What to consider when choosing the perfect barn door hardware
When you decide to set up your brand-new barn door, it’s easy to look at the door as the centrepiece and leave the hardware as an afterthought. But the truth is your barn door hardware can be the most crucial part of your installation, as it holds together the entire framework and keeps your barn door sturdy and aligned when constantly opened and closed. The first thing you need to consider is what kind of barn door tracks you will choose.
At Rolltrak, we have a range of barn door tracks in a variety of styles, finishes and designs. Would you opt for a white finish for a fresh atmosphere or brushed brass for a rustic look? Regular rollers or barn-style wheels? Old-fashioned arrowhead-style joints? But before you get overwhelmed with all these design choices, the first question you need to ask yourself is: should you install side-mounted or top-mounted barn door tracks? Here is a guide to the differences between the two and their advantages.
The design basics
The basic difference between the two styles of barn door tracks are the ways in which they are attached to the door. In a top mount system, the roller wheels are attached to the top of the door by means of a metal strap, and they roll along the tracks. In a side mount system, this metal strap is attached to the side of the door and then to the roller wheels.
So if you are looking to incorporate your barn door hardware into the overall design, then the type of mount you choose matters. Side-mounted barn door tracks will naturally be more prominent and lend themselves well if you’re going for a more classic look. You have more versatile options for shapes and sizes for the metal strap component as well.
On the other hand, if you want the barn door hardware to be more discreet or minimalist, and stand out only in terms of its finish, with your door being the true star of the show, then go for a top-mounted system. You can still opt for some variety in the style of rollers you use.
Weight considerations
One crucial difference between top-mount and side-mount barn door tracks is the amount of weight they can efficiently support. Generally, because of their orientation and centre of gravity, top-mounted rollers have a lower weight capacity than side-mount systems. They are recommended for lighter styles of barn doors, such as our knockdown glass barn doors with stainless steel frames, or smaller doors, such as those used to cover a cabinet or pantry. However, additional stabilisation can be added by using track spacers, ideally one per foot.
Side mount barn door tracks are more capable of supporting heavier wooden doors, though you also have cabinet style tracks available for barn doors covering small spaces. If you have a really heavy wooden barn door, you can opt for industrial-style barn door hardware, which usually comes as side-mounted systems.
Find the right barn door hardware for you at Rolltrak
Whether you’re looking to prioritise design or functionality in your sleek new barn door setup, you can find both in perfect harmony with the selection of barn door tracks from Rolltrak. All of our top-mounted and side-mounted tracks come in high-quality, durable steel in a variety of smooth and stylish finishes, all designed for smooth, easy and noise-free movement. They’ll keep your barn door lasting the course, making a great value addition to your home.
Explore the full range of Rolltrak products on our website, or find us at your local Bunnings Warehouse.
