Picking out the right garage doors for your home can be something of a headache, especially when you’re a fan of varying design styles and aesthetics. Two of the most interesting choices include side-hinged garage doors and side-sliding garage doors, both of which offer a stylish alternative to more traditional designs.
This piece will break down the differences between these two side-focused door options, highlighting the appeals and drawbacks of each.
Side-hinged garage doors
These are a charming choice for garages, looking and functioning much like traditional swinging double doors. This means they swing open outwards on hinges, rather than being lifted up, then out or in, like standard garage doors.
Advantages
A side-hinged garage door installation offers a range of unique benefits to homeowners, such as:
1- Easy and partial access to the garage, meaning you can easily get in and out of the space on foot without having to operate the entire system
2- The simple, straightforward design makes them easier to operate and care for
3- They suit a farmhouse or more traditional interior design style better than tech-forward door options
4- The outward opening style means freed up ceiling space within the garage
Disadvantages
Despite the major benefits of making garage doors side hinged, it’s worth noting that some drawbacks mean they might not suit everyone:
1. They require front clearance to open – not ideal for shorter driveways
2. Wind speeds can affect them more than other door types
3. They’re not as suitable for automation and garage door operators
With these pros and cons in mind, these side-hinged options can sit perfectly in larger, private households, perhaps with gating or exterior walls.
Side-sliding garage doors
These doors are closer to traditional garage door options, however moving and sliding in horizontally along the inside wall of the garage, rather than the roof. They essentially park themselves up against the side wall when they open.
Advantages
Side-sliding sectional garage doors are a suitable option for various stylish, aesthetically conscious homeowners, such as:
1. There’s no need for front clearance or outward swinging space, making them a great choice for shorter driveways
2. They also leave the garage ceiling totally free, allowing increased storage and access for taller vehicles
3. The nature of sliding doors is that they’re designed for automation
4. Side-sliding styles have the capacity to be super adaptable to less traditional garage shapes
Disadvantages
Despite slide to the side garage doors being a great choice for many, there are some intrinsic drawbacks that everyone should consider, including:
1. Tracks can accumulate debris, which gets in the way of smoothness
2. Installation can take a little longer for all the technical elements
3. By nature, they can be more likely to suffer from maintenance/misalignment issues
When you consider the benefits and drawbacks, these side-sliding options are ideal for garages in suburban areas.
Finding the perfect garage door for you
Deciding between side-sliding and side-hinged garage doors needs to be based on your aesthetic tastes and preferred functionality. The former are more suitable for fans of automation and modern aesthetics, while also being more well-suited to shorter garage fronts. The latter offer increased internal storage space, a more traditional style and some versatility for entry access.
At the end of the day, your choice needs to be defined by the functional requirements of your space. Just as importantly, you need to choose a supplier that has a long-standing, strong reputation of supporting homeowners for years. Choosing a well-regarded business with plenty of different options, along with seamless installation options and reliable maintenance options.
