With so many materials and styles available choosing the right barn door can feel overwhelming. Whether it is for a DIY project, a seasoned equine architect, or an equine facilities designer or builder, this guide covers the key features to consider so you can select the best exterior door for your barn.
Why Exterior Barn Door Quality Matters
Your barn door is exposed to constant wear — from daily use to harsh weather. The best choice is always a high-quality door that stands up to the elements, keeps your animals safe, and operates smoothly for years. This means that there are tradeoffs to consider in materials, build-quality, appearance, and ultimately in cost.
Choosing the right door helps you:
- Protect and secure your horses and equipment
- Prevent weather damage
- Improve daily functionality
- Add to your barn’s curb appeal
Start with Durable, Weather-Resistant Materials
Choosing the right materials is one of the most important factors in a door’s performance and lifespan. Look for options that not only match your climate but also require minimal maintenance.
Common choices include:
- Wood: A classic look that fits traditional barns but will require upkeep and ongoing care to prevent warping or rot.
- Steel: Extremely durable and secure, ideal for added protection. A heavy material and can be difficult to operate. Prone to rust if not well maintained.
- Powder-coated aluminum: Lightweight, durable, rust-resistant, and great for smooth operation. Easy to open and close.
- Composite materials: Designed to resist the elements and reduce maintenance while offering custom appearances.
Selecting the right material helps ensure your barn door works well — and looks good — for years to come.
At J&E, we use high-quality tubular aluminum and offer a large variety of colors and finishes. We also offer upgrades to handle extreme climates or meet design needs.’
Choose High-Quality Hardware for Smooth Operation
Heavy-duty hardware is essential for barn doors that are used frequently. Quality tracks, rollers, and guides make it easier to open and close large doors — even in bad weather. Better hardware is also designed to help prevent theft, as doors cannot be easily removed from the tracks.
Look for:
- Heavy-gauge steel or aluminum tracks
- Weather-sealed rollers
- Guides that keep the door secure during high winds
Reliable hardware makes daily chores easier and reduces long-term wear.
Weatherproofing Protects Your Barn’s Interior
Exterior barn doors need to do more than just close — they should also help seal the barn against rain, wind, and snow. Good weatherproofing keeps your horses comfortable and protects stored equipment.
Consider:
- Weatherstripping to reduce drafts
- Double-pane glass windows for added insulation
- Door sweeps to seal the bottom edge
- Insulated cores for barns in extreme climates
Proper sealing can also help regulate temperatures inside the barn, especially during winter and summer months. This can also help reduce conditioning costs in extreme climate conditions.
Don’t Overlook Security Features
A barn door is also your first line of defense against theft or unwanted access. Certain door features can help improve your barn’s security without sacrificing convenience.
Options include:
- Lockable latches or bolts
- Anti-lift hardware to prevent forced entry
- Kick-resistant lower panels for horse safety
These upgrades are especially useful if your barn stores valuable tack, equipment, or feed.
Style and Size Matter — Both for Function and Appearance
Your barn door should fit properly and complement the look of your barn. Custom sizing ensures smooth operation, while design elements like crossbucks or windows can enhance the door’s appearance.
Common choices include:
- Sliding barn doors: Save space and create a traditional look
- Swinging barn doors: Offer a classic style if space allows
- Custom finishes: Stains, paints, powder coating, or natural wood looks to match your barn
A well-designed barn door can improve both functionality and curb appeal. At J&E Grill Manufacturing, all of our doors are powder coated tubular aluminum, and we offer an array of over 30 colors as well as special finishes, some of which look like real wood.
Final Thoughts: Invest in the Right Barn Door for Long-Term Benefits
A well-built exterior barn door is a long-term investment in your barn’s functionality, safety, and appearance. By choosing quality materials, reliable hardware, and the right design, you’ll enjoy smoother daily operations and better protection for your horses and equipment.
At J&E we do our best to make these choices easy. We use the best materials for our hand-crafted doors and offer upgrades and style choices that allow you to design the exterior barn door you have been dreaming about, while improving the safety, security, and functionality of your barn.
Need help selecting the right barn door?
Browse our selection of exterior barn doors and custom hardware or contact us for expert recommendations.