To add charm to the exterior of your home, carriage house garage doors are a great place to start. Modeled after the doors of 19th century carriage houses, they are a unique addition to a home.
The elegant, distinct look of these doors can increase not only your home’s value but its coziness factor as well. Read on to learn more about why these popular doors are an excellent first step to creating a more welcoming façade for your home.
Carriage House Door Panel Options
There are numerous different panel options available, including different numbers of panels, flush or recessed panels, as well as cross section pattern options. The Livingston, Thornbury, Sheffield, Verwood, Newhaven, Berkshire, and Camden Designs offer distinct looks to allow you to choose the look best suited for your home. The below image shows the various offerings.
Carriage House Garage Door Materials
Carriage house garage doors offer a great deal of flexibility in the type of material used. However, wood is the most common material, as it fits the rustic décor of the doors well. Other garage door materials that can be altered to mimic the look of wood include:
- Steel
- Vinyl
- Aluminum
- Wood composite
There is no true substitute for the majestic appearance that wood can bring to a garage door. However, these materials tend to be lighter, less expensive, and easier to maintain than wood is.
Carriage House Garage Door Finishes
Carriage house-style doors come in a variety of finishes depending on the type of door material you choose. Here are a few common ones:
- Stain: Stain makes the natural grain of wood doors stand out. It also helps to protect wood from everyday outdoor elements such as moisture and UV rays.
- Paint: Many people choose to paint their carriage house doors.
- Powder coat: This technique involves applying a layer of powder to the door.
Decorative Touches to Consider
Decorative garage door parts contribute a great deal to the design of your door. This is particularly true for carriage house doors. Take a look at some of the decorative door parts that can be added:
- Hinges: The hinges on your garage door can make the difference between a vintage and traditional look.
- Handles: Handles are another customizable option that can add to the aesthetic of your door.
- Window inserts: To add a more open look to your carriage house door and let some natural light into your garage, consider window inserts.
Need to see how each of these options will look? Try our interactive garage door designer tool to get design ideas.
Pros and Cons of Carriage House Garage Doors
As stylish as carriage house garage doors are, consider whether they’re the right choice for you. Consider your home’s style, carriage house garage door cost and installation, required maintenance, other factors . Below are pros and cons for this style:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Adds charm to the exterior of your home, increasing curb appeal | Smaller windows due to the door’s unique design |
| Can be made with a number of materials including wood or steel | Generally costs more than traditional garage door types |
| Sturdy | Requires more maintenance if wood is used |
| Numerous opportunities for customization | Traditional carriage house doors made to swing out can limit driveway space |
| Insulated for maximum energy efficiency | Installation may be more complex due to the heavier weight of the door |
| Built with strong materials for added security | May be noisier when opening and closing due to the heaviness of the door |
FAQs about Carriage House Garage Doors
What size are carriage garage doors?
Popular sizes for carriage garage doors include 16x7, 8x7, and 9x7 feet. Other sizes exist but are not used as commonly.
How do you maintain carriage house garage doors?
The way you maintain your carriage house doors depends on the material that they’re made of. Here’s some general maintenance advice that applies to all materials:
- To clean: Use a mild detergent and water mixture.
- To stop rust from occurring: Schedule regular maintenance with a professional to lubricate your hinges and rollers.
- To prevent damage: Use paint or stain as a protective coating.
- To keep damage from spreading: Ensure that your door does not look unbalanced or uneven.
Having your garage door checked regularly increases its lifespan. We offer a garage door tune-up service, complete with a 25-point inspection, to help you preserve your door for as long as possible. Contact one of our service professionals for more information.
How much do carriage house doors cost?
The cost of carriage garage doors depends on a number of factors including the materials and decoration used. For example, wood garage doors typically cost more than vinyl doors do.
We offer upfront pricing so that there are no surprises when the time comes to create your dream garage door. Contact us for a free estimate.
How long do carriage house doors last?
A well-maintained garage door has the potential to last anywhere from 15 to 30 years — carriage house garage doors are no different.
Regular maintenance includes cleaning, lubricating, and coating your garage door.
Trust Precision Garage Door Service with Your Garage Door Installation
Whether you’re ready to take your desire for a carriage house garage door to the next step or you just have questions, our garage door technicians can help. Give us a call at (877) 301-7474 or find the Precision Garage Door Service® technician nearest you.
