How To Soundproof a Barn Door? {7 Proven Ways}
Do you have a barn door that’s letting in too much noise? Okay, so if the answer is yes, then you’re not alone!
We’ve received more than 17 emails in the past month from people asking: How to soundproof a barn door?
So if you are scratching your head with the same question and want to make your barn door soundproof, then you’re exactly where you should be. 😀
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with 7 best ways to soundproof a barn door. keep reading…
7 Effective ways to soundproof a barn door
Here’s what you’ve been waiting for: 7 effective and proven ways for barn door soundproofing. Let’s kick things off by tackling those gaps.
1: Minimize gaps
If you want to soundproof your barn door effectively, seal the gaps properly. They are your enemy. If you don’t seal them properly, don’t expect to get any major reduction in the noise.
They might be at the sides, the top, or even at the bottom. So go and take a look at your door top, bottom and sides, if you find gaps here how to seal them:
a) Install a strip of hardwood
If you have gaps on the sides of your barn door, I recommend installing a strip of hardwood on each side to close the gaps between the door trim and the sliding barn door. (noise-proof a sliding door)
Hardwood is an excellent choice for this purpose due to its durability and stability. It is known for being robust and resistant to wear and tear.
Steps to Seal Gaps on sides with Hardwood Strips:
- Firstly, measure the length and height of the gaps on each side of the sliding barn door. Make sure to take accurate measurements to ensure a proper fit.
- Using a saw, cut the hardwood strips to the required lengths to match the height of the gaps. You can also use sandpaper to smooth the edges of the hardwood strips for a comfortable fit.
- During installation, you will need to take your barn door off. After you remove your door, apply wood adhesive onto the back of the hardwood strips and press them firmly into the gaps on each side of the barn door.
- Once the adhesive is fully dry, install the door back.
If you have gaps above the door, you can also install a strip of hardwood above the door to seal this gap. The process is pretty much the same, just ensure the strip is properly aligned and does not cause any issues while opening and closing the door.
Watch this video to learn more about this technique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24d40QBTN80
b) Install a door sweep
Installing a door sweep is important to seal the gaps at the bottom of your barn door. I have seen that many people ignore the gaps at the bottom, but you shouldn’t have to do that.
You should use a brush door sweep that’s of good quality. Avoid using other types of sweeps because they might stick to the floor and make it hard to slide your barn door open and closed.
Learn: Pocket door noise reduction techniques
2: Hang acoustic curtains
Barn doors look pretty awesome and add a touch of elegance to your room. So, putting anything on them just to get some noise reduction can diminish their beauty.
This is where acoustic curtains come in. In my opinion, acoustic curtains are a go-to solution for soundproofing a barn door.
They are made with dense and noise-absorbing materials that help absorb and reduce the sound passing through to a certain extent. Additionally, they also add aesthetic appeal to your barn door.
To install acoustic curtains, choose a acoustic curtain that is the size of your door and is wide and long enough to cover the entire door.
To get one that is effective at soundproofing, look for a curtain with multiple (2,3 or more) layers and one that is heavy and thick. Once you have the curtains, install curtain rods or tracks above the door frame and hang the curtain on the rods.
3: Use Wood Perforated Acoustic Panels
If you want to get a superior level noise reduction then consider installing Wood Perforated Acoustic Panel to your barn door.
A Wood Perforated Acoustic Panel is also a type of foam panel, but it is different. They are made of a perforated wood panel and a thick layer of acoustical foam. This is what makes them different, effective, and better than traditional foam panels.
While wood perforated acoustic panels are better than regular ones, however, they are also quite expensive. A pack of four wood perforated acoustic panels measures 19.7×19.7 x 2 inches each, costing $264.45, which equates to $66.11 per panel, which is a lot.
Well, you don’t need to cover your entire barn door with these panels; you can simply install four of these and achieve substantial noise reduction.
However, if you are not willing to spend that much, you can choose another option, which is to install self-adhesive soundproof foam panels.
4: Stick mass-loaded vinyl on the door or use it as curtain
According to acousticalsolutions.com, Mass Loaded Vinyl can be an effective and affordable product for soundproofing.
So why not use it to soundproof a barn door? Well, you can use mass-loaded vinyl to soundproof your door in two different ways, you can either stick it onto the door or use it as a curtain.
To stick Mass Loaded Vinyl on the door, start by measuring the dimensions of the door and cutting the vinyl to fit. Then staple it onto your barn door, starting from the top, moving to the sides, and then to the bottom.
To use Mass Loaded Vinyl as a curtain, install a sturdy curtain rod or track above the door and hang the Mass Loaded Vinyl by cutting it to the size.
Both options provide a cost-effective and simple solution for soundproofing your barn door. Whether you choose to stick Mass Loaded Vinyl directly on the door or use it as a curtain, you can enjoy the benefits of reduced noise.
MLV curtains are also good for making a French door soundproof, for louvered door soundproofing and even for soundproofing condo or apartment door.
5: Use acoustic caulk to seal tiny gaps on the door surface
If you have an old brace barn door, chances are there might be some tiny gaps or cracks on the surface of the door. And as you already know that even tiny gaps or cracks in your door can be an entry point for noise.
To sort out these gaps, you can use a special type of caulk called acoustic caulk to seal these gaps and cracks on your barn door surface. Acoustic caulk will hardly cost $50 for a single tube of acoustic caulk.
6: Upgrade Hardware
If you want to take your barn door soundproofing to the next level, you need to think about each and every aspect of your barn door. One of them is the hardware such as the rollers and track.
According to SoundproofGuides, the hardware you choose can have a significant impact on the overall noise reduction of your barn door.
Therefore, it is important to choose quality and sturdy hardware that does not wear out after just a few months, causing your sliding barn door to make a loud noise when it is slid open or closed.
For some best hardware for your barn door, check out the linked article by The Spruce.
7: Upgrade to a solid barn door
If you’re really serious about turning your door into a shield against noise that is coming into your room, then considering an upgrade to a solid-core barn door could be a smart move.
Now, I’d like to point out that this method of soundproofing does tend to be on the pricier side. So, I’d suggest it mainly if you currently have a hollow core barn door or a solid door that isn’t exactly top-notch in terms of material quality. This way, by switching to a new solid core barn door, you can achieve a better noise reduction. (Read: Sound reduction solutions for hollow door)
When looking for a new solid core barn door look for doors that are made up of wood such as oak, knotty pine or hardwood. These are some of the best wood for barn doors.
By the way, if you currently have a solid core door but you are not satisfied with the level of soundproofing it provides you then think about replacing it with a soundproof door. It may cost more $600 for a soundproof door.
Related post: How to soundproof a garage door?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I make my sliding door quieter?
To make a sliding door quieter, use quality track and rollers to ensure smooth operation, install a door sweep, and apply soft-close mechanisms.
Q2. Can sliding doors be soundproof?
Yes, sliding doors can be soundproofed by adding seals, using heavy curtains, or using soundproofing materials on the door.
Q3. How do you fill a gap between a barn door and a wall?
Fill the gap between a barn door and a wall with a strip of hardwood for an effective solution or you can use foam insulation.
Related: Bifold door noise reduction tips
My Final Thought
To conclude:
- Minimize gaps by installing a strip of hardwood on the sides between the frame and the door.Install a brush door sweep at the bottom.
- Hang an acoustic curtain that has 2 or more layers.
- Install a few pieces of Wood Perforated Acoustic Panels on your barn door’s surface.
- Staple a layer of mass-loaded vinyl to your door or hang it as a curtain.
- Seal the tiny gaps or cracks on your brace barn door with acoustic caulk.
- Choose sturdy and quality rollers and a track for your sliding barn door. If you have poor-quality hardware, replace them with better ones.
- Lastly, upgrade to a solid-core barn door if you have a hollow-core door or you have a big budget for the project.
These are some of the best ways to soundproof a sliding barn door. Use the methods that are most suitable for you and your budget.
That’s it for the post: Soundproof a barn door 🚪🤐
Here are some more posts from us on soundproofing a door:
