Design Custom Barn Doors in Chicago IL
Custom Barn Doors by KJ Hardwoods
Transform your entryway from a simple passage into a stunning architectural feature with our custom barn doors in Chicago. At KJ Hardwood Lumber, we believe a door should do more than just close off a room; it should save space, add character, and showcase the natural beauty of solid wood. Whether you are looking to separate a home office in a downtown loft or add a rustic touch to a suburban master suite, our sliding doors are handcrafted from kiln-dried hardwoods like White Oak, Walnut, and Hickory. Unlike hollow-core options found in big-box stores, our doors are built to last, offering substantial weight, sound dampening, and a premium feel that elevates the entire aesthetic of your home.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
We are very pleased with multiple orders from this company. Especially, their ability to turn simple ideas into beautiful, one-of-a-kind works of art, that are reasonably priced. We highly recommend this company and will certainly order from them again.
- Andrew HansingCustomer
These are some amazing people who have top notch lumber. Great selection, very knowledgeable and helpful. I’ve gone twice now and likely won’t be going anywhere else for my lumber needs. Go see em and get to building.
All wood was kiln dried and in great shape.
- Christopher WatkinsCustomerAll wood was kiln dried and in great shape.
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How much bigger should a barn door be than the opening?
To ensure privacy and block light gaps, a sliding barn door needs to be wider and taller than the casing it covers. We typically recommend that the door be at least 2 to 4 inches wider than the opening (1-2 inches of overhang on each side) and about 1 inch taller. Because we specialize in custom barn doors in Chicago, we can build the door to the exact dimensions required to fully cover your specific doorway and trim.
Do I need a header board to install a barn door?
In most cases, yes. Solid hardwood doors are significantly heavier than hollow doors. If your wall studs don’t line up perfectly with the holes in the metal track, a header board (a piece of wood anchored into the studs) provides the necessary structural support to hold the track and the weight of the door safely. We can supply a matching header board to ensure a cohesive look.
Can barn doors be used for bathrooms or bedrooms?
Absolutely. While the gap between the door and the wall (necessary for sliding) does allow slightly more sound to pass than a swinging door, using solid, dense hardwood helps dampen noise significantly. For privacy, we can recommend specific privacy locks and latches designed for sliding doors, ensuring security without compromising the aesthetic.
Are your barn doors only available in rustic styles?
Not at all. While the term “barn door” implies a rustic look, the hardware and wood choice define the style. We craft sleek, modern doors using black walnut with horizontal grain patterns for contemporary Chicago condos, as well as traditional “Z-brace” or “British brace” designs for farmhouse-style homes. The design possibilities are virtually endless.
What prevents the door from swinging back and forth?
A floor guide is essential for keeping the door stable. It is a small piece of hardware attached to the floor that fits into a groove (kerf) cut into the bottom of the door. This keeps the door aligned with the track and prevents it from banging against the wall or swinging out into the room when opened or closed.
Can I install a barn door over existing door trim?
Yes, you can. However, you need to ensure the track is mounted far enough from the wall so the door clears the trim when it slides. This is often where a header board comes in handy—it pushes the track out slightly, creating the necessary clearance for your door to glide smoothly over thick casing or baseboards.
What species of wood do you recommend for barn doors?
We recommend hardwoods that are stable and durable. White Oak and Ash are excellent choices for their durability and prominent grain patterns that take stain beautifully. Black Walnut is a favorite for a luxurious, natural dark finish. We avoid softwoods like pine for high-traffic areas, as they dent easily. Since we mill our own lumber, we can guide you to the perfect species for your specific custom barn doors in Chicago.
Do you offer double barn doors or bypass systems?
Yes. For wider openings, such as between a dining room and living room, double doors (parting in the middle) create a grand entrance. If you have a wide opening but limited wall space on the sides, we can use bypass hardware, which allows one door to slide behind the other, similar to a closet door system.
Can you incorporate glass or windows into the door?
Yes, we can design doors with glass inserts (“lights”) to allow natural light to flow between rooms while maintaining physical separation. Whether you want frosted glass for privacy or clear glass for an open, airy feel, we can build the wooden frame to accommodate various glazing options.
How heavy are solid hardwood barn doors?
Solid hardwood is dense and heavy, which is a marker of quality. Depending on the size and species, a single door can weigh anywhere from 80 to over 150 pounds. This weight gives the door a satisfying glide and feel, but it emphasizes the importance of using high-quality heavy-duty hardware and proper installation methods, which we prioritize in every build.
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