These Christian Cross barn door plans are the second in our series of DIY sliding barn door plans. These plans make it simple to build your own Christian Cross barn door using simple lap joints for the frame, and straight cuts for all of the structural pieces. Adding the decorative elements is also simple, with one template for all of the angle supports. You won’t need any specials tools or jigs outside of basic woodworking tools.
If you have comments or question, please feel free to connect with us via the comments section below. We love the feedback! Also, don’t forget to check out our other free DIY project plans.
Materials
- 7 – 1×6 @ 8′
- 1 – 1×8 @ 8′
- 6 – 1×6 @ 8′ Tongue & Groove beadboard planks
Tools
- Miter saw and circular saw (or table saw)
- Nail gun
- Sander and sand paper
- Tape Measure
- Square
- Quick clamps
- Wood glue
- Wood filler
Step 1: Layout the front frame
The stiles of the front of the frame are stock 1×6 boards cut to 83″ in length. The two rails are made from the 1×8 cut to 31″, and both need to be ripped down to 7″ in width. The center rail will follow these same specs, so you might as well go ahead and cut that now too.
There is no need to attach these together at this point, just lay them out and ensure the frame is square.
Step 2: Cut and lay out the back frame
The back frame is going to be made out of 1×6 material. The two rails will be cut to 42″ in length and left at the stock 5 1/2″ width. For the two stiles we will be ripping 1″ off of each board. This brings the width of each of these boards to 4 1/2″. Now cut the two stiles to 72″ in length.
Lay these out on top of the face frame, making certain the outside edges are all flush. This will create the lap joints that provide stability to your double x barn door. Now glue all of the back frame boards to the face frame boards, and use clamps to hold the boards tight and in place while the glue dries.
Step 3: Add the beadboard planks
Since the beadboard planks we are using wind up being 5 1/2″ in width when they are joined via the tongue and groove, we shouldn’t cut any of them width-wise. We only need to cut all six of them down to 72″ in length.
Once you have them all cut, join them together using the tongue and groove. Do not glue them together. Glue the sides of first and last board, as well as the ends of all boards, to the recess on the back frame. Use 1 1/4″ finish nails to hold them in place.
Step 4: Add your crossbar and crosses
The final step in building your Christian Cross barn door will be adding the decorative elements. Start by finding and marking the exact center of your stiles, now center the middle rail on this mark. You should wind up with a square above and below this middle rail, each 31″ x 31″.
Now it’s on to making the eight identical angle supports. These have 45° angle cuts on each end, with the long edge being 21 59/64″ in length. I recommend setting up a stop on your miter saw or table saw to help lay out the boards in the exact position each time. Then cut your first two angle pieces and test fit them before moving onto the remaining six.
Use wood glue and finish nails to secure all of the pieces in place.
Step 5: Sand and finish
Now that your construction is finished, it’s time to sand and finish. Use wood filler to fill any nail holes, then sand using 120 grit followed by 180 grit sandpaper.
* This post may have affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site.