DIY: Door on a Track

I was thrilled to receive my barn door hardware from The Barndoor Hardware Store. I’ve partnered with them to offer all my followers 10% OFF hardware of your own – Just use promo code MINDFULLYGRAY at checkout!

I have been dreaming of installing a door on a track somewhere in our house since we purchase our home. Initially I thought one would be perfect leading to our master bathroom. Later, I noticed the large blank wall to the right of our guest room and decided on that location instead. The guest bathroom is directly down the hallway to the left of our entryway. Our new door is such a statement piece when you look down the hall. It adds so much character to our home.

We learned SO much when installing our hardware and door. Brett and I have both said several times since installing it that if we had it to do over again it would take us no time because we learned so much the first time. I am excited to share with you all our lessons learned. I hope they can be of help if y’all plan to install a door on a track yourself!

Supplies Needed:

• We went with the Standard Hanger from The Barndoor Hardware Store – All hardware supplies were included
• Door – I used an antique door but any door will work, or you can make your own!
• OPTIONAL: Flat black spray paint

Tools Needed:

• Drill with 1/8″, 1/4″, and 3/8″ bits, and Phillips drill bit
• 9/16″ and 5/8″ open end and wrench
• Tape Measure
• Stud finder

How-To:

1. OPTIONAL: Paint Hardware – If painting hardware, Windex all hardware prior to painting to eliminate all grease / oils. Next, spray paint all hardware (including the top of each screw). Allow ample dry time.

 

 

2. FIND THE STUDS – Use a stud finder to detect studs along the wall you wish to install the hardware. TIP: I could not understand why so many people use a mounting board to mount their hardware to. We learned during the process that if you plan to install a door on a track to cover an opening that has trim – You will likely need a mounting board. This allows the hardware to extend far enough away from the wall to allow your door to hang properly out from the trim. A mounting board also serves as extra support when mounting your hardware. Our mounting board was the same thickness as our trim.

3. MEASURE, CUT, and PAINT MOUNTING BOARD – Our track was 74″ – We cut out mounting board at 75″ initially and later learned we did not leave enough room on each side of the board. We had to redo this step, cutting our mounting board at 77″ which worked perfectly. Next, paint the mounting board. We chose to paint ours the same color as our wall. TIP: When considering the length of your mounting board, consider the size of the washer which will likely come right to the edge of your track  Be sure to cut your mounting board 2 -3 inches longer than your track. We mounted the entire track only to realize our mounting board was a hair to short and had to start over.

4. DETERMINE BOLT PLACEMENT & DRILL – Because we used a mounting board we were not too concerned with the placement of our lag bolts. We ended up spacing them evenly along the track. If you are NOT using a mounting board it is imperative that your lag bolts are screwed into studs. Once you have determine the placement of your lag screws along the track, use a 3/8″ drill bit to drill into the track at the marked locations. TIP: Align the track stop along the track to ensure your holes are in the center of the track.

5. MOUNT YOUR MOUNTING BOARD – Pre-drill holes into studs. Drill through the mounting board, into the studs. We drilled the screws in just past the face of the board. Afterward we mudded the screw holes and painted over them for a cleaner look.

6. INSTALL TRACK – Get your level out! You’re going to need it! Hold the track up at the determined height. Determine the placement of the bolts along the wall / mounting board. TIP: Hold the track up on each side and place the level in the middle – Once the track is level mark where the bolts should go. Pre-drill the markers to avoid your mounting board splitting. Place the 1 5/8″ spacer and wall washer between the track and the wall. Insert the lag bolt through the space and washer, into the wall / mounting board. On the two ends, place the track stop on top of the track prior to inserting the bolt through. TIP: Leave slack in tightening bolts until all bolts are in the wall. Once all are loosely hung, go back and tighten all bolts

7. INSTALL THE HANGERS and ANTI- JUMP BRACKETS – Stand the door up in front of the track to find the best location for the hangers. Mark off on the door where the holes in the straps should go. Install hangers and anti-jump brackets on the sides of the door. TIP: We placed the door on a spare piece of mounting board to consider the space between the door and the floor. Drill into (but not through) the door at the markings.  You are now ready to place the door on the tracks!

8. INSTALL FLOOR GUIDE – I was hesitant to install the floor guide, mainly because I did not want to drill into our wood floors. We ended up using a strip of Rubbermaid double sized tape to tape the door guide onto the floor. It actually works great!

The finished product!