Are you wondering how to lock a sliding barn door? Sliding barn doors are a great home feature that adds character to your interior and exterior spaces. However, it’s not the most secure door mechanism compared to a standard door. Most manufacturers don’t design sliding barn doors to lock securely.
The seven ways to lock a sliding barn door are:
- Install a Hook and Eye Latch
- Use a Teardrop Privacy Lock
- Install a Heavy-Duty Deadbolt Lock
- Use a Hasp and PadLock
- Mount a Surface-Mounted Slide Bolt
- Add a Flip Latch For Double Sliding Doors
- Install a Smart Lock For Sliding Barn Door
With these methods, you can effectively secure entry points in your home. Since sliding barn doors don’t have locking mechanisms, you must install a lock yourself. Keep reading further to learn how to lock a sliding barn door correctly.
What Are The Types of Sliding Barn Doors?
Before purchasing barn door locks for your sliding door, you need to know which style you have on your property. There are five main types of sliding barn doors on the market, each having a different sliding action. If you want reliable home security, read the following descriptions of sliding barn door types:
- Standard Sliding Barn Door: The standard design for a sliding barn door includes a single panel door sliding along one track. Both of the door’s corners attach to the track with a hanger.
- Bifold Sliding Door: This sliding door option includes two panels that slide along a singular door track. When opened, the barn door will overlap to provide users with a clear entry path.
- Pocket Sliding Door: For a sleek sliding door design, pocket doors have an opening in a wall that fits the barn door. Pocket doors can fit well for single or double barn door applications.
- Bypassing Sliding Door: This sliding door style includes two tracks, with double doors sliding on their track. These barn doors will pass in front of each other when opened and closed.
- Biparting Sliding Barn Door: These double sliding barn doors slide on a singular track and meet in the middle of the track. A biparting sliding door is one of the easiest options for effective locking mechanisms.
Once you know which sliding barn door style you have, you can pick a locking option that works best with the unique opening mechanism. If you use the incorrect barn door locks, you may receive weak security, which is a liability. Read the seven best ways to lock a sliding barn door for your home.
7 Ways to Lock a Sliding Barn Door
1. Install a Hook and Eye Latch
A good option is a hook and eye latch lock if you want basic protection. These barn door locks require no complex installation or pricy locking mechanisms. A hook and eye latch will also fit any barn door style, offering a fool-proof lock option.
Important Note: There should be no gap between the door and wall if you want to lock a barn door. An intruder can easily unlatch the barn door hardware with a credit card or thin object.
2. Use a Teardrop Privacy Lock
When you want a convenient option to keep your barn door closed, the teardrop privacy lock style will offer it. However, this is not the option for homeowners looking for superior security for their doors.
The purpose of this lock is to block the view of someone attempting to look through a track in the door and keep the door shut. A criminal can still bypass the barn door locks with a thin object fitting in the door latch.
3. Install a Heavy-Duty Deadbolt Lock
You must install sturdy door hardware options like a deadbolt lock for strong security. If you want to install a deadbolt, you will need to install a strike plate on a wall. The deadbolt will sit inside of the door jamb until released from the inside.
This lock option has a more complex installation than the other barn door locks, but you will have superior security. The lock can’t be bypassed with a credit card or simple method like some of the other options.
4. Use a Hasp and PadLock
The hasp and padlock option is best suited for exterior barn doors if you want to open the door from the outside. Putting this option indoors could lead to frustration as you need to use a key to open it every time.
While installing the hasp to your property, I recommend using longer screws than the ones in the package. The screws in the packaging typically are too short and can be ripped from the wall more easily.
5. Mount a Surface-Mounted Slide Bolt
One of the common flaws of standard lock options is an intruder can kick the door to break the lock. With a large surface-mounted slide bolt, the bolt covers the entirety of the door and spreads the impact.
The force would not break the slide bolt hardware if a criminal attempted to kick the door. This locking mechanism is the strongest option on this list and is suitable for all door styles. When you want the best protection, we recommend this lock.
6. Add a Flip Latch For Double Sliding Doors
Double sliding doors have the disadvantage of having more vulnerability to kicks during a home invasion. While you can’t secure the doors to the wall, there are specialized flip latch locks for double sliding doors.
You will install the lock hardware by securing it on the doors. The flip latch can be secured with a padlock for additional security. This lock option should be your first choice if you have a bi-parting sliding barn door option.
7. Install a Smart Lock For Sliding Barn Door
As smart locks become more popular, there are options designed for sliding barn doors that offer convenient protection. Several smart lock styles are becoming a trusted choice for homeowners.
Some smart barn door locks you can install are:
- Finger Scan Door Lock
- Keypad Door Lock
- App-Controlled Door Lock
This type of lock makes it easier to install options that require a key and grant instant access to your home. While shopping for a smart lock, I would look for an option with stainless steel hardware and a reliable latch.
How to Install a Sliding Barn Door Lock?
One of the great things about a barn door lock is they are easy to install. If you have some DIY knowledge, you can add a sliding door lock for your home. When installing a lock, it’s best to lock the door from the inside. A lock on the inside can ensure you retain privacy and secure the interior.
Keep in mind that you should install different locks depending on their location. An exterior barn door lock should include heavy-duty hardware like a padlock that makes it difficult for someone to access. An interior door should have options that make it easier for daily life but still offer some privacy and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t want to install a lock on your sliding barn door, you can still improve the door’s security. One of our favorite tools is a sliding door track lock, an inexpensive tool for instant security. You can place this sliding door lock on the track, preventing the door from sliding and opening.
To secure a sliding pole barn door, we recommend a blind rod with a padlock attached to the interior. Additionally, you can run steel cable through the door and barn frame before locking it with a padlock. However, you should include safety measures such as a security fence and guard dog for exterior home security.
If you live in a safe area, you may not worry about boosting the security of your barn doors. However, a teardrop lock can help keep the doors closed and improve the privacy of the interior. Several different locks will help keep your barn doors closed and lock the door from the outside.
Conclusion
While barn doors weren’t designed to offer much security, you can still modify the door with different lock options. Many options are available, whether you want minimal security with a hook and latch or superior protection with a slide bolt. Once installed, you can have better peace of mind your home is safe.
Now with this locking hardware in mind, you can choose the following options:
- Install a Hook and Latch
- Use a Teardrop Privacy Lock
- Install a Heavy-Duty Deadbolt Lock
- Use a Hasp and Padlock
- Mount a Surface-Mounted Slide Bolt
- Add a Flip Latch For Double Sliding Doors
- Install a Smart Lock For Sliding Barn Door
How do you secure your barn door lock? Let us know in the comments!