Carriage door proportions

[MikeC55]

In a recent thread I got some good suggestions on changing over my detached, 2 car garage into a workshop with a car lift in the middle. It currently has 2, 9’ wide, 7’ tall overhead doors on gable end that I’ll be changing to either a single, 12’ (or so) overhead or maybe carriage doors. I’d prefer not to have the raised door interfere with putting a car up on the lift. Roof pitch is only 6/12 so I have some room for tracks to go up instead of straight back. But what about carriage doors?
If I kept the 12’ wide opening, would 6’ wide (x7’ tall) door proportions look funny? I could make them myself (since I can’t afford custom artisan doors). I am also wondering what is the minimum header i need on gable end (can I make the opening a little taller)? Top plate of walls is 98”.

 

[jack stand]

What is your definition of carriage doors?
I'm guessing that your thinking of (2) rolling or hinged by your 6wx7h definition.

 

[kbs2244]

snow country ?

 

[Awag]

I think for a 12' wide door you'd want to go with bi-fold carriage doors. I like the looks of them but don't think I'd like to use them regularly.

 

[captaindiode]

Could you use a commercial style roll up door that winds up on a drum above the opening? I agree carriage doors would look nice, but you will need some type of threshold if you want them to seal tight and quality hardware for the weight.

 

[MikeC55]

Yes, snow country (mid- CT). I was thinking of hinges. I looked at the roll up doors but they all look too industrial. I want to match the style of the house (cedar shingle siding). Bi-fold is interesting but I wonder if the heavy duty hardware to make one is available. I can see where either carriage of bi-fold would need some kind of threshold tho. Ok, as long as it can be driven over without damage.

 

[captaindiode]

I suppose you could use a sweep to seal the bottom of the door.