Build my own overhead door?

[Bill Crowell]

I am thinking about making my own 20' X 12' overhead door, probably according to the diagrams attached. I have located the track at McMaster-Carr, but MAN is it ever expensive: about $10 per foot.

Is there anyplace else to buy door hardware that would be cheaper?

What material would you use for the outside sheathing on the door?

There are a couple of metal recycling places in the Big City near me that might have overhead door hardware. I'll check with them. In the meantime, any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Wastedwagesracing]

We had some guys at the air port that were making some hangar doors that required door track. One of the local door guys would drop off used track for them. They ended up with lots of used track more than they wanted...

 

[Wastedwagesracing]

This the link to the door kits. They made all the parts and built the doors not using the purchased kits.

http://ultimatedoor.homestead.com/ultimate.html

 

[jstroede]

You can buy track/hardware separately. It is no big deal. You definitely do NOT want to build an extension spring setup for a door that big though. In the end, I'm not sure how much money you are going to save though by trying to do this yourself, if that is your end goal.

John

 

[kbs2244]

For a DIY door that size check out the airplane hanger door guys.

 

[toddmcdong]

Free garage doors pop up pretty regularly on CL, you can strip them for parts. All of the rollers and hardware can add up quickly.

 

[nova65ss]

I am thinking about making my own 20' X 12' overhead door, probably according to the diagrams attached. I have located the track at McMaster-Carr, but MAN is it ever expensive: about $10 per foot.

Is there anyplace else to buy door hardware that would be cheaper?

What material would you use for the outside sheathing on the door?

There are a couple of metal recycling places in the Big City near me that might have overhead door hardware. I'll check with them. In the meantime, any suggestions would be appreciated.

Yes the last thing you want to do is use the hardware in your picture, extension springs will never work. You are going to need torsion springs and fairly large ones for a 20 x 12! You will be money ahead buying one from a door company and having them install it.

 

[jhelrey]

My buddy made a hanger door. It uses a pump and rams to lift it. The hinge is at the top and it opens out. Awesome when it is raining outside also. Plywooded it and dressed it up to look like a normal door. Even has windows!

It was not cheap! Lot's of steel and welding.