Elevating Your Garage Door with Specialty Hardware
A perfectly utilitarian garage door is a fine thing. If it rolls or lifts smoothly and looks fresh and clean, a new garage door stands on its own merits. Sometimes, however, you want a little more from the door. When you desire a garage door with a bit of character, durability, or sophistication, using one of the following four types of specialty hardware can make all the difference.
1. Castle-Style Rustic
Nothing says “This is my castle” like stone walls and heavy wooden entry doors. If you’ve chosen a pair of rustic wooden garage doors for your stone-sided home, add a touch of ancient authenticity to the garage doors with hardware that’s bold, simple, and substantial. Use hammered-iron style hinges and hefty double-door handles. Choose a black iron or burnished finish that looks like it’s rusted for a thoroughly battle-ready garage door. Modern garage door materials are coated to last, so the rust look is only superficial and the black-iron finish is relatively carefree. Castle-style garage door hardware looks great on stucco, adobe, and lodge-style buildings. Arched garage doors are also enhanced by the beefy, timeless appeal of ancient-style hardware fit for the royal keep.
2. Contemporary Styles
Architectural trends come and go, but contemporary building design is here to stay. The minimalist, mid-century, and spare European styles are appealing to many people. If you’re one of those people, you may have chosen a sleek Asian-style garage door with orderly rows of opaque windows. Perhaps you’ve chosen a sleek wooden garage door with four beautifully finished teak panels and no windows. Embrace the simplicity in your modern garage door with hardware that reflects your love for clean lines and unadorned functionality. Modern garage door hardware is available in polished metal or flat back finishes. Handles and hinges are made to look sleek and mechanically precise. Handles and hinges in contemporary styles offer plain, geometrically pleasing shapes that enhance rather than detract from a lovely modern garage door.
3. Historic or Vintage Hardware
For the traditional, cottage-style, or brick home, add a touch of grace to your simple garage door by having your garage door installer add some historic or vintage hardware pieces to the door’s face. Many of the decorative garage door hardware pieces are just for show, but they add personality and elegance to a simple door design. Choose elegant decorative hinges for either side of a wide door. The look of the hinges makes a plain garage door seem like a custom-made entryway. Add two matching handles in the very middle of the garage door, and you can make a single garage door look like double doors. Adding faux hinges and handles won’t work with all designs. However, it is one way homeowners are creating a bespoke double-door look with a single garage door.
Historical Hardware Options
Historical hardware pieces run the gamut from Colonial to French Quarter to Italianate looks. You can have your garage door professional install two ring pulls held by lions’ heads or a set of Tuscan hinges that would be at home on a sun-kissed vineyard. The possibilities are endless, and the right hardware can transport your garage door to another era.
4. Artist-Made Hardware
When you want a one-of-a-kind garage door, artist-made hardware can make that happen. First, choose the metal wisely when you add specialty hardware to your garage door. Not all materials can withstand the corrosion faced by metals on a garage door. The three styles of decorative pieces listed above are intended for outdoor use on garage doors. They’re usually painted or coated to resist rusting and pitting. Some metal artists create hardware for applications like garage doors, but you must specify that the artist use metals and sealing methods that will help the pieces resist corrosion.
- Copper will develop a green patina or may be maintained to keep its copper glow.
- Brass is an extremely durable mix of copper and zinc.
- Zinc is considered a sacrificial metal, since it will protect steel and other metals from corroding.
- Brass darkens over time but doesn’t rust or pit, so it’s a great choice for handmade hardware.
- Stainless steel is a good garage door hardware option if you want shinier hardware, since it’s coated with chromium oxide.
Corrosion-Resistant Materials
Most of Pennsylvania endures high morning humidity with average humidity over 50 percent. If your garage door is exposed to snow, rain, and humid air, the hardware will corrode if made of uncoated steel, aluminum, or another unprotected alloy. You’ll need to clean the stainless steel pieces often to maintain the finish on your garage door fixtures.
Custom Designs
Handmade garage door hardware can be made with intricate Celtic or Middle Eastern motifs. Floral, animal, and other custom designs can be engraved in the metal pieces to make your garage door look like a work of art. Handmade faux nails and fasteners are also a fun touch that make your garage door look extra fortified. Choose round, square, and other shapes of stud heads that attach to the garage door. The studs give your garage door a hand-hewn, legendary look that complements many styles of homes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding specialty hardware to your garage door can elevate its appearance and make it stand out. Whether you prefer a castle-style rustic look, contemporary styles, historic or vintage hardware, or artist-made hardware, there are numerous options to choose from. By selecting the right hardware and materials, you can create a unique and functional garage door that complements your home’s style. Consider consulting a professional to schedule installation of your new garage door and custom hardware accessories to ensure a seamless and precise installation process.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using specialty hardware on my garage door?
Using specialty hardware on your garage door can elevate its appearance, add character, and make it stand out.
What are the different styles of specialty hardware available?
The different styles of specialty hardware available include castle-style rustic, contemporary styles, historic or vintage hardware, and artist-made hardware.
What type of hardware is suitable for a modern garage door?
For a modern garage door, you can use contemporary styles of hardware with polished metal or flat back finishes.
How can I achieve a bespoke double-door look with a single garage door?
You can achieve a bespoke double-door look with a single garage door by adding faux hinges and handles.
What materials are suitable for outdoor use on garage doors?
Materials that are suitable for outdoor use on garage doors include copper, brass, zinc, and stainless steel, as they can withstand corrosion.
How often should I clean my stainless steel garage door hardware?
You should clean your stainless steel garage door hardware often to maintain its finish.
Can I get custom designs for my garage door hardware?
Yes, you can get custom designs for your garage door hardware, including intricate Celtic or Middle Eastern motifs, floral, and animal designs.
