When you think of garage doors, you may simply picture a single panel that lifts upwards. However, this common design is far from the only option. Side-hinged garage doors are a trending choice that can drastically change your garage’s look, feel, and functionality. If you’re interested in updating your home or taking a fresh approach to your garage space, side-hinged doors are definitely something you’ll want to learn about.
What Is a Side-Hinged Garage Door?
Side-hinged garage doors swing outward to the right and left of the center opening. As the name suggests, these doors feature hinges along either side that allow the doors to open and close. A side-hinged door presents a different look and feel from a sectional or roll-up garage door that lifts upward to reveal the door opening.
What Are the Benefits of Side-Hinged Garage Doors?
brown and white concrete house under blue sky during daytime by Dillon Kydd is licensed with Unsplash License
Side-hinged garage doors are gaining popularity, particularly among homeowners who want to use their garages for something other than vehicle storage. Side-hinged doors are a versatile option, as you can open one side at a time or leave the doors cracked without pulling them wide. These doors are an excellent fit for individuals who may use their garage as a home gym, workshop, or crafting space.
Side-hinged garage doors are a great space-saving option for a small garage. Since they don’t lift upward, they’re perfect when you don’t have a lot of extra headroom. A side-hinged door leaves the ceiling free and clear for lighting or anything else you may want to suspend from it. The side-hinged design also eliminates the cumbersome tracks of a more traditional garage door design.
The simple manual operation of a side-hinged garage door keeps maintenance low. You don’t have to worry about losing your access point if the power goes out, and you won’t have motors to replace or repair over the life of the doors. This timeless option can easily fit nearly any type of home.
How Secure Are Side-Hinged Garage Doors?
Side-hinged garage doors are highly secure. They’re typically heavy and strong, so they’re not easy to tamper with. These doors feature a strong subframe that supports the construction and any locking systems. To keep them in place, you can install three- or four-point locking systems in your side-hinged garage doors.
What Are the Different Types of Side-Hinged Garage Doors?
Side-hinged garage doors come in many styles. You can find a look that suits anything from a sleek, modern home to a rustic cabin. You can get a side-hinged garage door insulated to keep the outdoor temperatures at bay and create a climate-controlled space ideal for recreation. This is important to many Chicagoland homeowners since the side-hinged door style is most common for garages that aren’t used for cars. These doors typically come in one of three materials.
Timber
Hardwoods are an excellent option for traditional side-hinged garage doors. You can find these doors in cedarwood, oak, redwood, mahogany, and Douglas fir, among others. You’ll find a variety of eye-catching designs that highlight the unique features of the chosen wood. Timber can be a very decorative option, particularly when constructed with a chevron design or inset panels.
Use timber side-hinged garage doors for any traditional home project. These doors have an enduring appeal that works well with many historic home styles.
Steel
Steel side-hinged garage doors offer the utmost in durability and security. The best choice is a double-skinned steel door with an insulated foam core. They keep sound and temperature from bleeding through since they are insulated. This is ideal if you plan to host band practice in your garage space.
Steel garage doors come in many colors and patterns, so you can customize them to suit your home. These are a sleek fit for a contemporary or modern construction. You can also give these doors a more traditional look with the right design, such as inset panels and white paint.
Steel garage doors are extremely heavy, so you’ll need specialized hinges to keep them in place. Your steel doors will provide outstanding protection and functionality with the proper hardware.
GRP
GRP, or fiberglass, offers the best of all worlds regarding garage door construction. This material delivers the look of wood without the risk of rotting or warping. GRP is extremely stable and provides years of low-maintenance enjoyment.
Fiberglass doors are made in a mold, constituting nearly any look. You can even get the grain and color of real timber. However, on closer inspection, guests will be able to tell that they aren’t the real thing.
How Much Are Side-Hinged Garage Doors?
Side-hinged garage doors are usually custom-built for your unique installation . This means you can get them to fit any space, but they also come at a premium price. You can expect to pay $3,000 to $10,000 for quality side-hinged garage doors.
How Big Do Side-Hinged Garage Doors Come?
Side-hinged garage doors are typically available in custom sizes up to 8 feet wide and up to 7 feet 6 inches tall. Some manufacturers can make side-hinged garage doors up to 10 feet wide, but this is a specialty job with a higher price tag.
Is a Side-Hinged Garage Door Right for Your Home?
Are you interested in exploring the possibilities for side-hinged garage doors for your home? Contact our team at Overhead Garage Door for a consultation. Our professionals can assess your garage and provide expert recommendations on how to best upgrade your doors with a new installation. The functionality of side-hinged garage doors differs, so you’ll want to thoroughly discuss the installation process before committing to this option. We also provide all the maintenance and repair services you’ll need to keep your doors in great condition for years to come.