Complete Guide to Swing Open Garage Doors
Looking for a timeless yet innovative garage door? Swing open garage doors are a classic option. Side hinges allow these garage doors to open by swinging outward — much as regular exterior doors do.
Here, we cover the basics of garage door molding, including:
Traditional Vs. Swing Open Garage Doors
Swing open garage doors do not use an overhead system as traditional garage doors do. This key difference influences the features of both door types. The chart below shows the most important aspects of traditional and swing open doors.
| Traditional Garage Doors | Swing Open Garage Doors | |
|---|---|---|
| Space Requirements | Requires in-garage overhead space | Requires driveway space |
| Operation | Slides along an overhead track | Swings outward using side hinges |
| Mode of Operation | Typically Automatic | Typically Manual |
| Aesthetic | Versatile | Often classic, but versatile |
Both garage door types can be customized. For instance, traditional doors can be manual — though this isn't typical — and swing open doors can be automated. Likewise, swing open garage doors can be fashioned after almost any desired style.
The most important factor to remember when choosing any garage door is that appearance and functionality are often based on preference and garage door material types.
Material and Design Options for Swing Open Garage Doors
The design options for swing open garage doors are anything but limited. From classic wood to modern aluminum, they are aesthetically versatile.
Many homeowners fashion their swing open doors into carriage house garage doors. Others choose to create a more contemporary look by adding garage door window inserts or modern hardware.
Below are some style selections for this garage door type:
- Carriage house
- Classic
- Contemporary
- Craftsman
- Custom
Carriage House
Carriage house garage doors are a type of swing open garage door modeled after 18th and 19th-century carriage house doors. Made from wood or materials that look like wood, these doors feature decorative elements such as square window inserts and crossbucks.
Classic
Swing open garage doors with a classic style often include hidden or subtle hardware to create a minimalist look.Classic doors are typically made from wood or materials made to look like wood.
Contemporary
Modern swing open garage doors may be painted in various colors or feature decorative elements such as window inserts.Aluminum, steel, or fiberglass are popular material options for this look.
Craftsman
Craftsman-style garage doors are inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement of the 19th and 20th centuries. These swing open doors are characterized by natural materials, such as wood, and clean lines.
Custom
Your garage door can be tailored to fit your needs and preferences. Try our free garage door designer to bring your vision to life..
Already have a design in mind? Contact a Precision Garage Door Service™ professional near you.
FAQ About Swing Open Garage Doors
What is a swing out garage door?
A swing-out garage door, also known as a hinged garage door, swings open or closed on hinges, much as a standard exterior door does. Unlike traditional overhead garage doors that roll up and down along tracks, swing-out doors pivot outward or inward from the center or sides.
These doors require a great deal of clearance in front of your garage, so consider the available space in your driveway or parking area before selecting them.
Swing-out garage doors offer a classic and timeless alternative to modern overhead doors and can add a touch of sophistication to a home's exterior.
Are swing open garage doors more expensive than regular ones are?
Swing open garage doors are typically more expensive than regular overhead garage doors are. However, the cost difference depends on the garage door's design, material, and decorative elements. Due to its many customization options, swing open doors tend to be more labor-intensive to manufacture and install, contributing to their higher price tag.
Regular overhead garage doors, which roll up and down on tracks, are typically more straightforward in design and functionality. They are often made from less expensive materials.
