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DIY Door Handles (Under $30!)

January 17, 2017 by fabfrugalmama

Whenever we take on a new house project  – from painting the walls to adding on a mud room – I like to add a personal touch to it. We recently built a new garage, which is clad in barn board, and were on the hunt for the perfect door handles to complement the rustic look. When we couldn’t find any we liked (at a reasonable price), I was determined to come up with a DIY option that was easy and didn’t break the bank.

I knew I wanted something that had an industrial feel to it, and could withstand the elements… nothing too precious or fussy. So, last weekend I stopped by my local home improvement store to peruse the shelves in the plumbing aisle, and found lots of inspiration! Check out my DIY door handles that rang in at under $30, then I’ll show you how to make them!

How to Make Rustic Sliding Barn Door Handles

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 – 3/4″ galvanized metal* floor flange (shown below, far right)
  • 2 – 6″ galvanized metal pipe (shown below, far left)
  • 4 – 3/4″ galvanized metal 90 degree elbow, male/female (shown below, middle)
  • screws appropriate for your job (length/size varies)

*Note: I used black galvanized metal components for my project

Step 1: Screw elbow joints (male end) into metal flanges.

Step 2: Attach 6″ pipe length to female ends of elbow joints. 

Step 3: Make adjustments as needed to ensure proper visual placement of flanges. Note: elbow joints do not need to be tight; adjust them so you get the best visual placement when screwed into your door (i.e. screw holes in flanges are level/horizontal, not at an angle; see below).

Step 4: Mark the desired door handle placement on your door. Tip: If drilling into wood, pre-drill holes with a small bit, to ensure wood doesn’t split.

Step 5: Using a level, install the second handle; both handles should line up nicely.

Here’s my finished project…

I think they look great, and the components rang in at under $30!

Here’s the breakdown:

$4.65 x 4 – 3/4″ black galvanized metal floor flange 
$1.79 x 2 – 6″ black galvanized metal pipe 
$1.72 x 4
 – 3/4″ black galvanized metal 90 degree elbow, male/female 
————-
$29.06 Total (pre-tax)

Note: I didn’t include the cost of screws in the total, as each application will require different types of screws – often ones you already have in your toolbox. Since my project is exposed to the elements, I splurged and bought stainless steel screws which were almost $1 each, bringing my project total to $45. 

Inspiration can be found everywhere! I loved the satisfaction of creating something unique, durable, inexpensive and that looks amazing.

I’d love to be inspired by your projects, so feel free to tag me on social media (@fabfrugalmama).

Happy DIYing!

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: Barn Door Handles, DIY, Door Handles, home decor, Industrial Decor, Pipe Door Handles, Rustic

Comments

  1. Maya Fitzpatrick says

    January 17, 2017 at 5:31 pm

    This is not only practical, but also beautiful! You’re so creative and savvy… Love it!!

  2. Gingermommy says

    January 17, 2017 at 5:37 pm

    These are really cool and add character to the door. I am a bit shocked how easy and inexpensive they are to make.

  3. Kyla says

    January 17, 2017 at 8:05 pm

    SQUEEEEEEEEEE! I love love love love love those. Good job!!! I want to see the whole mudroom!

  4. Carolyn says

    January 19, 2017 at 11:41 am

    AHHH I love this look! We’re building a home from scratch and rustic country is our style of decor!

  5. Aneta says

    January 19, 2017 at 11:54 am

    I love these! The fact that you could use common plumbing stuff to put these in makes me want to see the whole garage now to see how creative you got with the rest of it.

  6. Tammy says

    January 20, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    I am loving these! The whole set up. Looks so rustic. Definitely going to share this post with hubby!

  7. fabfrugalmama says

    February 10, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    Thanks, Tammy… glad you like it!! ๐Ÿ™‚

  8. fabfrugalmama says

    February 10, 2017 at 4:03 pm

    Thanks for the kind words, Aneta! The rest of the garage is taking a bit longer, but I will definitely post pics once it’s completed. ๐Ÿ™‚

  9. fabfrugalmama says

    February 10, 2017 at 4:04 pm

    Glad to hear it! I definitely want to see YOUR place… sounds like quite a project!

  10. fabfrugalmama says

    February 10, 2017 at 4:04 pm

    Thanks, Maya! Glad you like them…you’re too kind. ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. fabfrugalmama says

    February 10, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    Thanks! To be honest, I couldn’t believe how inexpensive they were either! The stainless steel screws cost almost as much as the rest of the components! lol (They were completely optional, but I figured that it made sense to use them, since it was the look I was going for; bright metal screws would’ve looked weird.)

  12. fabfrugalmama says

    February 10, 2017 at 4:07 pm

    Aw, thanks!! It is taking SOOOO long to finish, but I’ll post pics when it’s done!

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Welcome!

Fab Frugal Mama

I'm Lisa - a business owner, wife & Mom of two. I no longer contribute to this blog, but hope you enjoy the many articles I have written about my parenting adventures, products I can't live without, my love of The Happy Planner, and how to save a few bucks. It was a fun 10-year ride! ๐Ÿ™‚

For the past 12 years, I have worked in the social media and digital space. My passion is working with fellow female business owners to solve their biggest digital challenges and help them thrive online. Interested in working with me? Click here

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