$30 Modern DIY Barn Door

This modern DIY barn door is a show stopper! It went viral on pintrest, tiktok and instagram! I have wanted to build a modern barn door somewhere in my home. In my basement I have only one door that leads to the bathroom. This was a perfect candidate as I would not have to compete or consider remodelling other doors. See the detailed plans for a step-by-step tutorial. I was so inspired after I DIYed this door that I also updated my pantry door with a more classic door pattern.

What you need for your modern barn door

Painters tape
Table saw
Mitre saw
Jigsaw
A pin nailer. I used a Ryobi 23 gauge Pin nailer
1.5inch pin nails
Level
Two pieces of 4 x 4 hardboard in 1/4 inch thickness. If you can find a 4×8, snag that!
primer. I use Sherwin-Williams wood and wall primer
Paint. I used Sherwin-Williams urbane bronze 7048 in the Emerald line
Paint brushes and small 2-3” rollers

Cut list

For the detailed cut list including measurements and angles of each piece, see the building plans

Step 1 – Visualized your DIY geometric door design

For a door like this, it’s really important to have a visual reference of your design one. Without one, it’s going to be impossible to attach the strips that will make up the design.

A good place to look for inspiration is for accent walls on Pintrest. If you love this exact door, check out my printable door guide.

After you’ve drawn the design on paper, tape out your design with inexpensive painters tape. I use the tape from the dollar store since I will peel it off. Adjust the tape until you are happy with the design. Then take a picture of your DIY Door Design. Trust me this is really important for you to help you visualize. If you like the design I picked, you can easily build this door with the building plans

Painters tape on my door to tape up my design before I started building my DIY Barn Door

Step 2 – Prepare your MDF Board

You’ll need to use your hardboard for the panel that will cover the door, as well as the strips for the DIY barn door design.

1 – Cut your hard board down to size. Unfortunately I had two pieces of 4 x 4. When measuring, take care along the edges of the door depending on which way your door opens. You’ll need to account for the thickness or the door trim. If you can get 1 piece of 8×4 ft, snag it!

2 – With the leftover cardboard, cut strips that are 1.75 inches wide using the table saw. You can use a circular saw, but it will take you a very long time. Many hardware stores will cut it for free or a nominal cost

Step 3 – Let’s get building your design

1 – Remove the handle on your door. Lean your board against the door and mark out a circle for the handle. Using a jigsaw cut the circle for the handle. If your door hinges creep on to the door, you may need to cut those out as well.

2 – Using the pin nailer, nail the boards onto the door. Account for the edges so your door opens and closes easily. I used a few books stacked at the bottom of the door to prop my door up.

3 – Now the fun part start cutting pieces for your design. For the detailed cut list, see the building plans

4 – Use a piece of wood as your spacer between every single piece of molding. This will ensure that all your spaces are even. Mine was about ¼ inch thick. You will need to place the spacer between every board, before nailing it on.

5 – You need to measure each piece cut it, and then nail it. You can find the full cut list in the building plans. With the cut list, you can cut all the pieces at once.

If you’re creating your own unique design, attach 1 piece, then measure the next piece, and cut it. Do not make all your cuts at once. I know this is tedious but the beauty is in the perfection. (I started with wood glue but realize this was unnecessary). This barn door is going to look perfect!

Step 4 – The finishing touches

1 – You’re almost to the finish line. Apply wood filler at any seam where you patched together 2 pieces of the hardboard as well as your flat panel. Use a criss / cross motion and don’t leave too much excess on the door. It can be really difficult to sand off. Try to get a clean seam. Use p220 sandpaper to smooth it out. A second coat may be necessary.

2 – Apply primer. I used Sherwin-Williams wood and wall primer

3 – Then, I used two coats of Urban Bronze 7048 by Sherwin-Williams for this DIY barn door. The colour is just gorgeous. It’s almost like a black, but it has beautiful undertones of brown which really warm up the color!

modern DIY barn door. The colour black works great with the leopard wallpaper in the background

Black Modern DIY barn door in under $30. White Ikea build in entertainment centre beside the door

Update: I painted the trim around around the door and it made the door so much more substantial!! It’s exactly what what I need to make this look more complete!