Double sectional garage doors

One wide door or two single doors?

If your garage has a central pier, two single doors may still make sense. If the opening is clear from side to side, one wide sectional door gives the most usable width and a cleaner look. On some properties removing a central pier is possible, but that is structural work needing proper design, not a decision to make on the doorstep.

Does a wider door need different springs?

Yes. A double door is far heavier than a single, so it runs on a larger spring set, usually torsion springs on a longer shaft, and heavier-gauge tracks and cables. These are sized to the exact door weight by the manufacturer.

Will a standard operator lift it?

Domestic operators come in ratings for different door areas. Wide doors need an operator rated for the size and weight, and on very wide or heavy doors a more powerful unit or a different drive arrangement is specified.

What sizes are common in the UK?

Many older double garages have openings of about 14 feet by 7 feet (roughly 4267 by 2134 mm) or 16 feet by 7 feet (about 4877 by 2134 mm). New builds vary, which is why every door is made to the measured opening rather than to a stock size.

Can a double door have a pedestrian door in it?

Some ranges offer an integrated wicket door within a sectional door. It is useful on wide doors where there is no separate side door, though it adds cost and has threshold and width limits.

How long does fitting take?

A double sectional door is still usually a one-day job for a two-person team, including removal of the old door, unless the opening needs building work first.

What options are there?

• Any designRibbed, large rib, flush, cassette, woodgrain and glazed options.
• Window insertsRows of windows in one section for daylight.
• Wicket doorIntegrated pedestrian door on selected ranges.
• Heavier operatorOperator rated for the door area and weight.
• Matching side doorPedestrian door in the same finish.

Key facts

Typical widths	About 4267 mm (14 ft) to 4877 mm (16 ft), made to measure
Springs	Larger spring sets sized to door weight
Operation	Electric recommended; manual possible on some sizes
Fitting	Usually one day for a two-person team
Opening	Vertical, parks under the ceiling
Guide price	£3,295–£4,995 inc VAT

Who is it for?

Best suited to two-car garages, wide openings and new builds where the drive needs to stay clear.

Do I need permission?

Replacing a garage door does not normally need planning permission anywhere in the UK. The usual exceptions are listed buildings, conservation areas, Article 4 areas in England and newer estates where planning conditions restrict changes to garages. Planning rules by nation →