Barn Door Adventures: Our First DIY Sliding Door Project

Our journey into the world of barn doors started in the most unexpected way—thanks to a broken shoe closet door. What seemed like a simple fix quickly turned into a whole DIY adventure, and let’s just say, we learned a lot along the way!

When the closet door first broke, we thought replacing it would be a quick trip to the hardware store. But after checking out the prices of barn doors, we quickly realized they were way more expensive than we anticipated. And to top it off, we couldn’t find one that fit the opening in our home. So, like any good DIYers-in-the-making, we decided to make one ourselves. A few Google searches, a couple of YouTube videos, and we were feeling pretty confident.

Off to Home Depot we went! I grabbed some boards, a fresh circular saw, and prepared to get to work. Now, I was ready for a basic build—something simple and clean. But of course, Melisa had other ideas! She had her heart set on something more intricate with angles and detail. Challenge accepted… or so I thought.

Turns out, this project took way more time (and patience!) than expected. First, there were the precise cuts. Angles always add an extra layer of difficulty, but they’re also what give barn doors that beautiful, custom look. So, after some careful measuring, cutting, and double-checking those cuts (because mistakes? Yep, we made a few), I finally started to piece it all together. It felt a bit like putting together a giant puzzle—there were moments when it seemed like nothing fit, and other moments where it just clicked perfectly.

Then came the sanding. I wanted those edges to be smooth and seamless, especially since it would be something we’d see and use every day. Plus, the door had to glide easily on the track without catching on rough spots. After what felt like hours of sanding (and a few hand cramps later), it was time to assemble the door.

The final result? Totally worth all the time and effort! Once we had it hung, it looked amazing—a custom, rustic yet modern barn door that fit our space perfectly and made us feel like real DIY pros. It not only solved our broken closet door problem but added a touch of style and character to the room.

Looking back, this barn door project taught us that DIY often takes a little longer than expected, especially when you’re trying to nail down all those intricate details (literally!). But it also showed us that with the right tools and a little patience, you can create something truly beautiful and functional for a fraction of the cost. Plus, it sparked our love for tackling more DIY projects around the house!

Now, every time we slide that door open, we’re reminded of the time, energy, and fun that went into building it—and how sometimes, the unexpected projects turn into your favorite ones.