Thinking of Installing a Barn Door? Start by Measuring Right

Barn doors have become a popular feature in Kiwi homes – not just for their rustic charm, but also for their space-saving practicality. Whether you're updating your interior or working on a new build, a barn door can add both elegance and functionality. But before you choose your favourite style, it’s important to measure your door opening properly to make sure it fits just right.

You Can Do It Yourself

If you’re comfortable using a tape measure and can measure accurately to within 5mm, you're good to go. While a lot of guides use imperial units, here in New Zealand we mostly work in metric – so we’ve got you covered.

What You’ll Need

Then grab a tape measure and a pencil. That’s all you need to get started.

1. Measure the Width

Measure the width of your door opening from side to side. For barn doors, the track needs to be roughly twice the width of your opening. Also check how much wall space you have to either side of the doorway – and note down the width of any trim or architraves.

2. Measure the Height

Measure from the floor to the top of the opening. The barn door should ideally be slightly taller than the opening to cover it completely. Don’t forget to measure the space above the door frame – most hardware needs 50–200mm of clearance above the opening.

3. Plan for Overlap

We generally recommend your barn door be 50–75mm wider on each side of the opening to ensure full coverage when closed. As for height, a door that matches the opening is usually fine – unless you’d prefer to cover the trim as well for a more finished look.

Need a Hand?

If you’re unsure about anything – maybe your doorway’s a bit unusual or you just want a second opinion – feel free to get in touch. We’re here to help and we actually answer the phone during business hours.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be ready to order the right size barn door for your space.

Happy measuring – and happy decorating!