hardware for barn door.

[Packard]

I just built a barn door.  I used 5/4 pine for the rails and stiles and cross pieces and 1/2" thick MDF for the panels.  It is all done and ready for paint. 

I have the sliding door hardware and that is fine. 

There are two types of bottom guides.  One requires a slot at the bottom and is less visible.  The second does not.  I can cut the slot with my router. 

What are the pros and cons on this hardware?

 

[Sparktrician]

What I see is that the guides with bearings that ride against the outside surface of the doors will eventually leave tracks on the finish, even if the bearings are not tight against the surface.  I would prefer the extra labor in cutting the slot in the bottom of the door, just to keep things neat and clean. 

 

[Packard]

I bought that type of guide along with the hanging hardware, but then I am spending time looking at images of barndoor installations and they usually show the outside bearings. 

My thoughts were:

1.  Less obtrusive appearance
2.  Less likely to damage the finish
3.  Perhaps slightly more demanding installation.