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Side Hinged Garage Doors
Strong and Secure: The Case for Side-Hinged Garage Doors
Strong, secure and reliable
Side hinged or ‘swing open’ garage doors have been around a very long time, and although the products that are installed on modern domestic properties have been refined somewhat, the term ‘barn door’ is also still used. Side hinged doors are available with either a centre or off-centre split. An off-centre split creates an access door, which can be positioned either side of the main door. This can be particularly useful if you need to use the garage regularly for things that don’t involve a vehicle, like access to your freezer or gardening tools.
Which type of side hinged door is best for you?
Side-hinged garage doors offer a classic and reliable option for your home. Available in both steel and wood, they provide a variety of design choices. Steel doors are available in single-skin and double-skin (foam insulated) options, offering durability, security and insulation. All side-hinged garage doors can be customised to suit your preferences with a range of colours, window styles, and handle options.
Steel
While often referred to as “non-insulated,” steel side-hinged garage doors still provide a degree of insulation. Despite their lower insulation levels compared to insulated options, they remain durable, secure, and more affordable.
Insulated
Insulated side-hinged doors are made from steel and feature a double-skinned construction with a layer of insulating foam between the panels. The doors are more expensive than single a single skin steel door.
Wooden
Wooden side-hinged garage doors offer a classic, traditional aesthetic. Handcrafted using traditional methods, they are generally the most expensive option among side-hinged garage doors options.
How do side hinged doors work?
Accessing your garage doesn’t need to be difficult. In fact, with our side-hinged garage doors, it couldn’t be easier. You’ll have access via one door or several, but only need to open one at a time to gain entry. You can choose to have them split how you like – for example one large door and one personnel door in a centre-split or off-centre split position. The doors are locked into position using a shoot bolt or a cylinder lock with multi-point locking, stays are also available to keep the door in the open position if needed.
Key Benefits
Non-insulated or insulated versions available
Split how you like: centre, off-centre, one large door and one small
Ease of access
Secure and safe
Designing your side hinged door
Creating the perfect door for your home
Designs
Customise your side-hinged garage door with a wide range of traditional and modern designs. Choose from sleek, small-ribbed panels or bold, wide-ribbed panels to create a stylish entrance for your home.
Colour Options
Most side-hinged garage door manufacturers offer a range of standard colours or stains depending on material. If you need a specific colour or want to match your garage door to an existing colour, like a front door, simply provide a universal colour reference, such as a Farrow & Ball or RAL number.
Materials
Side hinged doors are available in steel, wood or GRP (fibre glass).
Finishes
Side-hinged doors come in a variety of finishes, including smooth, textured, and wood-grain options.
Manual or Electric
Most side-hinged garage doors are commonly used as a manual door as they’re intended to be used as a quick and convenient way to access your garage, but you can also add an electric motor for automated operation.
Window Options
All side-hinged garage doors can be ordered with or without windows. Choose from a variety of clear or frosted glass options to customise your door’s appearance.
Handle Options
Lever handles or long bar handles are available in different colours and lengths.
Side Hinged Brochures
Discover more technical information, styles, designs and door accessories through our side hinged garage door brochures.
Raising Standards, Advancing Safety
We’re members of the Door & Hardware Federation and comply with the latest advice on safety and standards.
Useful Information
Everything you need to know
What is a Side-Hinged Garage Door?
A side-hinged garage door is a type of door that opens outward on hinges, rather than upward like a traditional garage door. It’s typically made of steel or wood and consists of two panels that swing open to provide access to the garage.
Side-hinged doors were originally used on barns and farmhouses to allow access to storage areas. They are one of the oldest types of garage doors still in use today.
Considerations When Buying a Side-Hinged Garage Door
If your garage is attached to your home or used as a living space, insulation is important to keep it warm during colder months. An insulated side-hinged garage door can significantly improve energy efficiency.
Clearance
Consider the surrounding area before purchasing a side-hinged garage door. Obstacles or uneven surfaces can prevent the doors from opening properly. For example, if your driveway has a steep slope, side-hinged doors might not be suitable.
Double-Width Garages
Side-hinged garage doors are not designed for double-width garages. A single, large side-hinged door for a double-width garage would be difficult to open and could put excessive strain on the hinges.
Security
Side-hinged garage doors offer good levels of security and can be upgraded with enhanced locking mechanisms for added protection.
Side Hinged Garage Door Brands
Garage door brands to consider for side hinged doors;
Hormann, Garador, Select Steel, Wisniowski, Cedar, Ryterna, Teckentrup – Carteck.
Different Names for Side-Hinged Garage Doors
– Barn doors
– Side-opening doors
– Swinging doors
– Hinged doors
– Outward-opening garage doors
Related Products & Useful Information
Related products
+ Garage Doors
+ Roller Garage Doors
+ Up and Over Garage Doors
+ Sectional Garage Doors
+ Side Sliding Garage Doors
+ Overlap Garage Doors
+ Aluminium Frame Garage Doors
+ Wicket Garage Doors
+ Side Doors for Garage
Gallery
+ Find inspiration for your next project through our side hinged door gallery.
Steel Side Hinged Doors (Single-Skin)
Our single-skin steel side-hinged garage doors offer a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, to suit any home. Customise your door with your choice of colors, finishes, and hardware. Each door features a secure locking system with a shoot bolt that locks into both the top and bottom of the door, connected to a lever handle.
Insulated Steel Side Hinged Doors (Double Skinned)
Double-skin insulated steel side-hinged garage doors offer a contemporary look and are available in a variety of colours, designs, and finishes to complement your home’s style. These doors feature a secure multiple-point locking system on the leading door, similar to the locks found on your home’s front or back door and shoot bolt’s for the secondary door.
Wooden Side Hinged Doors
Our wood or timber side-hinged garage doors add a natural touch to your home with their warm, golden grains. Choose from standard or custom designs, and personalise your door with a variety of stains and paint finishes. The locking system is similar to our single-skin steel doors, featuring shoot bolts connected to a lever handle for easy opening and closing.
Side Hinged Garage Doors with Matching Front Doors
Create the perfect look for your home by matching your side-hinged garage door with a steel, composite, or aluminium front door. This coordinated design will enhance your property’s appearance and provide a grand entrance to your home.
