Barn doors are beautiful. When installed inside a home, they can become the centerpiece and the start of many conversations.
However, many of us immediately think of the noise levels that could come through such doors.
As with any door, sound can easily find its way through. You can remedy this with some doors by placing an object in front of them to drown out the noise.
Of course, this isn’t always possible and it’s not a long-term solution to sound issues.
Fortunately, there are some soundproofing techniques that can drown out the noise from one side of your barn door to the other.
Most soundproofing methods for regular doors are the same for barn doors and we don’t mean placing an object in front of any gaps! You just have to do things a little differently with barn doors.
The best way of soundproofing barn doors is to ensure there are no gaps or cracks through which noise can travel.
As well as making sure your barn doors are made from solid wood with a solid core, we are going to delve into more detail in this article.
Continue reading to find out what you can add or change to the structure of your barn doors to sufficiently soundproof them.
How to soundproof barn doors
Before you begin to stress yourself out, there will be no taking down of barn doors or dismantling involved in our soundproofing methods.
If you are tired of noise coming through your barn doors, there are numerous ways to fix this problem.
Let’s not wait any longer! Here are the most effective ways of soundproofing your barn doors.
Sealant
If you find that there is a slight gap between your barn door and the wall, then you should seal this to reduce any noise seeping through. This will ensure your door is closed properly every time.
The door should be as close to the wall as possible. However, this can be challenging when trying to move the barn door over the floorboards.
This gliding usually means that there is some sort of gap between the door and the trim.
You can remedy this issue with sealants such as Weatherstrip. Using this can close the gap without needing to cut any piece of the baseboard out.
Simply apply a weatherstrip, that is the same color as the barn door, from the top to the bottom of the barn door’s sides where you can see an air gap. If the door only has a gap on one side, simply apply the strip to this section.
Applying a self-adhesive weatherstrip to fill the gap between the barn door and the wall can be very effective when reducing noises coming from another room.
You can repeat this process on the bottom of your barn door but choose a weatherstrip that glides smoothly on your floor but also closes the gap securely.
Board the bottom of the door
If you find that there is a gap between the bottom of your door and the ground, then there is another simple solution.
You can screw a board to the bottom of the door but this process includes removing the barn door for more access to its bottom.
You have the option of either gluing the board or nailing a flat molding to the door’s bottom. Ensure you have a ¼” overlap on your barn door so the gap is covered where the nose is coming through.
Add a door sweep
Adding a door sweep to your barn door is a highly effective yet inexpensive way to block sounds coming from another room.
We advise you to use a brush-style door sweep as these tend to work best with sliding doors. They do not stick on the floor but still make some contact with it to ensure the gap is tightly sealed.
Install an oversized door
This tip is only if you haven’t started your barn door project yet.
If this is the case, then you should install an oversized door as this can limit any gaps between the door and the walls or floor.
It is always tempting to opt for cheaper regular doors on the market that can be installed on sliders. However, this method can result in large gaps where sound and light can find their way through.
If your budget is a little tight and a regular door is your only option, there are some adjustments you can make to increase the door’s size.
You can add a single piece of wood on the inside of the door and then paint the remainder of the door the same color as this wood. Be prepared to scribe off the bottom piece of the wood to tighten any possible gaps.
Soundproof Foam Corner Block
Some barn doors may require more than just weatherstrips to soundproof any gaps. If there is a 1-inch gap or more on either side of your sliding barn door, you can use a soundproof foam corner block.
Soundproof Foam Corner Block
This acoustical foam block can be attached to the whole length of the door to pad out any chasms that may be evident.
This foam is especially favorable as it won’t cause any damage to your door or wall when the door is being used because of its soft texture.
Invest in a solid core barn door
If you’re happy to splash some cash, then you should consider installing a barn door that is made from solid wood, otherwise known as a solid core door.
The solid nature of these doors helps to significantly deaden any sound from another room. Its thick body absorbs far more sound than any traditional hollow core interior door.
It goes without saying but all doors that are made from solid wood or foam core models will deaden sound a great deal more than hollow core or glass doors.
Add moving blankets
Moving blankets are exceptional for absorbing sounds. These extremely thick blankets can dramatically decrease sound levels in any room.
To use these, simply hang them on your barn door and let them work their magic. If you can still hear any unwanted noises, simply add more layers until the sound is completely deadened.
Use sound-absorbing curtains
You may be surprised but curtains can also be an effective way to dampen sound through barn doors. The best thing about this option is that there are a variety of styles and colors that should suit your home.
However, such curtains will not entirely absorb sound but only drop it somewhat, though this can be quite significant.
Firstly, you will have to install a curtain road on the wall or the ceiling above your barn door. For the best soundproofing results, ensure that the curtains can cover the door completely.
Attach acoustic panels
Another effective option is to install acoustic panels to your barn doors. You have the choice between two types of acoustic panels: fiberglass panels and foam panels.
Fiberglass panels tend to be the most efficient at blocking out noise while foam panels are outstanding for reducing any amount of echo coming from another room.
Nonetheless, fiberglass is highly recommended. Although a little more expensive, fiberglass is generally far more effective as soundproofing.
However, you could combine fiberglass panels with foam panels alongside each other. This will reduce the echo as well as block any noise.
You’ll be happy to know that installing these panels is quite simple. If your panels are not self-adhesive, you can use hanging strips or green glue to securely apply to your barn doors.
When using hanging strips, you just have to attach one or two to the back of each panel and then simply stick to your door.
It’s important to note that you should precisely measure the doors before you invest in any panels.
We also recommend that you buy panels that are slightly larger than required. This means you can cut them down to the right size if needed.
Hire a professional carpenter
Many of us are not DIY experts or don’t have the time to soundproof barn doors. If this is the case, you should consider hiring a professional to do the job.
A carpenter that has built and installed numerous barn doors will know exactly what to do and should do a better job.
If you have little experience with such projects, you may leave gaps after the installation. This could involve inaccurate measurements leaving gaps on either side of the door.
Of course, hiring a professional will cost more but it will leave you safe in the knowledge that your barn doors can be soundproofed correctly by someone with experience.
Invest in high-quality hardware
Sometimes, a noisy barn door means it was not installed correctly. Poor installation can lead to slight cracks or wide gaps in certain areas of the framework.
This usually results in an eventual noise which can get worse over time.
If you have to reinstall your barn doors, it’s recommended that you invest in some high-quality hardware.
This will make a significant impact on your barn door’s performance. High-quality, sturdy hardware ensures that your barn doors remain still and refrain from rattling or making noise in the future.
Regularly lubricate the joints
Noise doesn’t always come from other regions of your home. Creaking sounds can also originate from your barn door itself.
If you’re experiencing rattles and creaks from parts of your door, its hinges may need lubricating. This irritating noise is usually caused by friction between the rollers and door rails.
You should regularly maintain your barn doors with lubrication. This doesn’t only prevent annoying noises but it can mitigate potential wear and tear of the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best materials for soundproofing?
Fortunately, there are a range of materials available to block out unwanted sounds. The most ideal soundproofing materials include MDF panels, vibration pads, foam panels, fiberglass panels, and green glue.
What may work for one door, may not work for another. Alternatively, you can always opt for softer materials such as sound-absorbing curtains or moving blankets.
However, these don’t tend to block out any noise. Instead, they limit overall sounds.
In Summary
As you can see, there are many ways to soundproof barn doors. Some options work better than others and it often depends on the primary issue with the doors.
Tackling this DIY project can be a hassle, especially if you have little experience with these kinds of tasks.
With a little patience and some commitment to the project, you should be able to limit some unnecessary noise from parts of your home.
We hope this guide has helped you soundproof your barn doors.
Remember, if you’re in any doubt and find the DIY process a bit too much, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Doing this should guarantee correctly soundproofed barn doors.
