Home / All / How-to /

The Difference Between Bi-Fold Barn Door Hardware and Exterior Barn Door Hardware

The Difference Between Bi-Fold Barn Door Hardware and Exterior Barn Door Hardware

Dec 14,2023
Barn doors have become a popular choice among homeowners and interior designers, adding a touch of rustic charm to modern spaces. The key to their functionality lies in the hardware used. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between two common types: bi-fold barn door hardware and exterior barn door hardware.
Bi-fold barn door hardware offers a versatile and space-saving solution to interior spaces, revolutionizing the way we use doors in a home or office environment. This innovative hardware is designed for center-folding doors, allowing them to stow away neatly when open. The distinguishing feature of bi-fold hardware is its ability to divide a space without the need for a revolving door, making it ideal for areas with limited area.

Bi-fold barn door hardware functions through a carefully designed system that typically includes tracks, rollers, hinges, etc. The tracks guide the movement of the door, while the rollers ensure that the door slides smoothly along the tracks. The hinges enable the door to fold at its midpoint, creating an elegant and space-saving solution. This hardware is especially useful for closets, pantry doors, or room dividers where you need to maximize available space. In addition to its practical value, bi-fold barn door hardware adds a touch of modern sophistication to interiors, making it a popular choice for homeowners and designers looking for functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Bi-Fold Barn Door Hardware
Exterior Barn Door Hardware
Exterior barn door hardware is a sturdy and weather-resistant solution designed to handle the unique challenges that come with outdoor installations. Unlike its interior-focused counterparts, exterior barn door hardware is engineered to withstand the elements, providing durability and reliability in all weather conditions. This specialized hardware is essential for barns, garages, sheds, or any exterior space where a traditional door might be impractical.

Key features of exterior barn door hardware include materials that can withstand rain, snow, and sunlight. Stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant materials are often used to ensure longevity and structural integrity. Additionally, weatherproof seals and gaskets are incorporated into the design to protect the door and interior space from drafts, moisture and pests. The sturdy construction of exterior barn door hardware makes it a reliable choice for applications where traditional doors may succumb to the challenges of the outdoor environment. Whether enhancing the beauty of a rustic barn or providing functional access to an outdoor workshop, exterior barn door hardware provides reliable and stylish solutions for those seeking a door that can withstand storms.
Compare Two Options for Bi-Fold Doors and Exterior Barn Door Hardware
When comparing bi-fold barn door hardware versus exterior barn door hardware, it's important to weigh your project's specific needs and preferences. Both options cater to different application needs and have unique features to suit different requirements.

Design and Beauty: Bi-fold barn door hardware is known for its sleek and compact design, perfect for modern interiors where space optimization is crucial. The folding mechanism adds a touch of elegance, and the hardware is often designed with aesthetics in mind, helping to enhance the overall visual appeal of the space. Exterior barn door hardware, on the other hand, tends to have a more rugged and utilitarian appearance, prioritizing durability over intricate design. The emphasis here is on weather resistance and functionality rather than stylish looks.

Function: Bi-fold hardware is designed for doors that fold in the middle, providing a space-saving solution for interior spaces. It works great in applications such as closets or room dividers, providing a smooth, stylish way to maximize space. In contrast, exterior barn door hardware is designed for outdoor use, emphasizing durability against the elements. It features weather-resistant materials that ensure the door operates seamlessly even in harsh weather conditions. While both perform well in their respective fields, the choice between them depends on whether you prioritize indoor space efficiency or outdoor durability.

Cost Considerations: Cost can be an important factor in the decision. Bi-fold barn door hardware is generally more cost-effective, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious interior projects. Exterior barn door hardware with additional weather-resistant features may cost slightly more. However, for those looking for longevity and performance in outdoor environments, the investment is justified where exposure to the elements is a constant consideration.

In summary, the choice between bi-fold barn door hardware and exterior barn door hardware ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your project. If you're looking for a stylish and cost-effective solution to optimize your interior space, bi-fold hardware is a strong contender. Meanwhile, if your focus is on outdoor applications that require resilience in the face of weather challenges, exterior barn door hardware is the top choice.
Practical Application
Real-world applications demonstrate the utility and versatility of bi-fold and exterior barn door hardware, demonstrating how these options can meet unique needs in a variety of environments.
Bi-fold Barn Door Hardware:

Apartments and Homes: Bi-fold barn door hardware has a place in urban living, especially in apartments and homes where space is limited. The folding mechanism allows residents to optimize room layout without sacrificing the aesthetics of the living space.

Closets and Pantries: The stylish design and space-saving features of bi-fold hardware make it a great choice for closet and pantry doors. Homeowners appreciate the elegant solution it provides for these high-traffic areas.

Room Dividers: In open-concept homes, bi-fold barn door hardware can serve as stylish room dividers. It allows residents to create different areas within a large space while maintaining a clean and modern appearance.
Exterior Barn Door Hardware:
Barns and Farmhouses: Exterior barn door hardware is perfect for traditional barns and farmhouses. Their sturdy construction and weather-resistant properties ensure that these doors can withstand the rigors of farm life and varying weather conditions.

Garages and Workshops: For outdoor structures like garages or workshops that are inevitably exposed to the elements, exterior barn door hardware shines. It offers reliable functionality while being able to withstand rain, snow, and sunlight.

Rustic Outdoor Spaces: Homeowners looking for a rustic aesthetic for an outdoor space, such as a garden shed or patio entry, often choose exterior barn door hardware. The weather-resistant design complements the natural environment while providing a durable and stylish solution.
In Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice between bi-fold barn door hardware and exterior barn door hardware depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both options offer unique advantages, so weigh what's most important to you - whether it's space optimization, durability or design aesthetics. If you are still not sure how to choose between these two types of barn door hardware or you have already decided to order barn door hardware, please feel free to contact us.

Founded in 2005, WEKIS is a custom sliding door hardware manufacturer with nearly twenty years of experience. We pay close attention to the pulse of the market and regularly release new products. Our style changes with the changing times, but we never forget the classics. From traditional to modern, transitional, or rustic, we have the hardware to suit every style. We focus on the value behind the inconspicuous "little things" to improve functional design and quality for many different industries. This is the original intention of WEKIS and the principle that WEKIS has always adhered to.
5.4 FT Double Bi-fold Barn Door Hardware
5.4 FT Bi-fold Sliding Barn Door Hardware For Double Doors can save space, slides smooth and quiet.
WEKIS 3.18 FT Single Bi-fold Barn Door Hardware Kit
Elevate your interior decor with our WEKIS 3.18 FT Single Bi-fold Barn Door Hardware Kit.
Ceiling Mount Heavy Duty Barn Door Hardware
WEKIS barn door hardware is made using premium carbon steel, slides smoothly and quietly with long time life span.
Wall Mount Heavy Duty Barn Door Hardware
WEKIS heavy duty barn door hardware is made using premium carbon steel, slides smoothly and quietly with long time life span.