I'm working with a non-standard garage opening in my home in rural Wales (8'10" wide x 6'2" high) and finding it tough to source pre-made doors that fit. My garage is made of '70s-era concrete panels with a faux-brick exterior. I've received quotes for custom-made doors that are way beyond my budget, often reaching into the thousands, even for simple roll-down options.
I've had success building garden gates and furniture, so I'm thinking I can tackle garage doors too. I've explored various ideas from YouTube but haven't found a comprehensive solution yet. One thought was the Amish barn build method, but I'd need to make it lighter, and the frame wouldn't last long outside. I've also considered using three doors: one single door and two hinged together, but sourcing the right doors has been a challenge.
I'm looking for doors that are:
- Lightweight to avoid stressing the garage structure.
- Able to keep out rain and birds, but don't need to be airtight or thiefproof.
- Designed with flat rails for three hook and band hinges.
- Have minimal horizontal surfaces to reduce green slime growth, since my garage faces north and is sheltered.
- Visually appealing, fitting in with my cedar shingle property.
- Made using basic tools like a circular saw and a compound miter saw, as I don't have access to more advanced tools.
Any practical advice or examples of DIY garage doors would be greatly appreciated!
1 Answer
Are you considering swing or roll-up garage doors? For swing doors, I recommend framing solid wood doors that fit your style, especially since metal might clash with your property's character. If you're looking for roll-up options, you might find an insulated steel door that’s slightly smaller than your opening. You could frame the inside of the opening to fit; it could save you some bucks!
Thanks for the suggestion! I definitely prefer a swing style with a timber build. Roll-ups are just too pricey for me right now, so I'm keen on exploring those solid wood options.