The barn door has existed in one form or another ever since humans first began using agriculture and farming to sustain themselves and finally produce more than they needed to generate profit or barter products. A barn door is typically a smaller access point within a larger one that allows people to enter their barns without opening the bigger door and risking livestock wandering out.
Borne of convenience and practicality, the barn door has seen rises and falls in popularity through the ages, not just in outdoor farming buildings but also in residential ones. A recent resurgence in their popularity is not difficult to fathom, as barn doors perfectly balance simple convenience and attractive, statement-making aesthetics.
Typically, barn doors are created using a rail above the doorway. The wooden door is then suspended from this by metallic batons with rollers that sit in the rail, allowing the door to slide open and close easily. Their original design was one of pure practicality, and very little thought was given to their appearance, but times have changed, and those once basic entrances have become a symbol of chic, modern styling.
As tastes changed and a growing appreciation for more rugged, rustic materials blossomed, the barn door found itself being used in a wide range of commercial and residential settings. Once favoured for their simplicity, convenience, and practicality, designers and trendsetters began to view the raw, rugged nature of these wooden doors as a feature to be highlighted and used to enhance both interior and exterior spaces.
One fantastic feature of barn doors is their ability to have almost any appearance and be customised to fit any doorway. From the ultra-modern minimalism of penthouse apartments to the cosy, traditional vibes of converted cottages, the barn door effortlessly fits into each scenario.
In compact rooms and residences, maximising the available space is one of the best ways to give a greater sense of space and increase functionality. Sliding barn doors are unrivalled in this endeavour and require no clearance space in front of the doorway as hinged doors do. It should be noted that any sliding door requires a space of at least its own width to slide into, so doorways with no adjacent wall space are not suitable. However, traditional swinging doors made from appropriately-styled wood can still achieve the desired aesthetic.
Nothing has a more significant influence on the smooth operation of your barn door than the mounting and alignment of the track. Ensure perfect form and function with the following tips:
Beyond their unrivalled practicality and style for room entrances, barn doors are the perfect choice to divide a space stylishly. Open-plan areas can be compartmentalised for privacy when required or opened up into welcoming communal spaces. Separating the kitchen from the living area might be helpful if strong cooking smells pervade it or you wish to isolate bedrooms from their adjoining en suite bathrooms.
For spaces that require maximum accessibility and ease of passage, sliding barn doors are second to none. With a smooth sliding action that makes them feel almost weightless, they can be opened easily by anybody and are great for wheelchair users. As the door does not need perpendicular clearance, the chair can be as close as necessary to the door and not prevent it from sliding open or closing.
Inspecting the track regularly is the key to ensuring barn doors are safe and secure. It must be firmly attached to the wall, and the rollers must be seated correctly. Stiff, jerky movements when sliding the door may be due to blockages in the track, so be sure to check carefully and remove them. Depending on the type of rollers used, it may be helpful to facilitate the smooth action of the bearings with a spritz of appropriate lubricant now and then.
If you would like to learn more about Rock Solid Doors and our exceptional range of products and installation services, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Our representatives are ready to assist you however they can and offer all the advice, guidance, and information you need. We cover all of London and the Home Counties, and all our prices include the following:
