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Most modern, standard doors are 1 ⅜-inches thick, so you should aim for this thickness unless you're building a door to replace an antique door or fit into a non-standard wall opening. Thickness varies when installing a pocket door or sliding barn door, so a good rule of thumb is to measure your existing door, if possible. For standard doors, you can also measure from the inside of the door to the door stop to gauge the proper thickness.

You can attach the hinges to either the door or the frame first, depending on your preference. The order will not affect how the door hangs or the ease of installation. However, we recommend starting with the top hinge over the bottom one for stability, as it’s much easier to support the door from below while you install the top hinge. It will also be easier to pull the door outward from the hinges as it hangs from the top than it would be to push the door toward the hinges, as there’s less clearance on the lock side.

Barn doors do not always require a bottom track, especially if a high-quality top track is used to stabilize the door. However, a bottom track is often recommended to ensure the door operates smoothly, prevent it from scratching the floor, and keep it from pushing inward or outward, which could cause damage. A bottom track also keeps the door more secure and properly anchored. In some cases, an interior barn door can hang solely from a top track without a bottom guide. If you do install a bottom track, it should be placed six to eight inches from the floor and be at least twice as wide as the door.

Here's an idea if you love pocket doors but prefer the barn door style: A pocket door that looks like a barn door. You might prefer pocket doors but still desire the rustic aesthetic of a barn door. You can simply choose a function pocket door with the same style as a barn door. There are many options available on the market to fit the look you want to achieve.