Soundproofing 101: How to Soundproof Your Sliding Barn Door

If you’re looking to reduce the noise that travels through your sliding barn door, there are several effective and budget-friendly ways to enhance soundproofing.

How to Soundproof a Sliding Barn Door - 4 Easy Ideas that You can Do Yourself - Some in Under 30 Minutes for Between $20-30

Sliding barn doors are stylish and functional additions to any home or workspace, but they often have gaps between the door panel and the frame that allow noise to pass through, compromising privacy.

Fortunately, you can significantly decrease sound transfer and increase the privacy of your rooms without investing a lot of time or money in the process.

Note: Keep in mind that you usually can’t completely seal the door, since the panel needs to slide back and forth to open and close. However, you can use the following tips to “close the gaps” and minimize air flow and sound as much as possible.

4 Ways to Soundproof a Barn Door:

Herringbone Solid Core Barn Door for Better Soundproofing and Less Noise Pas Through than Thin or Hollow Core Doors

1. Use a Denser, Thicker Door

Choosing a thick, solid door over a thin or hollow core option is an essential step in preventing noise flow-through in sliding barn doors. The density of the material plays a crucial role in how much sound can escape.

Solid wood or solid core doors, which are made from dense materials or have a core filled with a sound-dampening substance, offer superior insulation compared to their lighter counterparts. These doors have more effective noise-cancelling properties because their mass and density disrupt the sound waves trying to pass through.

In many cases, simply replacing a thin or hollow door with a solid panel can dramatically improve the soundproofing of a space. Alternatively, if a complete replacement isn’t feasible, adding an extra layer of wood to the existing door can enhance its density and further reduce noise leakage.

This approach not only boosts the acoustic performance but also maintains the aesthetic appeal of the barn door, ensuring it continues to blend seamlessly with the interior design while enhancing privacy and tranquility.

2. Install a Wider Sliding Door

Second, I’d choose a wider door panel for extra overlap around the doorway opening. For example, if you have a 28″ wide opening, you may want to pick a 36″ wide door panel instead of 32″. Or a 48″ barn door over a 40″ wide threshold.

The extra coverage can also reduce sound pass-through. However, not all doorways have walls that provide enough space for the added width. So, measure and check before you buy.

Peel and Stick Brush Door Sweep to Help Soundproof Sliding Barn Doors

3. Add a Door Sweep

Third, you can install a door sweep on the bottom of your door. These low-cost accessories can help keep noise from passing underneath, and you don’t have to upgrade to a thicker panel.

A door sweep is a strip of rubber, vinyl or brush-style bristles that attaches to the base of the door. It closes the gap between the door and the floor. Typically, you can nail it to the panel, or some kits have an easy peel-and-stick design.

4. Use Weatherstripping

Self-Adhesive Foam Weatherstripping for Interior Barn Doors to Prevent Noise from Passing and to Create More Privacy Between Rooms

In addition, some people apply a band of weatherstripping to the back side of the barn door to help block the side air gaps. You can use a self-adhesive foam tape or a vinyl bulb weatherstripping to do this.

You can easily install self-adhesive foam tape without any tools, (or handyman skills for that matter). Plus, it also provides a decent blockade against drafts and air leaks. Vinyl bulb weatherstripping consists of a flexible vinyl tubing that compresses to create a fitted seal.

Tips to Avoid Mistakes When Soundproofing Your Door:

1. If You Have Doorways with Casing or Moulding

If Your Doorway Has Moulding or Casing Surrounding the Doorway, Use this Special Tip to Install Weatherproofing

Some doorways have moulding that finishes the frame around the door. As a result, if you apply rubber or foam weatherstripping to the side of the door, it can catch on the moulding instead of sliding over it.

My simple solution for this is to attach the weatherstripping to the moulding instead of the door (on the doorway side where the sliding door covers it, and so you don’t see the strip).

Alternatively, you could use brush weatherstripping instead of foam or vinyl.

2. Don’t Forget Top & Bottom Gaps

Adding brush weatherstripping to the bottom of your door panel can really help with insulation an noise. But don’t forget to insulate the top side of your door, where you may also find an air gap.

Brush weatherstripping can help seal gaps and keep out unwanted elements. It stops drafts, dust, insects and even noise from invading your space. Made with flexible bristles and attached to a metal or plastic strip, it’s a convenient solution for weatherproofing doors. 

If you want to enhance soundproofing in your sliding barn door, attaching brush weatherstripping is key. It creates a barrier that effectively blocks sound waves from passing through the bottom gap of the door. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Prepare the Door: Ensure the bottom of the barn door is clean and dry before attaching the weatherstripping.
  2. Measure and Cut: Measure the width of the door and cut the brush weatherstripping to fit accordingly using a suitable cutting tool.
  3. Attach the Weatherstripping: Most brush weatherstripping comes with an adhesive backing. Peel off the protective layer and carefully align the weatherstripping along the bottom edge of the door. Apply firm pressure for”stay-on” adhesion.
  4. Trim Excess: If needed, cut extra weatherstrip material to get a precise fit without dragging or causing obstruction.

Pros of using brush weatherstripping for soundproofing:

  1. Seal in Silence: The dense bristles hinder sound from sneaking through the door’s bottom, minimizing noise escaping either direction. 
  2. Simple Setup: With minimal tools and know-how needed, installation is a cakewalk. Just peel off the adhesive backing and you’re good to go. 
  3. Flexible and Tough: The brush-like material bends without breaking. Hence, it allows your door to glide smoothly while maintaining its effectiveness for years.

Cons of weatherstripping for noise reduction:

  1. Limited Soundproofing: While brush weatherstripping can help reduce noise, it might not provide as high a level of soundproofing as other specialized materials or methods.
  2. Maintenance: Depending on the frequency of use and environmental conditions, the bristles might wear out over time. Thus, requiring replacement.

To sum it up, soundproofing a barn door can be a straightforward, simple and affordable DIY project. In fact, you may be able to soundproof your door for about $20-30 in less than 25 minutes.

The Bottom Line:

In summary, enhancing the soundproofing of a sliding barn door is a manageable and budget-friendly DIY endeavor that can significantly improve privacy and reduce noise intrusion. Opting for a thicker, denser door material can be a straightforward method to block sound, while choosing a wider door panel offers additional coverage and sound reduction.

Incorporating a door sweep and applying weatherstripping are effective, low-cost solutions that address gaps at the bottom and sides of the door, minimizing airflow and noise leakage. For doors framed with moulding or casing, adapting the placement of weatherstripping can ensure smooth operation without sacrificing soundproofing effectiveness. These adjustments not only enhance the acoustic properties of a space but also contribute to a more controlled and comfortable environment.

Last Updated May 8, 2024