How to Build + Install a Sliding Door

When newlyweds Scott and Chelsey Iwatta bought a townhouse in Costa Mesa, Calif., they had a big issue in the bedroom. While the archway between the bedroom and bathroom was charming, there was no door and no privacy.

I called on my friend Sean Genrich, who's a carpenter, to help me construct a solution that would be inexpensive and solve the privacy problem. In one day and on a budget of $300 we built and installed a yellow sliding door.

Measure the door opening. A barn door looks best if it overlaps the opening by at least 2 inches on all sides.

Cut 1"x2"x8' boards to make the outer frame of the door. Our door is 8' tall so we cut two 8' pieces and four 47" pieces. Put two 47" pieces aside to use later. Screw together the two 8' pieces and two 47" pieces to make a rectangle.