Side Hinged Garage Doors
The hinged door has been around the longest of any garage door type. Simple, easy, and safe to operate, when the door panels are built well they can last for decades. Minimal stress is placed on the mechanism, and there are no hard contact points between the panels, subframe, or other parts. Also known as ‘swing’ or ‘traditional’ garage doors, side hinged garage doors have become a popular solution for single garages across the UK.
Many homeowners now use their garages for multi-purpose spaces rather than car storage. Side hinged doors offer:
- Simple, effortless, and very daily safe operation
- Excellent security, longevity, and overall durability
- Easy pedestrian access in and out
- No internal tracking, springs, or intrusions into the garage
- Minimal moving parts for a long operational lifespan
- Low maintenance—just keep clean
- Completely assembled on delivery for direct and easy fitting
- Insulated panel options: 20mm, 40mm, and 51mm
- Modern or traditional designs with multiple window options
Installation
Side hinged garage doors supplied as ‘doorsets’, where the door panels, fixing sub frame, hardware, locking and all components are all factory assembled and tested provide one of the easiest garage doors for site installation by any competent DIY or trades person. ALL of our steel hinged garage and pedestrian doors will be delivered ready to offer into the garage opening and installed simply by fixing the sub frame to the aperture and then adjusting and finishing around the frame. We offer high quality steel side hinged doors in single skin pressed steel panels and then a wider range of double skinned insulated panels for increased strength, security and thermal and sound insulation for your garage. If your garage is heated in any way then insulated garage doors could save you a fortune over time..
Insulated Double Skinned Steel Side Hinged Doors
Insulated hinged doors provide not only thermal and acoustic benefits but also increased strength, security, and weather sealing. Panels range from 20mm to 51mm thick, supporting premium locking systems, handles, and double-glazed windows for enhanced performance. Properly specified insulated doors can save energy and improve garage comfort.
Benefits include:
- Internal temperature and humidity regulation
- Energy savings, especially for heated garages
- Enhanced security with thicker steel panels
- Improved durability and resistance to denting or warping
- Compatibility with double glazed windows
- Excellent longevity and low maintenance
Design Options
Choose from traditional to ultra-modern designs, including stainless steel elements, long static handles, and large window options. Fully finished steel doors with long guarantees make these premium hinged doors excellent value for money.
Common FAQs
What are the main benefits of side hinged garage doors?
Side hinged garage doors offer simple manual operation, very easy pedestrian-style access through a single leaf, and no internal ceiling tracks to get in the way of storage. They are ideal for garages used as workshops, gyms or bike stores, and can provide excellent thermal and acoustic performance when specified in insulated double-skinned steel or similar high-quality constructions. High security options with multi-point locking, robust frames and reinforced hinges are widely available, along with choices for glazing, panel designs and finishes to suit both modern and traditional properties.
Are side hinged garage doors expensive?
As a rule, side hinged garage doors cost more than standard steel up-and-over doors but are usually cheaper than many insulated sectional or premium electric roller doors. Insulated double-skinned steel models often represent strong value because they combine durability, security and thermal performance, which can reduce heat loss and improve everyday usability of the garage. Single-skin versions are typically more affordable and still suit customers who mainly want easy walk-in access and a smart appearance rather than full insulation.
How secure are side hinged garage doors?
Security depends on the strength of the door leaves, the rigidity of the subframe, and the quality of the locking and hinge hardware. Modern side hinged doors can be specified with multi-point locking, reinforced keep plates, security hinges, and internal shoot bolts or locking bars that significantly increase resistance to forced entry. Choosing thicker, double-skinned steel panels and a factory-fitted steel frame will generally provide higher levels of protection than basic single-skin doors fitted into older timber frames.
Are side hinged garage doors a good choice if I want to improve the look and value of my home?
Upgrading to well-designed side hinged doors can enhance the kerb appeal of a property, especially on character homes or where a more “door-like” appearance suits the façade. When combined with better security and, where relevant, improved insulation, they can make the garage more usable and attractive to potential buyers, which may have a positive effect on perceived property value.
Are side hinged garage doors easy to install?
Many modern side hinged doors are supplied as pre-assembled doorsets, with the leaves already hung in a factory-finished frame and all major hardware fitted, which simplifies installation. For a competent tradesperson or experienced DIYer, fitting usually involves positioning and fixing the frame square in the opening, securing it to the structure, and making final adjustments to the door alignment and lock keeps. For the best performance, especially with heavier insulated models, professional installation is often recommended to ensure correct clearances, sealing and long-term reliability.
