Tools and Materials

Tools

Miter saw
Cordless drill and driver bits
Combination square
Tape measure
Pocket-hole jig
Random-orbit sander; 120-grit and 180-grit sanding discs
180-grit sandpaper
Level
Fine-grit sanding sponge

Materials

See Project Diagrams for lumber required
1 1/4-in drywall screws
1 1/4-in coarse-thread pocket-hole screws
Stanley-National 2.01-in door roller, #48217
3 – Stanley-National door top brackets, #48202
Stanley-National 8-ft x 2.4-in x 1.88-in steel track, #48208
Minwax pre-stain conditioner, #46575
Minwax dark walnut wood stain, #86165
Minwax wipe-on satin polyurethane, #24499

Note

Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability, and item numbers may vary online or by market. Paint colors may vary slightly from those shown. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.

Instructions

This slatted door is easy to scale and build to fit your opening. Once you know how big the door needs to be, adjust the length of the top/bottom rails and slats to the desired length. To adjust the height, adjust the spacing between the slats, add additional slats, or change the width of the slats. If you make the door taller, adjust the length of the vertical frame parts.

Shop Interior Doors Shop Barn Door Roller Kits

Stain First

Make a Door

Align the top of the frame with the top edge of the first slat.

Cut a spacer 1 1/2 inches long. Lay the slats face down on your work surface, flip the frame over to hide the pocket-hole screws, and place the frame on top of the slats. Place the top slat even with the top of the frame (Project Diagram, Drawing 2). The width of the frame is centered on the length of the slats. Use the 1 1/2-inch spacer to keep the slat/frame overhang consistent.

Good to Know

The top rail and slat will have notches cut to receive the sliding door hardware. When securing the top rail, keep the screws clear of the hardware (Project Diagram, Drawing 2) and the bolts.

Use spacers to equally place the slats on the door frame.

Attach the remaining slats using 1/2-inch spacers and drywall screws. Because the boards can vary slightly in width, check the measurements at each side of the door, measuring from the top of the top slat to the bottom of each added slat as you go to make sure they are of equal distance on both sides.

Good to Know

The black finish of drywall screws complements the dark stain on these doors. They can also be used for doors made with a clear natural finish. If you choose, steel screws can be substituted for a different look.

Mount the Hardware

See More Sliding Doors

Wood-Slat Sliding Door