When a garage door is replaced, the old one usually ends up in the dumpster. But a sturdy, well-built door has a lot of life left in it as something else. Panels with character, weathered texture and solid construction are exactly what people pay extra for in home décor.
If you like a creative project, or you're about to upgrade your door and wonder what to do with the old one, here are seven ideas.
Before you start: get the door out safely
This is the most important part of the whole project. A garage door is held in balance by springs that store a lot of energy, and by cables that are under tension. Taking a door down without the right training and tools can cause serious injury.
Please don't try to unhook the springs or cables yourself. Have a professional remove the door and its hardware. Once the door is out, separated into panels and free of the spring system, it's safe to work with. Wear gloves and eye protection either way, since metal edges can be sharp.
If you're planning a replacement, ask your installer about the old door before it's hauled away, so you can keep what you want.
Indoor ideas
1. A headboard with character
A section of an old door makes an eye-catching headboard. The texture and lines of the panels give a bedroom a rustic or industrial look with very little effort. Add a shelf or a pair of wall lights for a custom feel.
2. A sliding barn door
A door panel mounted on a sliding track can close off a closet, pantry or laundry nook without swinging into the room. It's a great way to save space and add farmhouse charm. Use proper hardware rated for the weight, and have it mounted securely into the wall framing.
3. A statement wall
Mount cleaned and sealed panels on a wall in a living room, den or office for instant texture. Weathered paint and dings can be a feature, not a flaw.
4. A coffee table or console table
Combine a section of door with sturdy legs, and you have a table nobody else has. A glass or wooden top can protect the surface and give it a more refined look. The lower area makes a handy place for baskets or books.
Outdoor and garage ideas
5. A garden bench or potting bench
A door panel makes a solid seat or work surface for the patio. Give it a good sealer and a rust-resistant primer if it's metal, and bring a cushion for comfort.
6. A garden gate or fence panel
A door section can become a charming gate or a decorative screen in a yard. If you're in a gated community or HOA, check the rules on fences and outdoor structures first.
7. Shelves and lockers
Cut sections can be turned into shelving for the garage or workshop, or a row of cubbies for a mudroom. The material is built to handle weight, which makes it a good fit for tools and storage bins.
Tips for Florida homes
Southwest Florida weather is hard on anything left outside. If your project will be in the yard, think about:
- Humidity and rain. Seal wood well and prime and paint metal to slow rust.
- Salt air. If you're near the coast, use stainless steel or coated hardware.
- Sun. Strong sunlight fades paint and dries out wood, so choose finishes made for outdoor use.
- Rough edges. Smooth any sharp or cut edges, and clean the surface well before you finish it.
What if your door is still usable?
Repurposing is a fun way to save a door from the landfill, but it doesn't fix a garage door that's still on your home. If your current door is noisy, slow, damaged or hard to open, a professional can look it over and tell you whether a repair will do or whether it's time for a new one. Get an honest opinion before you decide to tear anything out.
If you do decide on a new door, you'll have plenty of choices in styles and materials, including insulated steel, wood and composite, glass and aluminum, carriage-house designs and impact-rated doors. We carry Amarr, Wayne Dalton and AA Impact. Take a look at our new residential garage doors for ideas.
Ready for a new garage door?
At Overdoors of Florida, we've been a family-owned garage door company in Naples since 1983. We're licensed, bonded and insured, and we give you the price up front before any work begins. If it's time to replace your old door, call or text us at (239) 643-7612, or request a free quote. Not sure whether you need a repair or a replacement? Our garage door repair team can help you decide.
Call or text (239) 643-7612, or request a free quote.