Side-hinged garage doors offer a practical alternative to traditional up and over, roller and sectional designs. Opening outwards like a pair of conventional doors, they provide quick pedestrian access and can be particularly useful if you use your garage for storage, hobbies or as a workshop rather than simply parking a car.

But how much should you expect to pay for them?

The side hinged garage door cost will depend on several factors, including the size of your garage opening, the material and construction of the doors, insulation, security features and the finish you choose.

In this guide, we’ll look at what affects side-hinged garage door prices, their advantages and whether they’re the right choice for your property.

How Much Do Side-Hinged Garage Doors Cost?

There isn’t one fixed price for side-hinged garage doors.

A relatively straightforward steel design will generally cost less than a premium insulated or bespoke set of doors. Size, glazing, finishes and installation requirements can also significantly affect the final price.

When considering the overall side hinged garage door cost, your quotation may include:

• The doors and frame
• Handles and locking equipment
• Hinges and supporting hardware
• Installation
• Removal of your existing garage door
• Disposal of the old door
• Additional preparation to the opening

This means it’s important to compare complete quotations rather than looking at the price of the doors alone.

A professional survey is the best way to establish an accurate cost based on your garage and preferred specification.

What Are Side-Hinged Garage Doors?

Side-hinged garage doors usually consist of two door leaves that open outwards from the centre.

Rather than lifting the entire garage door every time you need access, you can simply open one side.

This traditional design has become increasingly attractive to homeowners who use their garage for purposes other than parking.

Side-hinged doors can offer:

• Quick pedestrian access
• Simple manual operation
• No tracks across the garage ceiling
• Good security
• Insulated options
• A wide range of designs
• Easy access to stored items
• Traditional or contemporary styling

They’re particularly useful if you’re regularly walking in and out of your garage throughout the day.

What Affects Side Hinged Garage Door Cost?

Several factors can influence how much you’ll ultimately pay.

Size of the Garage Opening

The dimensions of your garage are one of the biggest considerations.

Larger openings require larger doors and more materials, which will usually increase the price.

Non-standard garage openings may also require bespoke doors and frames.

Having the opening professionally measured before ordering helps ensure the new doors fit and operate correctly.

Material

The material used to manufacture your doors can significantly affect both price and appearance.

Steel Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Steel is a popular choice because it’s durable, secure and relatively easy to maintain.

Steel doors are available in numerous colours, panel designs and finishes, making them suitable for both traditional and contemporary properties.

For homeowners balancing price, durability and security, steel can provide an excellent option.

Timber Side-Hinged Garage Doors

Timber provides a traditional appearance that can work particularly well with period properties and rural homes.

However, genuine timber doors can cost more and generally require additional maintenance to protect them from the weather.

Other Materials and Finishes

Depending on the manufacturer, other materials and wood-effect finishes may also be available.

These can provide the appearance of timber with different maintenance requirements.

Does Insulation Increase Side Hinged Garage Door Cost?

Generally, yes.

Insulated side-hinged doors usually feature a more substantial construction than basic single-skin designs, increasing the initial purchase price.

Whether insulation is worth the additional expense depends on how you use your garage.

It can be particularly beneficial if:

• The garage is attached to your house
• You use the garage as a workshop
• The garage doubles as a gym or hobby space
• You spend significant time inside
• You want to reduce draughts
• There’s a room above or beside the garage

If your garage is detached and primarily used for basic storage, the highest level of insulation may be less important.

Do Different Door Splits Affect the Price?

One advantage of side-hinged garage doors is that different opening configurations may be available.

A traditional design may have two equally sized door leaves, creating a 50/50 split.

Alternatively, some designs use an unequal split, such as one-third and two-thirds.

An asymmetric design can be useful if you frequently enter the garage on foot because the smaller door can function almost like a conventional pedestrian entrance.

Available configurations will depend on the manufacturer and dimensions of your garage.

Does Glazing Increase the Cost?

Adding windows can increase the overall side hinged garage door cost, but glazing can also make the garage considerably more practical.

Windows allow natural light into the space without requiring the doors to remain open.

This can be particularly useful if the garage is used as:

• A workshop
• A hobby room
• A home gym
• A utility space
• General storage

Different glazing styles may be available, allowing you to choose something that complements your property.

Do Colour and Finish Affect the Price?

Side-hinged garage doors are available in a wide variety of colours and finishes.

Common choices include:

• White
• Black
• Anthracite grey
• Brown
• Green
• Wood-effect finishes

Standard colours will often provide the most economical option.

Bespoke colours, specialist finishes, decorative detailing and glazing can increase the overall price.

It’s worth considering how the garage door will complement other elements of your home, including your windows, front door and exterior finishes.

Are Side-Hinged Garage Doors Secure?

Security will depend on the particular door and locking system you choose, but good-quality side-hinged doors can provide strong security when correctly installed.

Features to consider can include:

• Robust locking systems
• Strong hinges
• Secure frames
• Durable door construction
• Internal security features

If your garage contains tools, bicycles or other valuable items, security should be an important part of your buying decision rather than choosing solely based on price.

Are Side-Hinged Garage Doors Insulated?

Insulated models are available.

This is one reason side-hinged doors can be particularly appealing for garages that are regularly used as working or recreational spaces.

However, it’s important to look at the complete installation rather than the door panels alone.

Gaps around the frame and threshold can also affect draughts and thermal performance, so correct installation matters.

Do Side-Hinged Garage Doors Need Electricity?

One of the advantages of side-hinged garage doors is their simple manual operation.

You don’t normally need an electric motor to open them. This means there’s no remote control or garage door operator required for everyday use.

For homeowners primarily interested in easy pedestrian access, this simplicity can be an advantage.

If electric operation is one of your main priorities, a roller or sectional garage door may be more appropriate.

Our guide to electric garage door cost provides more information if you’re comparing automated alternatives.

Side-Hinged vs Up and Over Garage Doors

Up and over garage doors use a single panel that lifts upwards into the garage, whereas side-hinged doors open outwards.

A basic up and over garage door can provide a relatively economical solution, particularly if you regularly park a vehicle inside the garage.

Side-hinged doors may be more convenient if you mainly use your garage for storage or need frequent pedestrian access.

There’s also no need for the door panel to travel beneath the garage ceiling.

If price is a major consideration, our guide to up and over garage door cost explains what affects the cost of this alternative.

Side-Hinged vs Roller Garage Doors

Roller garage doors open vertically and roll into a compact housing above the opening.

They’re particularly useful when driveway space is limited because the door doesn’t swing outwards.

Side-hinged doors, on the other hand, need sufficient space in front of the garage to open.

However, side-hinged doors provide extremely straightforward pedestrian access. You don’t need to raise the entire garage door simply to retrieve a bicycle, lawnmower or tool.

Our roller garage door cost guide provides more information if you’re comparing the two options.

Side-Hinged vs Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors consist of several horizontal panels that travel vertically before moving along tracks beneath the garage ceiling.

They’re often selected where insulation, security and electric operation are priorities.

Side-hinged doors have a simpler opening mechanism and leave the garage ceiling unobstructed.

The right option therefore depends on how you intend to use your garage.

You can also read our guide to sectional garage door cost for more information about sectional door pricing.

Who Are Side-Hinged Garage Doors Best For?

Side-hinged doors aren’t necessarily the best option for every garage, but they’re particularly well suited to certain situations.

They can be a good choice if you:

• Regularly access your garage on foot
• Store bicycles in the garage
• Keep gardening equipment inside
• Use the garage as a workshop
• Have storage close to the garage entrance
• Want to keep the ceiling clear
• Prefer straightforward manual operation
• Like a traditional door appearance

They’re also worth considering if you rarely put your car inside the garage.

Are Side-Hinged Garage Doors Suitable for Short Driveways?

This requires more consideration.

Because the doors open outwards, you need sufficient clearance in front of the garage.

If a vehicle is regularly parked immediately outside the door, you may need to move it before opening both sides.

A roller or sectional garage door can be more suitable where driveway space is particularly restricted because both open vertically rather than swinging outwards.

Do Side-Hinged Garage Doors Require Much Maintenance?

Side-hinged garage doors have a relatively straightforward operating system, but they still benefit from regular inspection and maintenance.

You should keep an eye on:

• Hinges
• Handles
• Locks
• Frames
• Seals
• Door alignment
• Surface condition

Any signs that the doors are dropping, becoming difficult to close or failing to lock correctly should be investigated.

Regular maintenance can help keep the doors operating smoothly and prevent smaller issues from developing.

Can You Replace an Up and Over Door With Side-Hinged Doors?

In many cases, yes.

If you currently have an up and over garage door, it may be possible to replace it with a side-hinged design.

However, the existing opening and frame will need to be assessed to establish what’s required.

Changing door type can be particularly worthwhile if the way you use your garage has changed.

For example, you may have originally parked a car inside but now use the garage primarily for storage or as a workshop. Side-hinged doors could provide much more convenient access.

Our guide to garage door replacement cost covers some of the other considerations when replacing an existing door.

Are Side-Hinged Garage Doors Worth the Cost?

For the right property, they can be.

Their biggest advantage is convenient access. Being able to open a single door rather than lifting an entire garage door makes everyday use much easier.

They also offer:

• Straightforward operation
• Good security options
• Insulated designs
• Clear internal ceiling space
• Traditional and contemporary finishes
• Easy pedestrian access

The main consideration is the outward opening space required.

If you have sufficient driveway clearance and regularly enter the garage on foot, side-hinged doors can be an excellent long-term choice.

How Can You Keep the Cost Down?

If you’re working to a particular budget, focus on the features you genuinely need.

Choose a Standard Finish

Standard colours and finishes can be more economical than bespoke options.

Consider Whether You Need Glazing

Windows can be useful, but they aren’t essential if natural light isn’t important.

Choose the Right Level of Insulation

Insulation can be worthwhile for regularly occupied or attached garages, but you may not need the highest specification for a detached storage garage.

Have the Opening Professionally Measured

Accurate measurements help ensure you order the right door and avoid costly complications.

Consider Long-Term Value

Price shouldn’t be the only factor.

Security, durability, installation quality and replacement-part availability can all affect how good a purchase proves to be over the longer term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do side-hinged garage doors cost?

The side hinged garage door cost depends on the size, material, insulation, glazing, finish and installation requirements. A professional survey is the most reliable way to obtain an accurate quotation.

Are side-hinged garage doors expensive?

They can cost more than a basic manual up and over door, particularly when choosing insulated construction, glazing or premium finishes. However, they provide advantages such as easy pedestrian access and a clear garage ceiling.

Are side-hinged garage doors secure?

Good-quality doors can provide strong security when professionally installed with appropriate locks, hinges and frames.

Can side-hinged garage doors be insulated?

Yes. Insulated side-hinged doors are available and can be particularly useful for attached garages and garages used as workshops or hobby spaces.

Do side-hinged garage doors open outwards?

Most side-hinged garage doors open outwards, so sufficient space is required in front of the garage.

Are side-hinged garage doors good for workshops?

They can be an excellent choice because you can enter through one side without opening the entire garage. They also avoid tracks running across the ceiling, leaving more internal space available.

Get a Quote for Side-Hinged Garage Doors in Devon

Online guides are useful when setting an initial budget, but your actual side hinged garage door cost will depend on the size of your garage and the specification you choose.

At 247 Garage Doors, we supply and install garage doors throughout Devon and can help you compare side-hinged doors with roller, sectional and up and over alternatives.

Whether you want easier pedestrian access, improved security, better insulation or simply a replacement for an ageing garage door, our experienced team can help you choose an option that suits your property and budget.

Contact 247 Garage Doors today to arrange a free home survey and receive a quotation for your new side-hinged garage doors.