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Barn doors are a stylish and space-saving addition to a home, offering both functionality and rustic charm.
Clever and creative Bunnings Workshop community members have shared many barn door projects utilising different methods and materials. Here are 10 ways to build a barn door to inspire your own D.I.Y. barn door project.
1. Craft a custom design with MDF
Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF) is a versatile material that allows for intricate designs. Bunnings Workshop member @LePallet constructed a barn door featuring a diagonal pattern by cutting and aligning MDF pieces. The project was completed with a custom-built bulkhead and 3m sliding rail.
2. Utilise Pine for a classic look
Pine lining boards offer a traditional look and are relatively easy to work with. Community member @Jwyatt used seven Pine lining boards to build a barn door for a living room that effectively partitioned the room and enhanced energy efficiency.
3. Incorporate VJ panels for texture
Vertical Joint (VJ) panels add texture and depth to barn doors. Member @mattoharae biscuit joined and glued two doors together to create a wide barn door and then used Liquid Nails to attach VJ panels for his VJ panelling barn door project.
Experienced member @lifestylebymari shared a step-by-step guide How to build a barn door with VJ panels which you can adjust to suit your own home.
4. Save space with bifold doors
Consider bifold barn doors for areas with limited space. Experienced member @LePallet created hardwood bifold barn doors using hinges in the middle and a roller on each end, providing privacy without encroaching on the room's small footprint. @TammieBrown learnt a lot during her own bifold barn door project.
5. Install double doors for wide openings
For larger entryways, double barn doors offer a grand solution. Standard double doors were converted into sliding double barn doors and decorated with MDF and skirting by @woodalwaysworks.
6. Upcycle materials
Reusing materials is a great way to add character to your home while saving money (and the planet). Garry recycled old Cedar doors to create unique recycled barn doors, while @Natalya created a farmhouse-style barn door for her panty using timber rescued from a salvage yard.
7. Create a herringbone pattern for visual interest
For a striking visual effect, consider crafting a barn door with a herringbone pattern. Workshop member @Megarakawa built a custom herringbone barn door to fit a wide hallway entrance using 12mm plywood as the base and white primed dressed Pine timber for the herringbone pattern.
8. Consider different designs on each side
Your barn door doesn’t have to have a uniform look on both sides. In his barn door project for a lounge room, @henrywr created a dramatically different look on either side.
9. Repurpose materials
Repurposed materials like fence palings can be transformed into charming and rustic barn doors. Using fence palings and pickets, @Hansi crafted a sliding barn door for a laundry area. Be aware that palings are often chemically treated so when used inside the home we would recommend painting or using non-treated timber.
10. Add pet access
Don’t forget about your furry friends. Offering privacy to a bathroom hallway and bedroom without encroaching on limited space, member @DIY_Babe created a bathroom barn door with pet access and shared her full list of tools and materials used.
How to install a barn door
See how easy it is to fit the track and hang your own barn door in the Bunnings step-by-step guide How to install a barn door.
