How to fix a sliding barn door Rolltrak system to metal studs?

[Nath_KP]

Hello,

Just looking for some advice on the best way to fix a Rolltrak sliding barn door system to metal studs for the ensuite. I really don't like the aesthetic of fixing a timber strip above the door to attach the rail to and would rather it sit flush against the wall (gyprock). As there are no noggins, would it be best to cut out the wall and fix some noggins or timber supports between the studs and seal it back up? if so, what is the best way to do this? Alternatively, would it be possible to drill and fix the rail directly into 4 or 5 studs and would the shifting weight of the door be supported appropriately?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

[EricL]

Hello @Nath_KP 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your sliding barn door project.

These are all very good questions, I suggest speaking to your original builder if possible or the manufacturer of the steel frame maker you've used in your house. They will be able to tell you how much weight the steel studs are capable of handling. Your idea of putting timber studs inside the wall and covering it up I think is the most promising solution as it spreads the weight over several steel studs. In theory if the door rail has brackets that can be moved and positioned to each stud it might also be possible to do it in that fashion.

The general steps to installing a timber support inside your wall would be use a plasterboard cutting saw and cutting out the space necessary for you to install the timber support inside the wall. The timber pieces will then be screwed onto the steel studs. Once they are secure the cut plaster piece can be placed back over the cut hole, then filled and repaired. 

In regards to mounting it directly to the steel stud, my only concern is the long-term implications of the dynamic forces applied to each stud as the weight of the door passes along the steel stud. It may or may not have an effect, it all depends on what the weight ratings are for that steel stud.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.  

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Afternoon @Nath_KP 

Yeah wanting to have a clean surface I can understand, trying to distribute teh weight across studs I also understand.

How about a piece of flat bar mounted across the studs on the outside of the wall. Australian Handyman Supplies 50 x 5mm Steel Flat Bar 2mtr 

Painted black it would blend in with the barn door style. It may be a useful plan B. I was looking for a little thicker flat bar but you may need to go to a metal supply place for that.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @Nath_KP 

I'm not familiar with how the rail is supposed to be fixed. But its sounds like if its intended to install a timber rail across the top for the system to fix to could be to prevent the plasterboard from crushing when the fixing are tightened?

I would need to see the installation plans to have a better understanding.

Nailbag