Problem Solving installing a Sliding Barn Door

I sure would not be cutting into walls for something that will soon be out of fashion.


If you must, find the studs and attach the hardware to them.

You can attach a 1x4 across the wall adjacent to the opening, BUT, having that soffit there reduces the height, so the door may have to be cut off to accommodate it. Having the 1x4 attached solidly to your top plate and studs will give a good place for your lags to take hold for the door hardware.

Two problems:
1. The running gear (wheels) projects above the track, which means that bullhead will get in the way. You will have to lower the track which will result in quite a gap at the top of the door when closed (plus probably having to cut the door down).
2. The track has to be anchored at the 'closed end', slightly past the opening so the door will fully cover the opening. You have nothing there.

I suppose you could mount it on the bulkhead but then it would stick way out from the wall, eat up space, and look exceedingly dumb.

Edit: To correct text.


Bifolds can eat into the room space. Bypass sliders only give you limited access. I don't know if you can get accordions like SS suggests without having the place look like a 1950s motel.

@lenaitch brings up good information. Spanning the space across where the door will go will be impossible. The door will be extra short because of the roller height. The switch to the lighting will possibly be covered with the door opened or closed.

The only way a barn door could work would be to mount it on the bulkhead.

For some reason i get the thought that area was once a shower. Possibly due to the construction but then again it still has the shower curtain and i can understand the OP's reasoning for wanting the change. Now back to the accordion doors, dated or not .:biggrin2:


EDIT: EDIT:

Senior triggered my thought processes. Why not just a set of inexpensive bi-fold doors. Set them back a bit if you have a L and R wall inside the closet.

Beaded curtain. :vs_laugh:

Wow, that's awesome. Thank you guys for all of the great information. I didn't think a barn door would be super feasible, and I'm glad that you guys kind of confirmed that.


I appreciate the suggestions for an accordion door! We will look into alternative options to separate that space.

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