Get matched with top door pros in Canton, MA

You can use a variety of wood to build a barn door, but the most common options include 1-by boards and 2-by boards for the backing and the decorative boards on the front of the door. Softwoods like pine will save you some money and should hold up well, while hardwoods like maple and oak will stand up to more wear and tear. You could also build the backer out of plywood to minimize the cuts you need to make. Whatever you decide on, make sure the width of the wood is compatible with the mounting brackets you buy.

There are certainly perks to hiring a general contractor, but we recommend a closet professional. The reason is that their pricing may make more sense for your project. General contractors tend to search out bigger projects, and because of this, will attach a premium to smaller amounts of work. A closet pro may also have access to a wider range of materials than general contractors (and may be able to negotiate better discounts). 

When choosing between an inward- or outward-swinging door, there’s no right answer. Inward-swinging doors are great for avoiding debris and keeping hinges inside for added security. Alternatively, outward-swinging doors can give you more space inside your home, and some homeowners feel they’re harder to force open. Ultimately, neither is “better,” but a door expert can help you figure out which fits your needs.

Installing a dog door into an existing door is a quicker, easier project than installing one in a wall. Installing a pet door into a wall requires cutting through your home’s drywall, ensuring no pipes or wires are cut, and sealing the new opening so as not to compromise the safety and stability of your home’s walls, all of which may be a bigger project than many homeowners are looking to undertake.