When building a new barn, there are many types of hinges and hardware to choose from for your barn doors. We will explore some of the choices and types of hinges as well as the accessories to construct a safe, effective and proper barn door.
Strap Hinges
Strap hinges are one of the most basic and versatile hinges for a barn door. The come in various lengths and styles. No matter how good a hinge looks it’s very important to make sure you have the correct duty rating. If your door weighs 200 pounds, you must have hinges rated for that weight. If a single hinge is rated for say 100 pounds, than three hinges would more than suffice for your 200 pound door. Most strap hinges are around 20″ in length providing plenty of support for heavier barn doors.
Pinnel hinges are one of the most cost effective strap hinges on the market. There are two main components of a pinnel hinge, the strap portion that attached to the door frame and the pinnel portion that attaches to the jamb of the frame. The end of the pinnel has a pin on it that attaches to the strap portion on the door. This allows you to attach the components on the respective structures and then assemble the door to the frame. The strap portion of the pinnel hinge usually uses lag screws or bolts for assembly. Most often pinnel hinges are black in nature and can be mechanically made or hand forged from a piece of wrought iron.
Long strap hinges are also an effective hinge for barn doors. Unlike pinnel hinges, these are face mounted with several screws or lag bolts. These are often 15″ to 20″ in length and use heavy duty lag screws for installation. They are usually painted or powder coated in black.
Another popular barn door hinge is the colonial strap hinge. These are flat in nature and feature a round over portion on the end, giving a colonial, old-time look.
Double Dutch Hinges
Double Dutch hinges are the ideal hinge for creating that classic over-under door for horse stalls. This allows you to open the top half of the door for feeding your horse while keeping them safe and secure inside. Double Dutch hinges are actually two hinges in one. There are actually two hinges mounted to one frame, thus allowing you to achieve the over-under door combination.
Double Dutch hinges come on various lengths depending on how heavy your door is. The most common length is either 12″ or 17″ long and most of the time they are secured with simple black screws.
Indoor Barn door hinges
There are several options for indoor barn door hinges as well. Most often these are lighter duty in nature and much shorter in length than the exterior barn door hinges.
The classic 5″ barn door hinges offer basic, effective use for interior doors. These are a no frills no thrills kind if hinge for general use. A step up from the basic 5″ hinge is the colonial 6″ hinge. These are more ornamental in nature and feature a more decorative look. They are also more heavy duty and feature a more robust hinge pin.
For half doors, a large drop latch can be very effective. These allow you to keep your door closed thus preventing animals from escaping, yet they can be easily opened by anyone.
Other Accessories
Beyond hinges, there are other critical hardware components to building a strong barn door. Cross bracing prevents the door from racking or shifting over time. They are metal-like rods that attach to the corners of the door.
Can bolts allow you to prop your door open. They attach on the interior side drop down when in use.
A door pull allows provides a safe, secure place for your hands while opening the door There are several styles and sizes to choose from.