How Much Does Barn Door Installation Cost?

Average Cost to Install Barn Doors

Barn Door Cost by Material

The cost of an interior door with tracking hardware and a barn door style ranges from $250 to $2,500 for materials only. Including installation, the price range for a barn door installation is $600 to $3,050. 

While many barn doors are made in the traditional style, wood, metal, MDF, and vinyl options are available and may be better where lower costs and lighter weight are important factors.

Vinyl Barn Doors

Vinyl barn doors cost an average of $825, all-in. These are the most affordable types of barn doors, and they're the lightest, too. While vinyl can have a wood-look finish, it doesn't have the same high level of natural, rustic finish as real wood. However, if you're remodeling on a budget or the structural integrity of your wall isn't great, then vinyl is a solid choice. Plus, it's low maintenance and fairly durable.

Medium Density Fiberboard Barn Doors

Medium density fiberboard (MDF) barn doors typically cost $1,025, and can run anywhere from $700 to $1,350, including parts and labor. Comparatively inexpensive, MDF barn doors are heavy, requiring a solid wall that can take the weight. 

However, the weight and density make the doors very durable, and the smooth finish means the doors are often carved with lots of detail for aesthetic appeal. They're also easy to paint and require the same level of maintenance as wood. MDF barn doors are popular because they're easy to finish in a contemporary fashion.

Metal Barn Doors

Metal barn doors have an average price of $1,650, and a typical range of $750 to $2,550. While costly, metal doors are long-lasting and strong. They're also very low maintenance. 

If you choose a lightweight material like aluminum, you can install them on walls that can't take the intense weight of wood or MDF. Steel is a good option for high-traffic areas, as, although it costs a bit more than aluminum and is a bit heavier, it can withstand more knocks, scrapes, and dents without sustaining damage.

Wood Barn Doors

Wood barn doors cost an average of $1,850, or between $650 and $3,050. Wooden barn doors have a highly prized rustic style, making them the most popular barn door type. The price range is so extensive because there's an array of wood species from which to choose. 

From wallet-friendly pine to mid-range walnut or cedar, to high-end English oak or exotic Ipe or Brazilian cherry, homeowners are sure to find a wood that works. Some choose custom doors built from reclaimed barns and actual barn doors for authenticity.

Interior vs. Exterior Barn Door Costs

Interior doors cost less than exterior ones, starting at $450, installed, while exterior doors can cost as much as $4,600.

The difference in price lies in the complexity of the installations. Exterior doors need to be properly insulated and secure enough to withstand weather, wildlife, and intruders. Exterior doors cost more for materials; they need to be heavier for security and durability and require security hardware, insulation, weatherstripping, and more.

Barn Door Installation Cost

How much you'll pay for the installation of your barn door depends on the type and size of the door, its material, and whether it's an interior or an exterior door. In general, you'll pay less for an interior door than an exterior one and less to install a single door than a double.

Barn Door Prices

The price of the barn doors themselves varies considerably, based on material, style, and design. Because of this, the price range is significant, ranging from $100 to $4,000. Single vinyl interior doors with no brace or a simple Z brace are among the least expensive, while high-end exterior double wood doors with double-X braces cost the most.

Cost of Barn Door Hardware

In general, the cost of a barn door includes door hardware. However, if you want custom hardware, or you've purchased or built the door on your own, you may need to purchase separate hardware. Basic hardware for single, lightweight vinyl doors starts at $50. Hardware for heavier doors, custom-built hardware, and that made of high-end materials with decorative finishes can cost $500 or more. 

It's important to make sure the hardware is robust enough to cope with the weight of the door you're using, so be sure to check the weight rating and, if in doubt, size up. 

DIY Barn Door Installation vs. Hire a Pro

The biggest benefit of having a pro install a barn door is that you avoid DIY mistakes that could cost more down the road. However, an experienced DIYer can complete this project if there is already enough empty wall space around the doorway to allow the door to slide completely open.

The installation becomes more difficult in obstructed spaces; features such as electrical outlets, light switches, and thermostats. In these cases, a professional door installer in your area will need to relocate these features. Depending on the specific feature, you may want to hire an electrician to perform this task. Experienced pros have the experience to safely handle larger barn doors' weight.

FAQs

What are the benefits of barn doors?

Barn doors offer several benefits, including:

• Saving space: Because they slide along a wall rather than swinging open, replacing a bathroom door with a sliding one frees up limited floor space.

• Versatility: Sliding barn doors serve as a moving wall, allowing you to easily divide your living space. They also help hide bathrooms, closets, and pantries.

• Accessibility: They keep rooms open, so you can walk in and out of them with your hands full. Sliding doors also make rooms more accessible to people with walkers and wheelchairs.

• Alternative Artwork: Barn doors are important elements in a craftsman-meets-farmhouse design.

• Increasing home value: Barn doors improve your home’s resale value.

Is installing a barn door easy?

A barn door is easy to install if it only requires you to attach the tracks and rollers and hang the door. It’s much more difficult when you need to move features to clear the necessary space. In this case, you should hire a pro to perform the installation.

Do sliding barn doors need a bottom track?

The importance of a bottom track becomes greater as the door’s weight increases. The lack of a bottom track can cause heavy doors to swing against the wall, causing damage. The bottom of the door should be half an inch from the floor, so you have proper clearance. Sliding doors also need a bottom guide to stop the door from coming off the track.

How much value does a barn door add to a house?

Houses that have barn doors sell for 13.4% more than houses that don’t. Sliding barn doors add style and character to rooms. They can open up rooms, making them functional, creating clean lines, and covering up wall storage that appears cluttered. 

Does a barn door need to be bigger than the opening?

Yes, a barn door must be bigger than the opening. The width of the door should be 2 to 3 inches wider than the opening and about 1 inch higher. Rooms requiring more privacy, such as guest rooms and bathrooms, need more overlap to allow for both noise and gaps.