Have you always wanted to own a barn door but are not sure how to go about choosing the right one? Or are you curious about how to buy a barn door that will last you a lifetime? Then you came to the right place, gal pal.
We’re going to show all of you fine citizens some of the most common barn door shopping mistakes people make. Read on to learn how to avoid these costly errors so you can flex that style and shop with confidence.
1. Incorrect Sliding Door Track Length and Weight
One of the most common mistakes is buying an incorrect sliding door track length. To avoid this, measure the width of your opening, purchase a track that is 3-4” larger than the total width of your opening, and ensure that the track you choose has sufficient weight-bearing capacity.
Make sure to also factor in the size and weight of the sliding door panels when choosing a track. Additionally, verify that you have an even distribution of weight when mounting the barn door to the track, as this will affect the door’s smoothness and operability.
Lastly, do a thorough inspection of the door components and hardware before installation. Following these steps will help you avoid mistakenly purchasing an incorrect sliding door track length.
2. Wrong Mounting Hardware
Barn door shopping doesn’t always turn out the way we want it to. Another common mistake when it comes to purchasing a barn door is choosing the wrong mounting hardware.
To ensure you’ve got the right mounting hardware, be sure to measure your barn door measurements. You’ll also need to measure the distance between the two ends of the track.
Using this information, select mounting hardware specifically designed for your barn door. Also, make sure the mounting hardware is strong enough to support the size, weight, and security needs of your desired barn door.
To be safe, it is always a good idea to select mounting hardware that has a higher weight rating than your barn door. This will ensure your door is secure and it won’t separate from the mounting hardware.
3. Undersized Door for the Opening
Having an undersized barn door is one of the most common mistakes made during shopping. This issue can be difficult to spot before you have made the purchase, as some barn doors look like they fit in the opening correctly.
When measuring the size of the barn door, always measure twice and add an extra few inches to ensure an adequately sized door. Select door styles and designs just right for the room design.
Additionally, checking out the return policy of a seller before making the purchase could save you from having to deal with an undersized barn door. Always read the description of the door to ensure the sizing is correct, and purchase from a seller who has a flexible return policy.
4. Low-Quality Metal for Hardware
Low-quality metal is not designed to withstand the effects of regular use or extreme weather conditions. Additionally, due to the reduced cost of inferior metal, these materials often don’t come with a warranty or may need replacing in the near future.
To avoid these issues, always opt for metal hardware made from corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel, which provides strong and durable hardware that can last for years.
By ensuring that the system is strong and can withstand varying climate conditions, customers can ensure that their barn door hardware will last for years.
5. Inappropriate Wood Finishes
A mistake many DIY barn door shoppers make is buying an inappropriate wood finish. Without researching the best finish for the barn door material, a high-quality barn door can quickly become cheaply tarnished.
Many barn door sets come stained, but it’s important to make sure that the finish is appropriate for the indoor environment or exterior exposure. Certain stains offer extra protection, while others may fade or deteriorate quickly without proper maintenance.
Always ask the vendor or look into the description to know the best finish that will suit your specific atmosphere. And if you really want to make sure the finish will last, try using a semi-gloss or a high-performance finish like a polyurethane or oil finish.
6. Doors Without Proper Locks or Handles
When shopping for a barn door, it is important to think ahead and ensure that you have the proper means to secure the door. It is easy to get carried away with aesthetics only to find that you have forgotten to purchase locks or handles.
Without this necessary hardware, the door may be inoperable. To prevent this mistake, double-check the details of any pre-made door and take extra care to ensure the necessary hardware is included in the purchase. If it isn’t, it may be worth considering a door that does come with locks and handles.
Also, look for pre-cut holes for easy insertion of the hardware. Lastly, know your tools and limitations when it comes to installing the lock and handle units.
7. Missing Barn Door Floor Guide
Many people who go to the store with the intention of buying the perfect barn door don’t always think about the hardware accessories that go along with their purchase. A common mistake is missing a barn door floor guide and not having the proper hardware to secure it.
Barn doors come with a variety of hardware accessories, such as bottom and top rails, hanging tracks, rollers, vertical straps, and a bottom guide, so it is important to remember to pick up all required pieces.
Without the bottom guide, the barn door will not function correctly and can easily come off the track when opened. To avoid this mistake, double-check to make sure that you have the proper hardware included in your purchase.
Avoiding these common mistakes can lead you to buy the perfect options for barn doors. Get a swinging door here, and keep in mind these mistakes starting today!
Stay Away From These Barn Door Shopping Mistakes
Learning to shop wisely and do proper research before you make a purchase is essential when it comes to buying barn doors.
Be aware of the common barn door shopping mistakes discussed. They will help you save time, money, and frustration. Now go forth and make a smart barn door-buying decision!
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