Sliding Barn Doors

[Aussiebushman]

I'm going through the same thought processes here. Although the structure is pretty sound, it worries me that all the weight hangs from a top beam. I agree with the alternative of rolling from the bottom on a length of railway line. This means fitting just a guide at the top.

I figure the whole assembly would be easier to make, stronger, cheaper and a lot easier to put together. Its simple to fix track to a level concrete base poured into a trench - the depth of that arrangement adjusted to end up level with the shed floor.

 

[Rustyiron]

There are "kits" for sliding or rolling barn doors that really make it easy. They have 4 aluminum extrusions for the vertical sides (no warping) and they accept a 2X? for the horizontal girts to match your wall for attaching the metal. The 2 center extrusions fit into each other for a nice tight fit in the center. This is only for the door itself. you'll then need the track & other hardware. I'd suggest finding either a contractor or a supplier that handles these rolling ag doors for better choices and better parts.

 

[cruz54982]

here in Wisconsin I have come to hate sliding doors in the winter changed all mine to overhead - garage style they seal better and are much nicer to use in the winter. just my 2 cents for free. enjoy the project ,I built a 30x40 pole-barn 3 years ago with the help of my wife , son , and brother-in-law it was a great project.

 

[Boris1]

here in Wisconsin I have come to hate sliding doors in the winter changed all mine to overhead - garage style they seal better and are much nicer to use in the winter. just my 2 cents for free. enjoy the project ,I built a 30x40 pole-barn 3 years ago with the help of my wife , son , and brother-in-law it was a great project.

Do you have any before and after pics of the doors, I am thinking of doing the same thing. Wish I would have just went with the overhead door from the start.

Thanks

 

[cruz54982]

sorry no pics but I have a 12foot high door on 1 end and a 14 foot on the other using opposing corners so that if my wifes camper is in the 14 footer I can still use the 12 without moving the camper.

 

[Rustyiron]

here in Wisconsin I have come to hate sliding doors in the winter changed all mine to overhead - garage style they seal better and are much nicer to use in the winter. just my 2 cents for free. enjoy the project ,I built a 30x40 pole-barn 3 years ago with the help of my wife , son , and brother-in-law it was a great project.

I agree, especially for a heated space. But with some of the modern hardware that is available, along with proper grade elevation and rollers at the door and it's "path", a 14'-20' + door can be the only way. Even a more conventional "large" overhead door say only 12wx14h can be $1500 easy.