I am so happy to finally share with you my barn door DIY for replacing boring bi-fold doors . Built for my pantry, I would have loved a true barn door on a sliding track, but the space did not allow enough room for this. So, I had to build two narrow doors.
If you have been following me, you know that when I say “I built”, I really mean (in most cases) that I nagged my husband into building something. This is how it works: I provide the vision, and he finds a way. Where would I be without him?
I knew I did not want the plain-Jane bi-fold doors which the opening was originally intended for. I wanted character and warmth, and I believe that is exactly what I got with the finished product. Let me share with you how we achieved this look.
When we first moved in, the pantry doors were completely missing.
As a temporary fix, I bought a curtain panel from Target and called it a day. For months I was fine with the curtain panel solution until I reached my 17th week of pregnancy and my nesting instincts kicked in along with a strange burst of energy.
I told my husband I wanted a barn door/ re-claimed wood look.
*This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on one of those links and buy something, I may receive a small commission, but you won’t pay a dime more. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases*
For those of you new to my blog, check out this before and after of our kitchen .
Here is what it looked like when we first moved in.
And here is what it looks like now…
Enough of my tangent.
After some thought, my brilliant husband found a solution for the narrow space (which did not allow for the track function I really wanted). He built two narrow doors out of tongue and groove pattern board.
To add some “barn door” character, he attached common board horizontally. Here is a breakdown of supply cost.
-
- lumber – $50
- Hinges – $10
- 18” Chrome Handles – $30 ( or only $20 if you click here)
- paint and stain – $0 (I already had some from a previous project.)
Supplies Needed
- 1.25” wood screws (12)
- Tongue and Groove Pattern Stock Board (8)
- 1”x 4”x 6′ Common Board
- Chrome Square Door Hinges (4)
- 18” Chrome Handles (we got ours here)
- Table Saw
- this stain
- Light Gray Paint
- Wide Foam Brush
- Rag for stain
Steps for achieving this look
- Cut tongue and groove pattern board to height with table saw using 1/4” gap at top and bottom of door opening.
- With table saw, rip (cut length wise) two middle boards (the center of the doors) to width.
- Join pattern boards by tongue and groove.
4. Cut common board to width of doors (4 pieces total).
5. Attached common board with wood screws from the backside of door so that screws are hidden.
6. Attach hinges to common board and door jamb.
Staining and Handles
- Apply stain(here is what I used)
with foam brush. Then quickly wipe and blend stain with rag.
2.For weathered effect: Once stain is applied, apply some diluted, light gray paint with foam brush and wipe off quickly with rag.
I cannot tell you the exact formula I used. I had a small, sample size of light gray paint and I added a pretty good amount of water to it….this is to be sure you do not completely cover the wood finish.
However, if the paint is too diluted, it is just going to be an ineffective, drippy mess. If not diluted enough, you will cover your wood finish. You should probably do a test area before you start.
At one point I applied too much paint, but quickly grabbed a wet rag and blended. It turned out fine! So don’t freak out….just act fast.
Note: I have applied the gray-wash formula once the stain dried completely (with my DIY wood beam mantel) and I applied it without letting wood stain dry (for this project). I liked results best when I did not give wood stain time to completely dry.
Special thanks to AKA Design for the wood weathering idea. You can read her tutorial here.
3. Attach handles. (You can purchase the handles here).
4. To make door close, we also installed magnetic cabinet closures.
5. Have a strong drink(for me please) and enjoy your new doors! Or maybe the strong drink should’ve been step #1. I know if I weren’t pregnant, this would’ve been the case.
If you guys dig DIY projects with a Modern Farmhouse Vibe, you may also want to check out my DIY Floating Bathroom Vanity tutorial by clicking here. Love the look of a custom mudroom? See how we built ours for under $200… just click here for the tutorial.
Hope this helped some of you! Now go out there and design some good vibes!
And please don’t forget to share the love and pin this post!
More DIY Door Tutorials:
If you are interested in DIY barn door tutorials, you may also want to check out my DIY Sliding Barn Door post which is ideal for closets by clicking here. And also my tutorial for how to easily upgrade an existing bi-fold closet door by clicking here.
Kathy Samoun
Thursday 2nd of March 2017
HI ..First I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!! Quick question. The link goes to handles in a brushed nickel? Are these the ones you used? They look like more of a chrome finish? Thanks!
Designing Vibes
Thursday 2nd of March 2017
Kathy, I am so sorry about that. You are correct. My handles have a chrome finish.
Belinda
Sunday 19th of February 2017
We just redid our kitchen and this door is perfect for the pantry! Heading to Home Depot tomorrow to get the supplies. Thanks for the idea!!
Designing Vibes
Monday 20th of February 2017
So glad you find my tutorial inspiring. Good luck with your project, Belinda.
Yolanda
Monday 6th of February 2017
These are fabulous! I can imagine something like this in my house.
Designing Vibes
Tuesday 7th of February 2017
Thank you so much, Yolanda. I am so happy with how they turned out.
Kim
Saturday 28th of January 2017
Where did you purchase your lumber? The cheapest I seem to be able to find is 10.00 a board.
Designing Vibes
Sunday 29th of January 2017
Hey Kim! We bought the common board at either Lowes or Home Depot. They are located right next to each other, so I have trouble remembering.
Brenda
Saturday 14th of January 2017
You have helped me finally decide how to deal with my tiny pantry door that also doesn't have room for a sliding barn door! I'm cutting the wall open and building these. Not sure why I didn't think of this sooner. I built my own door for my chicken coop. Thanks for the lightbulb!
Designing Vibes
Sunday 15th of January 2017
Yay!I am so happy to hear I could inspire you. Good luck! :)