Hey thanks for stopping by the blog today, I hope you are having a fantastic day. I finally have that tutorial I promised for the barn door track that goes with the Built-In Shelves I shared a while back. I decided to make my own track because after I did a little shopping online I quickly found out that buying a barn door track can be pretty pricey. Even the small ones were in the range of $100.00 to $125.00 dollars. Not really in my budget, however, I didn’t get discouraged. Considering they are essentially a flat metal bar and some wheels I knew I could make my own if I could find the supplies. After rummaging through the drawers and bins at the hardware store for a while, I managed to find what I needed for about $50.00. There are a few things that I would do differently a second time around so I have made a few notes on the supply list below. I will explain all the changes in the step-by-step instructions below so keep reading. In the end, this was actually super easy to put together. All you really have to do is paint the pieces and drill a few holes.
Overview
Tools
- Drill
- 1/4″ drill bit
- 5/16 wrench
Materials
- (2) 1″ X 3 ” Heavy-Duty Galvanized Steel Pulleys
- (2) 3/8-16 Hex Head Cap Screws
- (2) Acorn Nuts
- (2) 1/8″x 1″ @ 3′ Aluminum Flat Bar *needed 2
- (3) 3/8″ x 1/2″ x 1″ Steel Spacers *needed 3
- (3) 5/16 x 3″ Lag Screws $2.60 ea *needed 3
- (4) 1/4″-20 x 1 1/2″ Round Head Machine Screws
- (4) Acorn Nuts
- (2) 1″ 90 deg.Corner Brace
(2) Mending Plates(8) Washers- Rustoleum Flat Black Spray Paint
*I have noted a few of the supplies that you will need more than whats pictured below. Also, you won’t need the items that are crossed out.
Cut List
- (2) 1/8″x 1″ @ 6″ Aluminum Flat Bar
Steps
1. Cut Aluminum Flat Bars To Desired Track Length
The 3′ aluminum flat bar turned out to be the exact length that I needed so I didn’t have to cut mine. If you need to make yours a different length, a jigsaw with a metal blade will do the job nicely.
You will also need to cut two smaller 6″ pieces from the second flat bar to attach the wheels to the door. (Instead of the mending plates I used)
2. Take The Easy Route
I used Bondo to fill the holes I didn’t want in the mending plates. Sitting here writing this I am wondering what was I thinking. It must have been a brain fog sorta day or more likely I was probably trying to save a few pennies.
You will just need to drill 3 holes in the 6″ pieces you cut from the second aluminum flat bar.
3. Prep For Painting
Next, you will want to use some sandpaper to rough up the surfaces of the metal the best you can. This helps give the paint something to stick too, this keeps the paint from wearing off after sliding the wheels back and forth over time.
4. Spray Paint Everything
I used Rustoleum flat black spray paint to make it pretty.
5. Drill Holes In Barn Door
Drill two 1/4″ holes to fit the Round Head Machine Screws. Then push the screws through the back of the door and the metal bar on the front.
Flip the door around and secure in place with the acorn nuts. The spacing on my door is 2″ between the bottom of the wheel and the center of the first hole.
6. L- Bracket Stopper For Each End Of The Track
My hubby made these brackets for me because he already had something that would work. I believe that you could also make a bracket out of the leftovers of the second aluminum bar or if you don’t want to do that you could use something like this small bracket. You just need something to stop the door from falling off the track.
7. Pre-drill Holes In Shelving Frame
I believe I used a 1/4″ size drill bit to pre-drill the holes in the shelving frame. After you have your holes drilled assemble the track in the following order; Lag screw, metal track, L-bracket, and 1″ steel spacer. Finally, tighten the lag screws with a 5/16 wrench and your done.
Hang your barn door on the track and test it out.
Well, I hope that you found this tutorial helpful. I love having these shelves in my bathroom because I can’t handle clutter, I love that I can hide it all behind a cute barndoor. If you are needing some extra storage in a small space I hope that you will give these a try or use this DIY track for some other clever project.
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I would love to see what you do with this DIY barn door track.
Share it on Instagram or Facebook and tag me @cedarlanefarmhouse
DIY Built In Shelves With A Sliding Barn Door
Just want to encourage you to keep it up with the very best tutorials on the Internet! Why? You are a terrific communicator! Your pictures along with your written guides are top notch. You leave nothing for the reader to be confused by….it is all clear and visually set out in an orderly way. This is a great item for me because I too have been appalled at the ridiculously high price of barn door hardware!
Way to go!!!
Linda, you are just too sweet! Thank you so much for your kind encouraging words they mean more to me than you will ever know!
Hello, I love everything about this barn door set up! I’ve been wanting to put one up in my master bedroom but you are so right, that hardware set is crazy expensive – why?! One thing I just can’t find, maybe I missed it, please tell me about the actual door! I love the door, the size, the construction, the color, the distressing, everything! Please tell me more about where you found the door or how you made the door. Thank you!
Thank you! The directions for the door can be found in this post-http://byjessicajoy.com/diy-builtin-shel…liding-barn-door/
The color is Valspar Thames Fog
I love this idea and could really use it. In our guest bath the door opens onto the light fixture. Both were here when we moved in and a flush mount fixture didn’t help. QUESTION, since its not secured on the backside does it ever fall off. Love the look of the door too. Looking forward to future posts.
Wow, After many years sifting through blogland, I JUST found your amazing blog. I love love love your posts. Your blog is fantastic and I really love the tutorials. Many blessings to you my dear.