save hundreds of dollars by not having to hire help. Plus, with paint color, door handles and frosted panes, you can truly customize your hallway, bedroom and bathroom doors. In the end, you can achieve an upscale sophisticated look without the high cost.
Note: Not enough wall space for doors to slide open? Check out barn-style bifold doors. They come in a variety of styles. Plus, you can use them for closets or in doorways.
