New doors.. opinions?

[Burley]

BEFORE:

AFTER:


Just a 30 second photoshop job on the bottom.. The work hasn't started yet. I'll be painting the trim and either repainting the siding the same color (its wood) or going a shade darker and more earth toned.

Current doors are at least 35 years old, made of wood. They're starting to rot at the bottom and have terrible insulation. New doors are Clopay Gallery Ultra Grain in Dark Oak, which is a painted metal.

 

[Radix2]

I just put up those exact doors - love them, I think Clopay has the best looking woodgrain out there. The actual doors are darker than your picture (as it shows on my monitor....)

 

[Burley]

I just put up those exact doors - love them, I think Clopay has the best looking woodgrain out there. The actual doors are darker than your picture (as it shows on my monitor....)

Have any photos? I almost went with Raynor for about $400 less, but the wood color was too dark, and just looked like ugly brown.

My install will cost $2650 for 2 9x7 doors, low ceiling rails, upgraded hardware, and 2 Liftmaster 8165 openers with a keypad.

 

[Radix2]

I have to take that back - I switched the color to the dark walnut - here are some pictures - I actually have 6 of the doors on two garages - all are the same, but since the sun is really sharp right now and some are in shade, you get this variation in a picture.

 

[Burley]

I have to take that back - I switched the color to the dark walnut - here are some pictures - I actually have 6 of the doors on two garages - all are the same, but since the sun is really sharp right now and some are in shade, you get this variation in a picture.

Looks great! I think you made the right call with Walnut. I wanted a lighter shade to match my 100 year old front door.

Hows the insulation? I got the 9.0 R rated doors since my garage is detached and only heated every once in a while. I dont know what my 35 year old wood doors are rated, but the new ones have got to be better.

 

[vettex2]

I'd make it one large door

 

[Colin Len]

Not my style since I'm into more modern/minimalist design... but IMO they look a lot better than the ones they'd be replacing and look like they fit the building very well, I think you're on the right track.

 

[Burley]

Not my style since I'm into more modern/minimalist design... but IMO they look a lot better than the ones they'd be replacing and look like they fit the building very well, I think you're on the right track.

My first instinct was to install metal framed glass doors with clear glass. However, my 1920's craftsman just doesn't call for it. My wife was all for it, but it just doesn't fit the architecture. Please tell me it works, I'd love them.. I even photoshopped a draft. Wondering how well insulated glass doors are, lol. At least I wont have to worry about rotting wood ever again!

 

[Hatman52]

Hope I don't get flamed for saying this, but I like your original doors better than any of the options shown. Have you looked into wood doors? Full-on custom wood doors are expensive, but I've seen some craftsmen who take a standard wood door, and with custom wooden overlays, create some really nice, period-correct doors for around the same cost as you're looking at with the aluminum doors. Or, if you're a decent woodworker and have the time, there's plenty of websites that detail how to do it.

 

[Burley]

Hope I don't get flamed for saying this, but I like your original doors better than any of the options shown. Have you looked into wood doors? Full-on custom wood doors are expensive, but I've seen some craftsmen who take a standard wood door, and with custom wooden overlays, create some really nice, period-correct doors for around the same cost as you're looking at with the aluminum doors. Or, if you're a decent woodworker and have the time, there's plenty of websites that detail how to do it.

I dont disagree. The cheapest quote I could find for real wood doors was more than twice the price of the doors I'm getting. Frankly, I dont have time for the maintenance. Every spring I have to paint the iron fence, paint sections of the wood siding, sand and paint the wrap around porch, and then there's the honey-do list.

Here's what the doors look like currently, so I'm not too keen on having anything else rot in 10 years.

 

[Colin Len]

My first instinct was to install metal framed glass doors with clear glass. However, my 1920's craftsman just doesn't call for it. My wife was all for it, but it just doesn't fit the architecture. Please tell me it works, I'd love them.. I even photoshopped a draft. Wondering how well insulated glass doors are, lol. At least I wont have to worry about rotting wood ever again!

I think that looks pretty darn good actually! I wouldn't have guessed such a modern looking door would fit that well. But it's hard to make too much of a judgement based off one photo from one angle, especially with snow on the ground. And now that you posted the pic showing the house and garage I'd say I'd agree that it just clashes too much. If the house was different or you put some $$ into making it match (not sure how) then I think it could work but otherwise it'd be a little tough to pull off.

I'm actually in the [slow] process of trying to put a MCM/Modern/Minimalist spin on my home which is a small 1942 bungalow. Architecturally it's not all that awesome as it was a war era home built without much added flare or interesting architectural elements. I opted for a very modern garage door but it sometimes looks a little out of place.



To me your original style doesn't look bad but it has more of a barn or hangar feel to it whereas the one you're looking to replace it with feels more upscale, reminds me of a nice mountain home from the ski areas I've spent time in.

 

[James-W]

Personally, I think the doors in the BEFORE picture fit the style of the garage better than the doors in the AFTER picture. But that is just my opinion and doesn't mean anything. The doors are yours and It is what you think that matters.

 

[Burley]

Might be worth noting that I'm painting the house and trim soon. I don't think the new garage doors match the trim/siding at all at this point. Trim will be dark earth tone, siding will be more dark beige than taupe.

 

[padroo]

Those nice doors weren't common when I built my house and would look nice but until there is a need to change them I will just live with them. I installed them in 1996 and they still look new.

 

[Burley]

The trim will be painted the siding color initially until we figure out the color scheme. The door color is a bit darker than what I posted, here's a more realistic view:

 

[Burley]

Or this:

 

[Radix2]

Looks great! I think you made the right call with Walnut. I wanted a lighter shade to match my 100 year old front door.

Hows the insulation? I got the 9.0 R rated doors since my garage is detached and only heated every once in a while. I dont know what my 35 year old wood doors are rated, but the new ones have got to be better.

I have the 9 rated doors on my unheated garage and the r18 on the heated garage.


I think the doors will look good with your house. My installer also stained a therma-tru entry door to match the garage doors (it is only 3feet away) and it came out perfect. You could consider replacing the house door to match to tie things together more....


Have you priced out those insulated glass doors ? I think you are looking at $7-10,000.

 

[Burley]

Have you priced out those insulated glass doors ? I think you are looking at $7-10,000.

Well.. thats a deal breaker! They sure are purdy though. You guys are giving me second thoughts. The original doors aren't all that bad, and the openers work fine. I just came across some great door repair videos using Bondo. Never considered that before, lol. At this point, I have nothing to lose. I'm going to scrape, sand, Bondo and paint this weekend. If its passable from 10 feet I may just pocket the money and buy some tools!

 

[James-W]

The glass doors look really good and they seem to fit in with the style of the building as well, but if you have valuable stuff in the garage I don't think I would go that route.

 

[GLHFriends]

Or this:

I very much like this style. Unsure if it is feasible compared to the originally proposed style.

I like the green accents on the original doors.

Just my .2!

 

[Burley]

Well maybe the original doors aren't far gone after all.. I'll pry off the rotted boards and cut some new ones. This may be way easier than I thought, only 2-3 panels are rotted on each door. If everything else still works, then maybe I dont need a new door. Worst case, I'm back to square one. Thanks guys!

 

[James-W]

Well maybe the original doors aren't far gone after all.. I'll pry off the rotted boards and cut some new ones. This may be way easier than I thought, only 2-3 panels are rotted on each door. If everything else still works, then maybe I dont need a new door. Worst case, I'm back to square one. Thanks guys!

I think the doors in the BEFORE picture are the best looking doors for the garage you have. They seem to fit the style garage you have better than any of the others. Don't get me wrong, the wood grain doors look great and the glass doors are super nice, but the old doors are more "in tune" with the garage you have. At least my taste buds think that way. I think repairing what you have is a wonderful idea.

 

[Burley]

I think the doors in the BEFORE picture are the best looking doors for the garage you have. They seem to fit the style garage you have better than any of the others. Don't get me wrong, the wood grain doors look great and the glass doors are super nice, but the old doors are more "in tune" with the garage you have. At least my taste buds think that way. I think repairing what you have is a wonderful idea.

I brought up repairing the doors and my wife's not too pleased. She was in love with getting something new, with web enabled openers and keypad entry. Maybe I'll have the openers replaced and fix the doors. I'm not in love with the metal doors..

 

[Burley]

This is the worst of it. Looks like particle board on the surface?? Whats the best course of action? The trim should be easy enough. I guess I'll sand and bondo the barts that are spongy.. at least thats what the Youtube videos explained. The rot is only on the surface, its not very deep.

 

[readhead]

Buy two new panels and replace the bad ones. I like the before also. Fits the house. I think what bothers me about the before is the color of the trim on the doors. But it sounds like you are changing that. Fix up the doors and buy new operators and everyone is happy.

 

[Burley]

Buy two new panels and replace the bad ones. I like the before also. Fits the house. I think what bothers me about the before is the color of the trim on the doors. But it sounds like you are changing that. Fix up the doors and buy new operators and everyone is happy.

I like your style. I think with all the money I'm saving I'll be able to justify some tools!

When you say "two new panels" are you talking about the green trim on doors or the tan? I dont know much about how garage doors are made.

 

[readhead]

The whole panel. Take the dimensions to a garage door contractor and they can order the bottom panel. Once you have it home prime and paint it and apply the trim, hardware and bottom seal and you're in business.

 

[Burley]

The whole panel. Take the dimensions to a garage door contractor and they can order the bottom panel. Once you have it home prime and paint it and apply the trim, hardware and bottom seal and you're in business.

I had a guy come out and tell me I needed a whole new door because they dont make parts for my 35 year old door. Maybe he was just trying to sell me a NEW door.. Almost worked.

 

[James-W]

I had a guy come out and tell me I needed a whole new door because they dont make parts for my 35 year old door. Maybe he was just trying to sell me a NEW door.. Almost worked.

You should be able to make new panels without too much trouble. Dubuque, Iowa is not all that far away from where I live, probably about 130 miles, about a 2 hour drive. If you need help in doing this, come on over and I will help you make the panels. Bring the old ones with you and we can use them as a pattern. Shouldn't take over about 4 hours at most.

 

[Burley]

You should be able to make new panels without too much trouble. Dubuque, Iowa is not all that far away from where I live, probably about 130 miles, about a 2 hour drive. If you need help in doing this, come on over and I will help you make the panels. Bring the old ones with you and we can use them as a pattern. Shouldn't take over about 4 hours at most.

Thats an incredibly generous offer, thank you. I have a few friends who are handy with wood, I'm going to give this a go this weekend and see if we can figure it out. If I get stuck, I'll be happy to make the drive and learn something new.

 

[Colin Len]

Everyone's skill level, tools, access to help...etc will differ, but if it were me I'd definitely replace. I'd much rather take the hassle of finding a vendor to install a new, nice one than trying to figure out how to fix the old one and then taking the time to do it. Despite having a near new opener my old single panel tilt up door was still super rickety, loud, didn't seal well...etc and so replacing with a modern, insulated, door + jackshaft opener with wifi capability was well worth the $$ IMO.

 

[Burley]

Everyone's skill level, tools, access to help...etc will differ, but if it were me I'd definitely replace. I'd much rather take the hassle of finding a vendor to install a new, nice one than trying to figure out how to fix the old one and then taking the time to do it. Despite having a near new opener my old single panel tilt up door was still super rickety, loud, didn't seal well...etc and so replacing with a modern, insulated, door + jackshaft opener with wifi capability was well worth the $$ IMO.

My old door is pretty quiet, seals well, and looks decent. I'm going to give it a whirl, and if it doesn't pass then I'm going to replace. I'm definitely a DIY guy, having just restored a '76 Jeep CJ5. I haven't worked with wood since 5th grades spice rack but it's worth a shot. I'm going to get new openers with wifi and keypad regardless.

If I pull it off, I'll have $2k in the bank!!

 

[gnpenning]

If you do decide to go the DIY route Please don't go with bondo. You have enough structure issue's that I would R&R the bottom rail then take out the panel and replace with Luan Plywood. Any wood you replace try and use a species of wood that will handle weather. Since your painting it it will help hide any grain differences.

One of the issue's with old wood doors is the carriage bolts that hold the hinges on have the holes founded out over time from being re tightened. Check for wood rot around these areas. If the stile is good you can drill and glue a dowel in then drill the holes. Just makes sure you are accurate with you new holes.

 

[James-W]

Thats an incredibly generous offer, thank you. I have a few friends who are handy with wood, I'm going to give this a go this weekend and see if we can figure it out. If I get stuck, I'll be happy to make the drive and learn something new.

If you decide to make the drive over here, send me a PM and I will give you my address and telephone number. Any wood we need to build the new panels we can get over here, or if you already have some wood for the project, that is OK too. I should be around this weekend, and next weekend as well, but the weekend after that I will be leaving and will gone for about a week or 10 days.

This weekend, all I have planned is to change oil in my car, that won't take long. I had hoped to play golf, It's supposed to be warm again so the golf courses will be open, but my buddy is having problems with his back again, and I hate to go alone.

 

[Burley]

If you decide to make the drive over here, send me a PM and I will give you my address and telephone number. Any wood we need to build the new panels we can get over here, or if you already have some wood for the project, that is OK too. I should be around this weekend, and next weekend as well, but the weekend after that I will be leaving and will gone for about a week or 10 days.

This weekend, all I have planned is to change oil in my car, that won't take long. I had hoped to play golf, It's supposed to be warm again so the golf courses will be open, but my buddy is having problems with his back again, and I hate to go alone.

Thanks James, I'll probably mess around with it at my house this weekend and if I need further help I'll contact you.

I called several garage installers and they all said the same thing.. Wood doors require too much precision in the way they link with each other and it would be nearly impossible to fabricate a panel. In fact, they laughed when I asked. Well, someone had to make it at some point, lol. Is it really all that difficult or would they all just assume you bought a new one?

 

[readhead]

I share a building with a garage door company and they get wood blanks every week. They use them to build custom cedar doors and some they cover with rusted metal.

 

[Burley]

Clopay also makes similar doors.. Not as insulated, but I have to admit they match better. This might be a better plan B if my repair doesn't pass the wife's test. Its Clopay's Grand Harbor Collection.


free image hosting

 

[driftpin]

I agree you should go the repair route. New is great, but if you can make it work being repaired, you save $$$. Perhaps the wife, seeing the repaired doors will think that's OK. As mentioned, you could replace the openers. I got two Clopay HVHZ-rated, insulated doors, w/the Liftmaster 8500 this past year, a totally-new install, after a front addition to the garage, and am very pleased w/the results. Because these were the highest-spec residential doors Clopay makes, they were more-expensive than the ones you were proposing to get. I also like that last Clopay pic, that looks great, in my opinion, with the house.

I agree, no bondo! If your attempt at reconstruction works-out, then you could justify the new openers. Your wife gets the convenience of smartphone opening garage doors, and your door is fixed, possibly for your lifetime, or the time you're there.

 

[Burley]

And finally heres the first set of metal doors from a scene I shot today (no snow) with the new wood fence which wont match anything. Might have to paint the fence, its way too red.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

^

Honestly I like that a lot. It looks a lot better than the current doors that you have, and it updates the entire property. Gives it a polished look. My vote is for the wood doors in the picture above.

-Nigel