When I decided to install barn doors at home, I didn’t go the ready-made route. The ones I liked on Etsy were north of a thousand bucks—beautiful, sure, but not budget-friendly.
So I did what any stubborn DIYer would: studied the design, made a plan, and built them myself. The best part? They don’t just look custom—they are custom, and they hide a cleverly tucked-away media closet.
Here’s how I pulled it off (and how you can too).
The Design That Sparked It All
I found inspiration while browsing Etsy—a set of sleek, modern-rustic double barn doors with a chevron pattern, simple trim, and a bold, dark finish. They struck the perfect balance between farmhouse charm and clean-lined minimalism.
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I didn’t buy the plans (etsy link); I reverse-engineered them from the photos.
The Look I Replicated:
- Bold chevron pattern made with angled plywood strips
- Crisp ¾” border framing
- Matte black sliding hardware
- Dark neutral paint finish to blend with warm-toned walls
It felt premium without trying too hard—and that was exactly the vibe I wanted.
Budget Breakdown: Materials and Tools
I already had some tools and supplies in the garage, so my total cost came out to about $300. If you’re starting from scratch, you might spend closer to $360–$400 depending on local prices and what you already own.
Materials:
- (2) ¾” birch plywood sheets – $180
- ½” plywood for chevron slats – $70
- ¾” poplar or pine for stiles – mostly from offcuts
- Header board (1×4 pine) – included in budget
- U-MAX Double Barn Door Hardware Kit – $90
- Wood glue, nails, paint – already on hand
Tools Used:
- Kreg Plunge-Cut Saw with ACCU-Cut XL Track
- Bosch CM10GD 10” Glide Miter Saw
- Table saw for ripping slats
- Nail guns (finish and brad), clamps, sander, wood filler
Step-by-Step Build Process (Simplified, Not Dumbed Down)
1. Cut the Door Blanks
I clamped both birch plywood sheets together and cut them at the same time using the Kreg track saw. That ensured the doors would be identical in size and square.
2. Frame the Edges
Using my miter saw, I cut ¾” stiles at 90° angles (no miters needed) and attached them around the edges using glue and 1-¼” finish nails.
3. Add the Chevron Pattern
I ripped ½” plywood into 4″ wide slats. Started with a triangle at the center just under and over the horizontal strip (made from leftover ¾” scrap). Laid slats outward in mirrored pairs, spacing them ¼” apart. Cut one side at a 45°, laid it down, marked the opposite side, trimmed to fit.
Tip: Always cut the second angle after test-fitting. Go a bit long, then trim slowly for a snug fit.
Finishing Touch: Paint That Ties the Room Together
After filling holes and sanding everything smooth, I painted the doors in Sherwin-Williams Balanced Beige, a warm taupe that plays nicely with our Benjamin Moore Pale Oak walls.
That combo gives off a soft, layered look that works whether your space leans farmhouse, modern, or somewhere in between.
Pro Install Move: Header Board for Strong Mounting
The U-MAX kit came with everything I needed for smooth operation—but here’s the catch: pre-drilled holes rarely hit studs.
So I mounted a 1×4 pine board, painted it to match the wall, and secured it directly to the studs. This let me attach the track solidly without worrying about anchors pulling out.
Mounted high, the doors cover the full casing when closed, making everything feel clean and intentional—like they came with the house.
Why These Barn Doors Are More Than Just Pretty
This wasn’t just a design upgrade. Behind those doors? A fully converted media nook where we tucked the TV, shelves, and accessories into a former closet.
Now when the doors slide shut, all the tech vanishes. The living space feels less cluttered, more cohesive, and way more intentional.
Thinking About Making Your Own? Here’s What I’d Say
Start with a photo you love. You don’t need a blueprint—just a solid understanding of materials, a few core tools, and patience for detail work. Most of the time is in the prep and paint.
The actual construction? A weekend most likely.
Whether you’re covering a closet, hiding a TV, or just want a statement piece, DIY barn doors are one of the best value-per-dollar projects you can take on.
And if you can pull it off for $300 like I did? You’ll love the results even more.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.