Barn Door Hardware – Specs

A closer look at the design and construction of the hardware

Barn door hardware is not only unique and decorative in style, it is additionally very strong and reliable as mentioned in previous posts. Let’s take a closer look at the construction of this hardware to see why it’s so reliable.

With a closer look you’ll note that the track and hanger are constructed of solid steel flat bar. The flat bar of the track itself is 1/4″ thick by 2″ wide. The hangers that attach to the door roll along the 1/4″ thickness of the bar, making that 2″ of width an integral part of the strength of the system. The track can support doors that weigh up to 400lbs. Specialty systems are available heavier doors.

Standard door sizes in most homes are between 2′ 6″ to 3′. Therefore the total length of track needed is typically between 6′-8′, depending on the needs of homeowner. The track is supported by mounting hardware and spacers that hold the track at a distance of 1-1/4″ from the wall. Given the fact that the header wall may be made of different materials (ie- wood, concrete, etc.) the fasteners themselves are not included with the kits, but they can easily be acquired at a local hardware retailer.

On opposite ends of the track are two door stops that are 2″ by 2″. These obviously prevent the door from sliding off either end of the track. Some homeowners have larger door openings, like those to a dining room, library, or living room. Instead of using one large door to cover the opening, many like having two smaller doors that slide apart (as pictured above). In this case, two more door stops are needed at the center of the track to help the doors stay centered in the “closed” position.

The track hangers that attach to the doors are made of the same solid steel flat bar. Inside the curve of the hanger is located the hanger’s wheel. The wheel is meticulously designed to fit perfectly inside the curve of the hanger and run smoothly along the track. The bearings inside the wheels have a lifetime lubrication guarantee, meaning they will never need maintenance or additional lubricating at any time in the future. The hanger is about 11-1/2″ tall, and the strap of the hanger extends down onto the door a length of roughly 5-1/2″ with two spaces for attaching the hanger to the door.

The overall design is meant to imply a simple and minimalistic approach. This not only helps the preserve the rustic and unique feel of the hardware, but also gives it unbeatable strength and reliability.