How to Hide a Garage Door
Are you tired of having an unsightly garage door on your property that you wish would just disappear? Do you want to improve the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space without breaking the bank? If so, you are in luck because there is a simple solution that can help you achieve your goal.
In my case, the problem was the door on the no-car garage located right beside our new outdoor dining area. It was a relic from a bygone era when our backyard was an asphalt parking lot. After digging up the asphalt in 2006 and planting a huge garden, I turned the garage into a much-needed potting shed. However, the garage door remained, and it was an eyesore. I knew I had to do something about it.
At first, I considered removing the garage door altogether, but that was not a feasible option. For one, it would have been too expensive. Additionally, I had grown quite fond of the automatic system that opens and closes the door with the push of a button. So, I had to think of a more creative solution.
That’s when I came up with the idea of rustic swing-out doors that would be hinged in front of the existing garage door. I enlisted the help of John, my trusty handyman, and asked him to build the doors from tongue-and-groove pine. He worked his magic in a single afternoon, and I was thrilled with the result.
The doors not only look great, but they are also strong and secure. The black hardware hinges and latch give them a pleasant old-world look, which complements the structure next to the garage perfectly. The structure, which was built around 1795, has a lot of character, and I wanted to make sure that the new doors would blend in seamlessly.
One of the best features of the new doors is the spring-loaded latch. To open the doors, you simply pull up the U-shaped lever with one finger. It’s incredibly easy to use, and it adds to the overall charm of the doors.
To secure the doors against strong winds, John attached a bolt to the door on the right. I call it a pull-down bolt, although I’m sure it has an official name. The great thing about this bolt is that it allows me to keep the doors closed when the weather is bad, and it also keeps them from swinging open unexpectedly.
The electronic garage door can still be rolled up or down even when the swing-out doors are closed. However, the beauty of this solution is that it hides the garage door from view, allowing us to focus on the more attractive features of our outdoor space.
In our case, the patio, pergola, and Martha Washington geraniums are now the focal point of our outdoor dining area. The pergola will be painted white after the wood has dried for one season, which will add to its beauty. For now, we are just enjoying the peace and tranquility of our outdoor space, without the distraction of the unsightly garage door.
A Solution for Your Eyesore
Do you have an eyesore on your property that you’d like to address? Perhaps it’s a garage door that you wish would disappear, or maybe it’s something else entirely. Whatever it is, I encourage you to think creatively and come up with a solution that works for you.
In many cases, the solution is simpler than you might think. It might involve a fresh coat of paint, some new hardware, or even a complete transformation. Whatever you choose, the end result will be worth it.
Tips for Hiding a Garage Door
If you’re considering hiding a garage door, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start by assessing the problem. What is it about the garage door that you don’t like? Is it the color, the style, or something else?
- Consider your options. Can you paint the door, replace the hardware, or do something more drastic?
- Think about the style of your home and your outdoor space. What would complement it best?
- Don’t be afraid to get creative. There are many different solutions to this problem, and the right one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Examples of creative solutions:
Some people have used screens to hide their garage doors, while others have opted for more elaborate solutions, such as a decorative trellis or a water feature.
In my case, the rustic swing-out doors were the perfect solution. They not only hide the garage door but also add to the charm and character of our outdoor space.
Conclusion:
Hiding a garage door can be a simple and effective way to improve the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. By thinking creatively and considering your options, you can come up with a solution that works for you.
In my case, the rustic swing-out doors were the perfect solution. They not only hide the garage door but also add to the charm and character of our outdoor space.
I hope this article has been helpful in giving you ideas and inspiration for your own project. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you have any questions or if you’d like to share your own solution.
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Patio Pergola Project, Part One
House Tour, Part One
Afternoon Tea with Scones and Clotted Cream
What is the main goal of hiding a garage door? The main goal is to improve the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space without incurring significant costs.
What is the author’s solution to hiding the garage door? The author created rustic swing-out doors made from tongue-and-groove pine that are hinged in front of the existing garage door.
How does the swing-out door system work? The doors have a spring-loaded latch that can be opened with a U-shaped lever. A pull-down bolt is also attached for security against strong winds.
Do the swing-out doors interfere with the existing garage door’s operation? No, the electronic garage door can still be rolled up or down even when the swing-out doors are closed.
What are some tips for hiding a garage door? Assess the problem, consider your options, think about the style of your home and outdoor space, and be creative.
What are some alternative solutions mentioned in the article besides the swing-out doors? Other solutions include using screens, decorative trellises, or water features.
Why is the solution of rustic swing-out doors suitable for the author’s property? The doors not only hide the garage door but also add to the charm and character of the author’s outdoor space, complementing the existing structure built around 1795.
