Are you looking to add some rustic charm to your home? Look no further than a custom hanging barn door! I recently had the pleasure of building a beautiful barn door for a co-worker using red oak and some top-notch barn door hardware.

Here are the Before and After photos:

Here’s a quick look at how I did it:

First things first: I carefully selected the perfect pieces of red oak. Red oak is a hardwood that’s known for its durability and gorgeous grain patterns, making it an ideal choice for a door that will get a lot of use. I picked out the best boards I could find, making sure they had a nice, straight grain to minimize warping over time.

Next up: size matters! I wanted the door to cover the opening while still fitting snugly within the space provided. So, I designed the door to be 34 inches wide by 89 inches tall and 1.5 inches thick – a standard-ish size for interior barn doors. The height was chosen to fit the opening perfectly, while the width allowed for 1″ overlay on either side.

Now for the fun part: the finish! I opted for a waterborne finish, which is not only environmentally friendly but also super durable. It dries quickly and is easy to clean up, making it a favorite among woodworkers. I applied several coats, making sure to let each one dry completely before moving on to the next.

Last but not least: the hardware. I got my hands on some top-of-the-line barn door hardware from WoodworkerExpress.com, including a sliding rail, rollers, and a door guide. I mounted the sliding rail above the opening, attached the rollers to the top of the door, and installed the door guide at the bottom to keep it from swinging back and forth.

And there you have it – a beautiful, functional barn door that’s sure to impress. Building it was a ton of fun, and I love knowing that I created something with my own two hands. If you’re looking to add some rustic charm to your home, consider building a barn door of your own – it’s easier than you think!