Carriage House Garage Doors

You want some charm from your garage door to add to the curb appeal of your home? How about some 18th-century charm? That is what a carriage house garage door provides. This rustic design style adds a unique twist to your garage door while maintaining an elegant look.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of a carriage house garage door, and if you’re considering one, call Garage.com anytime to be connected with top-rated companies waiting to install a system of your choice. 

The History and Evolution of Carriage House Doors: From Stables to Modern Homes

Carriage house garage doors are also referred to as barn doors, and that is precisely where they originated in the 18th and 19th century when the preferred mode of transportation was horse-drawn carriages.

The doors back then, like some now, swung out horizontally and had upscale designs and decorations that put one’s wealth on display. As the modernization of society progressed, the need for a carriage house garage door waned. The appeal and adoration for the style, however, did not. 

While less expensive overhead garage doors became the go-to system as the years wore on, carriage house doors remained in the picture due to their elegance and charm. That has endured through the years and now as families expand into the suburbs as cities grow, the doors have regained popularity for their numerous benefits.

Defining Characteristics: What Makes a Carriage House Door Distinctive

Carriage house garage doors are distinctive in their look and functionality. In contrast to their sectional counterparts, they swing out horizontally or they swing up more like a traditional garage door. They also traditionally have that ‘barn door’ style with decorative trimmings, hinges and sometimes windows.

Functional and Customization Considerations for Carriage Style Doors

If you are set on installing a carriage house garage door, there are certain decisions that you will then need to make before the job gets done.

The first is whether you want the door to swing to the side (like a traditional barn house door) or swing up (like a conventional sectional garage door). Your decision here should be based on the surroundings of your garage door and which swing action works best for your home.

With that figured out, how do you want the garage door to look? Carriage house garage doors can be finished to look like wood or they can be painted. You can also add trim or hinges to the door for decoration.

As a homeowner you will also want to consider if added insulation is necessary for added energy efficiency, based on where your home resides. Finally, windows will be another consideration if you want to modernize the look and add some natural light to the interior space.

Installation and Maintenance: Caring for Your Carriage House Doors

Because of the unique workings of a carriage house garage door as opposed to the more traditional manner, the installation typically takes a little bit longer. 

As for maintenance, as always it is recommended that you conduct regular visual inspections of your system and schedule yearly tune-ups to make sure all is in good working order. Carriage house garage doors tend to weigh more than sectional doors, so it could cause more strain on your opener – making tune-ups even more important.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carriage House Garage Doors