How a 2-in-1 Garage Door Conversion Works: A Step-by-Step Guide

Two narrow garage doors waste space and create frustration. You’re squeezing cars through openings that risk scratches every time. Larger vehicles don’t fit. That central brick pillar dividing the garage serves no useful purpose beyond holding up the roof.

A 2-in-1 conversion removes the pillar and gives you one wide opening instead. Easier parking, more flexible internal layout, room for larger vehicles or workshop equipment on either side.

Let’s look at the process of installing a 2-in-1 garage door.

The Basic Concept Behind 2-in-1 Garage Doors

Most double garages were built with two separate doors and a brick or block pillar between them. The pillar supports the garage roof, plus rooms if there’s living space over the garage.

Converting to one door means removing that pillar and replacing its structural function with a steel beam. This beam – called an RSJ (Rolled Steel Joist) – carries the load that the pillar previously supported. Once the beam is in place, you can install double garage doors across the full width.

The result is an opening typically 14-16 feet wide, rather than two 7-8-foot gaps. It transforms how easy parking becomes and what you can do with the space inside.

Survey and Planning

Before any work starts, someone needs to visit and assess the garage. They’ll measure the existing opening, check what’s above, and determine the size of steel beam you need.

The beam itself is vital and depends on the load it’s supporting. A surveyor will check for complications – services running through the area, unusual construction, and anything else that might affect the work.

At Skandoor, we handle everything ourselves, which means our surveyors know exactly what our installation teams need to get the job done efficiently.

What Happens on Installation Day

Here’s a rough guide to installing 2-in-1 garage doors, bearing in mind that no two jobs are precisely the same:

• Remove old doors: Both doors come off carefully along with frames and mechanisms, everything cleared away
• Dismantle central pillar: Taken down safely with temporary supports holding the load, debris cleared as work progresses
• Install RSJ: Steel beam positioned precisely, bearing on brickwork either side and fixed securely
• Fit new door: Frame installed, mechanisms fitted, door mounted and adjusted for smooth operation
• Final checks and cleanup: Site cleaned thoroughly, door tested properly, operation explained

 

The whole process typically takes 6-8 hours from start to finish.

Choosing Your Door Style

2-in-1 garage doors from Skandoor come in the same styles as our single doors:

• Sectional garage doors: Rise vertically and tuck overhead, saving driveway space and maximising internal headroom
• Roller doors: Coil into a compact barrel above the opening, ideal when ceiling space is limited
• Side-hinged doors: Swing open traditionally for a classic look, offering full-width access when both doors are open

 

Your choice depends on how you use the garage, what your property looks like, and personal preference. We offer various colours and finishes across all types, with electric or manual operation available.

During the free survey, we’ll discuss which suits your situation and show colour options that complement your property.

2-in-1 Garage Doors From Skandoor

If you’re struggling with two narrow doors or want to use your double garage better, a conversion opens up possibilities. The structural work might sound complex, but teams who do it regularly handle it routinely with minimal disruption.

We specialise in double garage doors conversions across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Our team handles everything from the initial survey through structural work to final installation for garage doors. Interested in converting yours? Contact Skandoor to arrange a free survey.