How to Build a Sliding Barn Window

The Frame

• 1

  Select two wooden window sashes of the same thickness, height and width. Use 1 1/2-inch thick sashes if available. Measure the height and width of the sashes.

• 2

  Cut two pieces of 2-by-6 lumber as long as the sashes are tall, plus 1/8 inch for clearance, using a circular saw. Cut two pieces as long as the width of both sashes, plus 2 1/4 inches.

• 3

  Stand all four pieces on edge. Position the two pieces parallel to each other, as far apart as the pieces you cut for the width. Position the two width pieces above and below the height, or side pieces, so that the ends are flush with the outside faces of the side pieces. Screw through the top and bottom pieces into the ends of the side pieces with 3 inch treated deck screws, two in each joint to create a rectangle frame.

• 4

  Cut pieces of 1-by-2 lumber to fit inside the frame, three the same height as the side pieces, two; 1 1/2 inches less than the inside width of the frame, and two; the same dimension as the inside width of the frame.Nail these four pieces inside the frame, with the two side pieces against the sides, with one long edge flush with one face of the frame. Nail the top and bottom pieces even with them in the top and bottom of the frame. Nail the remaining side piece with its long edge against one of the side pieces.

Assembly

• 5

  Fit one of the sashes into the frame, against the 1-by-2s tight against the side piece opposite the double 1-by-2 lumber. Nail through the 1-by-2s into the sash frame, at least two nails in the top, bottom and the side against the frame.

• 6

  Measure from the inside of the frame opposite the mounted sash, against the 1-by-2 to the inside of the window sash you nailed in place. Cut two pieces to that length. Nail them in the top and bottom, with one end against the inside edge of the sash.

• 7

  Rip the remaining pieces of 1-by-2 that you cut the same length as the inside width of the frame to 1 inch wide. Fit the second sash into the frame on top of the first sash and the double 1-by-2 on the opposite side of the frame.

• 8

  Nail the 1 inch wide pieces into the top and bottom of the frame to create a slide for the window. To open, slide the sash over the mounted sash, to close, slide it over the open half of the frame. Attach a hardware handle to the inside frame of the second sash to aid in opening and closing.