Converting two garage doors into one larger opening solves several problems at once. You get easier access without navigating around a central pier, space for larger vehicles or multiple cars parked side by side, and room for workbenches or storage around the edges.
The question becomes which door type works best for the wider opening – sectional or side-hinged?
Both are credible, popular double garage door openings, but they work quite differently.
Understanding Types of Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors rise vertically on tracks, with horizontal panels that curve overhead to sit parallel with your ceiling. The whole door surface moves together as it opens. You can park right up to a sectional door and still get in – there’s no clearance needed in front.
Side-hinged garage doors work like traditional double doors, with panels hinged at each side that swing outwards when opening. They need clearance in front of the garage – usually at least the full width of the doors – for the panels to swing open properly.
Space Makes the Decision
Often, your available space plays a hand in your choice.
Sectional doors need minimal space outside because they rise vertically rather than swinging out. This suits properties with limited drive space or where you park close to the garage. Inside, you need ceiling height for the door to retract into, plus room around the opening for the track system.
Side-hinged doors need substantial clearance in front – often 2-3 metres depending on how wide your double garage doors are. If you’ve got the drive space, they work perfectly well. If space is tight, they quickly become impractical.
Installation Considerations
In most cases, installation is straightforward. However, there are a few additional considerations for specific scenarios.
For example, converting two doors into one large sectional door involves removing the central pier, installing an RSJ to support the building above, fitting the vertical and horizontal tracks, and installing the door with its automation. It’s structural work that needs to be done properly.
We complete these 2-in-1 conversions in a day – arriving early morning to remove the old doors and leaving you with a fully working new door by afternoon. Your garage is never left exposed overnight.
Side-hinged installation is more straightforward. You need strong hinge posts on either side of the opening and automation if you want it, but there’s no track system or structural work involved.
What Each Type Offers
The two-door types bring different benefits:
Sectional doors:
● Rise vertically so you need no clearance in front
● Seal tightly for better insulation and weather protection
● Operate via remote or smartphone with no external handles
● Suit contemporary aesthetics with clean lines
Side-hinged doors:
● Traditional appearance echoing carriage house doors
● Simpler installation without structural alterations
● Work well on period properties or barn conversions
● Straightforward operation and maintenance
Which Works for You?
Limited drive? That points towards sectional doors; they’re super-size-efficient because they don’t swing outwards.
Ample space with traditional architecture? That suits side-hinged doors. But there are other options, so be sure to check out our garage door selection. We manufacture and install many types with installation across much of the UK.
Contact us for a free survey, and we’ll talk through which door type suits your home.
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