I Like Sliding Barn Doors

[wroughtn_harv]

I am working on my new shop and considered the roll ups for the main door. This is just a small blacksmith/welding shop 16 feet wide and 40 feet long. The door is at the north end of the building. I am spitting distance from the Red River. I have not figured out why the Okies never maintain that fence on their side of the river. But it always seems down in the winter time and the northern winds come down with a vengeance.

As you look at the project keep in mind the budget has been tight. In fact it was the size and amount of some used materials that dictated the size and shape.

A roll up door would mean letting in all the cold air from Oklahoma when the door is opened and or letting all of my hot air out. A sliding door on the other hand would mean I only had to open the door wide enough for an old fat man to get in. Plus since I made and installed the door I can fix anything that goes wrong. A rolling door on the other hand might come up with some issues that has to be handled by others.

The opening is a little over ten feet wide. The hangar brackets are hung on 1/2 inch bolts that are welded on the inside of the framing. A nut holds the bracket away from the siding, another nut secures the bracket and rail in place. Theyæ±*e on forty inch approx centers.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I make my own door frames. One of the things I always do is use a piece of barn door track on the bottom of the door as a guide. I also install a piece for the track to ride in. This keeps the bottom of the door from wandering or acting up in a wind. If you look at the one photo you will see the anchors are inside and away from easy access. There is one of these at each end of the door. (The door is one foot wider than the opening)

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Inside of the door I install a bracket that secures the door from flapping or moving when fully open or fully closed.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I really like the hockey puck locks. Here I used the Master Lock version with the brackets. The wall side is attached using wheel studs that are welded on the inside of the wall. The door side bracket is welded to the door.

The best thing as far as I am concerned about this system is it depends upon that natural tendency of thieves to be lazy. This appears complicated.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

The door has smooth action and closes the opening very well, it is a very tight fit. I am happy with it.

 

[two_bit_score]

Looks great! I like those locks too.

 

[mddorange]

I like sliding doors also. Are you going to put a door opener on it?

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I like sliding doors also. Are you going to put a door opener on it?

It’s a work shop. One of the tools is a 210 lb Hay Budden and multiple 2 to 4 lb hammers, an opener would be like lipstick on a pig.

 

[Alan W.]

It’s a work shop. One of the tools is a 210 lb Hay Budden and multiple 2 to 4 lb hammers, an opener would be like lipstick on a pig.

So pigs cant be pretty now
I understand the build it with what ya got. I will be building a tractor shed with some used materials this spring.

 

[jmc]

Well done. Never seen a lock like that.

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-...ocphy=9016568&hvtargid=pla-350591128704&psc=1

Morton Building salesman said that thieves have been known to remove a sheet siding for access. Seems easier than dealing with your lock.