The use of sliding barn doors has grown increasingly popular in recent years, with a wide range of applications from home use to commercial. They can be used to separate two rooms or spaces, as a way to divide the kitchen from the rest of the house, or as a way to separate your living area from your garage.
Sliding barn doors are often installed in places where sliding gates are also used. However, sliding gates can be a bit complicated to install as a result of their weight and the need for longer tracks.
Barn doors are made of different materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, brass, or plastic. Steel or aluminum is preferred because they are durable and lightweight.
Sliding barn doors are not so heavy and don’t require tracks. But, in order to guarantee that it is able to last for many years and is free of any problems, installing it properly is essential.
Summary
Why it is important to lock a sliding barn door?
Formerly, it was common to leave sliding barn doors unlocked. But this can be dangerous if you have kids, pets, or elderly people in your house.
The risk of a sliding barn door is that it may become damaged, fall down, or accidentally open. It is also possible that someone could break in through the door and steal your belongings.
If you want to keep your barn door safe, you need to lock it. There are a few different methods for locking sliding barn doors.
Where to install a sliding barn door?
Sliding barn doors are usually installed in areas where sliding gates are also used. This means that you can install a garage door or in your backyard.
The best place to fit sliding barn doors is where you want to divide two spaces. For example, if you want to separate the kitchen from the rest of the house, you can install the door in the kitchen.
If you want to keep your garage safe, you can put an automatic sliding barn door in your garage. This is a good idea because your garage is a high-traffic area and it is a good place to keep your car.
A sliding barn door in your backyard, you can keep it locked with a chain.
8 Methods to Lock a Sliding Barn Door
Barn doors are a great way to add unique style and interest to your home. However, with the sliding door system, one of the most common problems is getting the door to stay shut properly. If you have this problem, you can lock it in 8 different ways.
1. Use a Slide Lock
Slide locks are used to lock sliding barn doors. A slide lock is a device that allows you to lock the door and prevent it from opening.
Slide locks are available in different sizes and designs. Some slide locks are made to be attached to the sliding barn door, while others are meant to be installed in the door frame.
For extra security, you can buy a slide lock that will attach to the door. If you have an existing door, you can use a slide lock to make sure that the door stays closed.
2. Use a Magnetic Lock
Magnetic locks are the second most common way to secure sliding barn doors. Magnetic locks are easy to install and use.
They are also a great choice if you are setting up sliding barn door for the first time. If you’re fitting sliding barn door where it will be hard to keep closed, magnetic locks are a great choice.
Different sizes and designs are available for magnetic locks. It is possible to attach some magnetic locks to the sliding barn door, but others are designed for the doorframe.
For a secure barn door, you can buy a magnetic lock that will attach to the door.
3. Use a Cylinder Lock
Cylinder locks cost more than magnetic locks, but they are a bit more durable. Cylinder locks are also easier to install and use.
If you have a sliding barn door that has a large area to be locked, it is a good idea to use cylinder locks. If you are installing a barn door that has trouble staying closed, cylinder locks are a good choice.
They are ideal for applications in which sliding barn doors are likely to be open outdoors. When securing your barn door, you can check a pin and chain lock that attaches to the door for ease of closing.
4. Use a Chain and Pin Lock
Chain and pin locks are a bit more expensive than other locks. But, they are also a bit more durable.
If you want to make sure that your sliding barn door stays closed, you can buy a pin-and-chain lock to secure it. If you are installing a barn door where it is difficult to keep it closed, chain and pin locks are a great choice.
They are also great for locations where the sliding barn door is likely to be exposed to the elements. Using a chain and pin lock can make it easier to close your barn door when it’s secured.
5. Use a Spring Lock
Spring locks are more expensive than other locks. But, they are also more secure and durable.
For easy closeness, you can purchase a spring lock that will attach to the door for easy closeness. If you are installing a sliding barn door in a location where it is difficult to close, spring locks are a great choice.
Sliding barn doors are also well suited for outdoor applications with a high degree of weather exposure.
6. Use a Staple Lock
Staple locks are another barn door locking option. These locks are used to keep barn doors closed. If you push the door open, it will be automatically locked by the staple lock.
You can install a staple lock on either the inside or the outside of the barn door. A staple lock is a great option for barn doors that have two sliding panels.
To conclude, staple locks are a great choice for barn doors that are installed in locations where you have a problem with the door staying closed.
7. Use a Deadbolt Lock
Deadbolt locks are the most secure option for locking barn doors. They are also more strong than other locks.
You can install a deadbolt lock on the barn door from the inside or outside. If you push the door open, the deadbolt lock will automatically lock the door.
To conclude, if your barn door is not staying closed, staple locks are a great solution.
8. Use a Padlock
Padlocks are a bit more affordable than deadbolt locks. They are also easier to install. The padlock that attaches to your sliding barn door will make it easy to close the door if you want it to stay closed.
In locations where sliding barn doors tend to stay open but not close, padlocks are a great choice. Wherever possible, you should use a padlock that is the same size as the hole. This will make the installation easier.
Conclusion:
After all, the best way to keep your barn door secure is to keep it closed. If you have an open barn door, you will allow thieves and animals to get inside your barn.
There are many different types of locks you can use to keep your barn door closed. These locks can be used on the inside or the outside of the door. The type of lock you use will depend on your budget and the size of the door.
If you have a sliding barn door, you can use the slide lock to keep it closed. You can use a magnetic lock to keep the barn door closed. The magnetic lock will automatically open the door when the door is pushed open.
Related Resources:
- Best Smart Locks with Geofencing
- Best Smart Locks for Bedrooms
- Can Keypad Door Locks Be Hacked
- Best Smart Locks for Sliding Door
- Can Keypad Door Locks Be Hacked
- Best Smart Lock For Thick Doors

I am Jeff Bortnick, the founder of SMART WISE HOME. I am also a husband, father of two, and a long-time technology lover. I have been obsessed with home automation since I was at University doing my MSc in Automation and Control Engineering