Need a Garage Door That Saves Overhead Space? Side Sliding Designs Offer Function and Flair
Not all garages are designed for traditional overhead doors. Whether you have a low ceiling, limited headroom, or unique architectural layout, a side sliding garage door could be the perfect solution. These horizontally operating doors combine style, safety, and quiet functionality—while offering a clean, minimal appearance that suits both modern and classic homes.
At 313 Garage Doors, we specialize in side sliding garage door installation throughout Metro Detroit. Whether you’re restoring a historic carriage house, building a minimalist new home, or upgrading a tight garage, we deliver durable, smooth-sliding, and space-saving doors customized to your needs.
What Is a Side Sliding Garage Door?
Side sliding garage doors—also called sliding sectional doors or round-the-corner doors—open horizontally, gliding along a bottom rail and upper guide system. Unlike standard garage doors that lift vertically, these doors slide parallel to the wall, maximizing ceiling clearance and allowing unique configurations.
They’re often seen in:
Historic properties with original architectural charm
Low-ceiling garages or buildings with storage lofts
Modern homes emphasizing minimalist lines
Luxury properties looking for quiet, elegant functionality
Their smooth operation, silent movement, and versatile design make them ideal for many settings.
Why Choose a Side Sliding Garage Door?
From space optimization to architectural elegance, there are countless reasons to consider this unique style.
Key Benefits:
No Overhead Tracks – Perfect for garages with low ceilings or obstructions
Smooth, Quiet Operation – Glides effortlessly with minimal noise
Space-Saving Efficiency – Leaves ceiling space available for storage or lighting
Classic Meets Modern – Fits well in both historic and contemporary builds
Partial Opening Possible – Easily open just a portion for pedestrian entry
Durability – Built with heavy-duty materials designed for daily use
Low Maintenance – Fewer moving parts means fewer long-term issues
In short, side sliding doors are the ideal choice for homeowners and businesses needing design flexibility and functional innovation.
Ideal Applications for Side Sliding Garage Doors
Residential:
Homes with limited headroom or beam obstructions
Renovated barns, carriage houses, or carriage-style homes
Modern architecture where clean, uninterrupted ceiling lines are preferred
Garages used for gyms, workshops, or lofted storage
Commercial:
Fire stations and service garages
Industrial buildings with ceiling-mounted machinery
Luxury auto storage facilities
Showrooms or custom storefronts with wall access needs
Our team helps you assess your property’s layout and guides you through the best style and track configuration for a smooth fit.
Material Options for Side Sliding Doors
Side sliding garage doors can be constructed from many materials, depending on your durability, budget, and style preferences.
| Material | Features |
|---|---|
| Steel | Strong, long-lasting, and ideal for insulated panel configurations |
| Wood | Timeless aesthetic, highly customizable, perfect for historic homes |
| Aluminum | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, great for smooth gliding performance |
| Composite | Faux-wood appearance, highly durable, weather- and impact-resistant |
| Glass | Full-view or frosted panels for a modern, light-filled design |
Each material has unique performance benefits. We help match your material to your insulation needs, usage habits, and design vision.
Panel and Track Configurations
You’ll have choices when it comes to how your sliding door functions.
Panel Designs:
Flush Panels – Minimalist and modern
Carriage Panels – Decorative cross beams for historic homes
Wood Plank Designs – Horizontal or vertical planks
Custom Cutouts or Windows – Add visibility and light
Track Configurations:
Single Wall Slide – Slides along one wall, left or right
Split Slide – Doors slide in both directions from center
Custom Radius Tracks – Curve along corners for tight spaces
Manual or Motorized Options – Choose your level of automation
We’ll assess your garage structure and recommend the best configuration for both aesthetics and ease of use.
Insulation and Weather Protection
Michigan’s seasons can be extreme—your garage door should be ready. Our side sliding doors are available in insulated and weather-sealed models for long-term comfort and durability.
Insulation Features:
Polyurethane or polystyrene cores
R-values from R-6 to R-18+
Thermal break frames for better energy performance
Weather seals on top, bottom, and sides
This makes side sliding garage doors ideal for climate-sensitive garages, attached living spaces, or commercial environments with HVAC needs.
Automation and Smart Integration
Side sliding doors don’t have to be manual. We offer motorized and smart-controlled systems, fully integrated with:
Smartphone apps
Remote transmitters and keypads
Timed auto-close features
Battery backup systems
Voice assistants (Google, Alexa)
Our smart options provide secure, modern access without compromising the door’s classic charm.
Our Side Sliding Garage Door Installation Process
We’ve refined our process to deliver smooth installations with minimal disruption.
1. Free Consultation
We evaluate your space, identify headroom or width limitations, and present sliding door models that match your needs.
2. Design & Customization
Choose panel styles, materials, insulation levels, colors, and hardware. We’ll finalize measurements for a custom-fit door.
3. Ordering & Preparation
We handle product sourcing and site prep. Expect 2–4 weeks for custom doors, and we’ll schedule installation at your convenience.
4. Professional Installation
Our licensed team installs your track system, panels, and opener (if applicable). We ensure smooth operation and clean up the job site.
5. Final Walkthrough
We test safety systems, balance the door, and show you how to use your new garage door with confidence. Full warranty documentation included.
Serving Metro Detroit with Elegant Sliding Garage Door Solutions
Side sliding doors are less common—but we’ve installed them in:
Ferndale
Royal Oak
Ann Arbor
Plymouth
Detroit
Dearborn
Livonia
Novi
Northville
Birmingham
Troy
Grosse Pointe
Southfield
Bloomfield Hills and beyond
We know the demands of Michigan properties and offer solutions that blend function, form, and flair.
Why Choose 313 Garage Doors for Side Sliding Garage Door Installation?
Metro Detroit’s side sliding door experts
Access to custom, high-quality manufacturers
Historical restoration and modern design experience
Manual and automated systems available
Honest pricing and transparent consultations
Licensed, bonded, and insured installers
Full satisfaction guarantee with maintenance support
Whether it’s form, function, or both, we install garage doors that are built to perform beautifully.
FAQs – Side Sliding Garage Door Installation
Can side sliding garage doors be insulated?
Yes! We offer insulated steel or composite panels with R-values up to 18 for thermal comfort year-round.
Do they require more wall space?
Yes. You’ll need wall space equal to the width of the opening for the door to slide fully aside. We’ll help you assess if your layout works.
Are side sliding doors harder to operate?
Not at all. When properly installed, they glide effortlessly—even in manual mode. Motorized versions are just as convenient as overhead doors.
Can I add windows or glass panels?
Absolutely. Many styles support window cutouts or full-view frosted and clear glass inserts.
Are these doors secure?
Yes. Sliding doors lock into bottom tracks or wall-mounted brackets and can include smart locks or automatic deadbolts for added protection.
Let’s Install a Side Sliding Garage Door That’s Built for Your Space and Style
Don’t settle for a garage door that doesn’t work with your home’s design. A side sliding garage door offers a seamless, space-saving solution with timeless appeal. Let 313 Garage Doors help you reimagine your garage with smooth, beautiful functionality.
Call (313) 000-0000 or schedule your free consultation today. We’ll bring ideas, samples, and the experience you need to create the door you’ve been waiting for.