DIY Barn Door Project: How I Built Sliding Barn Doors for Our Foyer
Creating DIY sliding barn doors for our home was a project I had been dreaming about since the day we moved in. I’ve always loved the look of a statement entryway, and adding barn doors felt like the perfect way to elevate our foyer without breaking the bank.
We installed these barn doors on our Office/Playroom, which gave us privacy when needed while still allowing light to flow through the space. If you’d like to see how the room looked before this project, you can check out the full Office/Playroom DIY here.
When I started pricing out custom barn doors, I was shocked. Quotes were coming in close to $5,000, which immediately pushed this project into DIY territory. I knew with a little planning and patience, I could build something beautiful for a fraction of the cost.
Before: The Space Without Barn Doors
Before adding the doors, the opening between our foyer and playroom felt unfinished. The room lacked separation, and there was no visual anchor when you walked into the house.
To help visualize the project, I created a quick mockup of the barn doors before building anything. This step helped me confirm proportions, spacing, and overall style before committing to materials.
Planning the Project
Before starting any DIY barn door project, it’s important to plan ahead. Sliding barn doors require careful measuring, solid wall support, and quality hardware.
Things I considered before starting:
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Door size and spacing
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Track length and placement
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Wall structure for mounting hardware
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Glass vs. plexiglass for weight and safety
Taking time to plan upfront saved me from costly mistakes later.
Step 1: Choosing Barn Door Hardware & Installation
The first step was selecting the sliding barn door hardware. This part matters more than you might think.
I’ll be honest — the first hardware set I tried was not great. The instructions were confusing, and the wall anchors weren’t strong enough for the weight of the doors, which were built with 1x2s, PVC trim, and plexiglass. Over time, the track actually started pulling away from the wall.
Lesson learned: cheap hardware is not worth it.
When installing the new track, I used painter’s tape to mark a perfectly level line before drilling. Because the opening was so wide, leveling took some time, but this step is completely non-negotiable for sliding doors.
Step 2: Build the Barn Door Frames
For the door frames, I used 1×2 lumber, cut to size with my Ryobi miter saw.
Since I was making bifold-style barn doors, I measured the width of the track and divided it by four.
Pro tip: Shave a little off your measurements so the doors don’t rub against each other once hung.
Each door had three interior sections, and I built four doors total. I assembled everything using wood glue and a brad nailer, which made the process quick and sturdy.
Step 3: Add the Trim
The trim plays a dual role — it gives the plexiglass something to rest against and makes the doors look polished and custom.
I used miter shears to cut all of the cove trim pieces. Because each “window” opening was the same size, I batch cut everything using a template piece to save time.
Each cut was made at a 45-degree angle so the trim fit tightly at the corners.
Pro Tip:
When using miter shears, make sure the bottom of the trim (the side that holds the glass) is facing the same direction on every cut. Buying an extra piece or two for practice is a good idea.
Once cut, I attached the trim using wood glue and brad nails.
Step 4: Wood Fill & Sand
Next came wood filler. I filled all nail holes and seams, then sanded everything smooth.
If you want to reduce sanding later, you can lightly wipe away excess filler with a damp paper towel before it dries — just be careful not to remove too much.
This step makes a huge difference and is key to getting a professional-looking finish.
Before, during, and after wood filler. Amazing the difference it makes!
Step 5: Paint the Doors
I painted the doors before installing the plexiglass to avoid taping and prep work later. This also allowed me to paint the inner edges of the trim so no raw wood would show through.
For paint, I used Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black, a bold, classic black that adds instant drama and sophistication.
I used a brush for corners and a roller for flat surfaces. I only needed a sample size, which made this step very budget-friendly.
Step 6: Add the Plexiglass
I spent a lot of time deciding between glass and plexiglass and ultimately chose plexiglass for several reasons:
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Lighter weight
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Lower cost
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Safer for a family space
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Nearly identical look once installed
Home Depot sells large sheets, but I found a local hardware store that cut all 12 plexiglass panels for $170, saving me a significant amount compared to big box pricing.
To install the plexiglass:
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Run a thin bead of clear silicone along the trim
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Press the plexiglass into place
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Wipe away excess immediately
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Allow it to cure for at least 48 hours
Step 7: Trim the Back of the Doors
To finish the doors and hide the silicone seams, I added thin lattice trim to the backside of each panel.
This step gives the doors a clean, finished look from both sides.
Tip: Paint this trim before attaching it to make installation easier and cleaner.
Step 8: Hang the DIY Barn Doors
Finally, it was time to hang the doors. I followed the manufacturer’s instructions, which included drilling holes in the tops and bottoms of the doors and installing floor guides.
Important tip: Read all instructions before building. I wish I had used thicker trim for the top and bottom guides.
Once the doors were hung, I added modern black handles from Amazon to complete the look.
The Final Look
The finished barn doors completely transformed our foyer. They add architectural interest, define the space, and still allow light to flow through thanks to the plexiglass panels.
Best of all, this project delivered the look of custom doors at a fraction of the cost.
Project Cost & Timeline
Estimated Cost: $600–$900
Estimated Time: Several weekends (cutting, painting, curing, and installation)
Final Thoughts
This DIY barn door project took time, patience, and planning — but the payoff was worth it. If you’re considering building sliding barn doors yourself, don’t let the details scare you. With the right prep and materials, it’s a project that can completely elevate your home.
Materials:
- 1x2s
- Cove Trim (3/4inch by 3/4 inch)
- Lattice Trim
- Brad Nailer
- Miter Saw
- Drill
- Spade bits
- Caulk
- Silicon
- Caulk Gun
- Wood Filler
- Sliding Door Track/Hardware (I used)
- Sliding Door/Track Hardware (other option)
- Handles
- Plexiglass Sheets (Home Depot)
FAQs
Q: How much does it cost to build DIY sliding barn doors?
A: The cost to build DIY sliding barn doors typically ranges from $600 to $900, depending on the hardware, materials, and whether you use glass or plexiglass. This is significantly less than custom barn doors, which can cost $4,000–$5,000 or more.
Q: Is it cheaper to build barn doors or buy them?
A: In most cases, it is much cheaper to build barn doors yourself. DIY barn doors allow you to control material costs and customize the size and style, while pre-made or custom barn doors often come with high labor and installation fees.
Q: Can you use plexiglass instead of glass in barn doors?
A: Yes, plexiglass is a great alternative to glass for DIY barn doors. It is lighter, more affordable, and safer, especially in homes with kids or pets. Once installed, plexiglass looks very similar to glass but is easier to work with for DIY projects.
Q: What is the best wall type for installing barn door hardware?
A: Barn door hardware should be installed into wall studs or a solid header board. Drywall alone is not strong enough to support the weight of sliding barn doors. Proper anchoring is essential to prevent the track from pulling away from the wall over time.
Q: Are DIY barn doors hard to install for beginners?
A: DIY barn doors are beginner-friendly with proper planning and patience. While the project involves multiple steps—cutting, assembling, painting, and hanging—none are overly complicated. Taking time to measure accurately and follow hardware instructions makes the process much more manageable.
