Six Best Garage Doors for Short Driveways
Short driveways require your garage doors to make the most of limited space while still allowing for easy access and reliable performance. The right design can prevent obstruction and improve your day-to-day convenience, but knowing which type of garage door to pick can be a challenge.
This guide outlines six of the best garage door types suitable for short driveways, explaining how each works, what advantages they offer and what you should consider before installation.
1. Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional garage doors open vertically in multiple panels that slide along tracks into the ceiling space. Because they rise straight up, they do not project outward, making them ideal for short driveways where every centimetre counts.
Advantages of Sectional Garage Doors
- Vehicles can park directly in front of the door without blocking movement.
- Excellent insulation, especially with double-skinned steel or aluminium panels.
- Compatible with electric openers for smooth, quiet operation and even greater convenience.
Considerations Before Installation
Sectional doors require adequate headroom to house the ceiling tracks (typically around 200mm), so be sure to measure that you have the necessary clearance. It’s also a good idea to keep springs and rollers lubricated, as this will help maintain efficiency and reduce noise in the long term.
2. Roller Garage Doors
Incredibly popular with new build properties, roller garage doors consist of narrow horizontal slats that roll into a compact box placed above the opening. They are probably the most space-saving garage door option when ceiling or driveway depth is restricted.
Advantages of Roller Garage Doors
- Minimal internal space required – no overhead tracks (unlike sectional garage doors).
- Clean, modern appearance suitable for contemporary properties.
- Available in insulated or single-skin designs with manual or motorised options.
Considerations Before Installation
High-quality roller garage doors should comply with EN 13241 guidelines, the European standard for safety and performance. Roller doors also come in a range of materials, with metal and aluminium variants being known best for their durability and resistance to weathering.
3. Sliding Garage Doors
Sliding garage doors, also known as side-sliding and round-the-corner doors, open horizontally, gliding along floor and ceiling tracks. This makes them particularly useful in garages where the ceiling is low or obstructed by things like beams, pipes, storage etc. And also useful where driveway space is limited, because the door never has to extend past the opening.
Advantages of Sliding Garage Doors
- Partial opening allows convenient pedestrian access.
- No need for ceiling space, freeing up room for lighting or storage.
- Modern track systems ensure smooth, low-friction movement.
Considerations Before Installation
Side-sliding doors will require one clear side wall within your garage for the panels to rest against. Proper installation is also essential to prevent binding and ensure even weight distribution.
4. Up-and-Over Garage Doors
The well-known, canopy-style up-and-over garage door is designed to tilt upwards as a single, uniform panel which acts as a partial canopy outside the garage when opened. They remain popular due to their simplicity and reliability, though they will require more driveway clearance than other types of garages included on this list.
Advantages of Up-and-Over Garage Doors
- Simple mechanical design with minimal maintenance required.
- Widely available in steel, timber or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) materials.
- Meets common UK security standards when fitted with multi-point locks.
Considerations Before Installation
If space is extremely tight, there are more suitable versions for shorter driveways including the retractable up-and-over garage door design, which fully opens inside your garage and eliminates external projection.
5. Side-Hinged Garage Doors
As the name would suggest, side-hinged garage doors open outwards like standard single or double doors. They’re suitable for both modern and traditional properties and offer easy pedestrian access without the need for any lifting mechanisms.
While the idea of having to open your garage doors outwards sounds unsuitable for short driveways, these side-hinged garage doors allow for quick entry without having to open your doors full width. You can open just one leaf for quick entry or exit, making them ideal if you prefer to pull up, step out to open the door, and then drive in – keeping your driveway clear and fully usable.
Advantages of Side-Hinged Garage Doors
- Quick entry without opening the full width.
- Works well in older garages with uneven floors or non-standard openings.
- Can be manufactured from insulated steel or timber for good thermal and acoustic control.
Considerations Before Installation
In very tight spaces, adjustable hinges can limit how far the doors swing outwards, preventing obstruction of pavements or shared driveways.
6. Bi-Fold Garage Doors
Bi-fold garage doors fold vertically into several panels, reducing the outward and inward space required. They provide a contemporary look while maintaining high functionality in confined areas.
Advantages of Bi-Fold Garage Doors
- Minimal external projection — ideal where vehicles park close to the door.
- Balanced, controlled operation through track or pivot systems.
- Excellent custom design potential with insulated aluminium frames.
Considerations Before Installation
For best performance, ensure bifold systems are weather-sealed and installed to the manufacturer’s specifications. Misalignment can affect smooth folding and wind resistance, so it’s worth ensuring you’re confident in installing yourself or you’re working with a reliable garage door installation company.
Choosing the Right Garage Door for a Short Driveway
When selecting a garage door, evaluate space, insulation, and usability. The following table summarises key factors:
| Decision Factor | Why It Matters | Recommended Options |
|---|---|---|
| Available headroom | Determines suitability for vertical or side operation | Sectional, Roller |
| Driveway length | Affects outward clearance | Roller, Sectional, Bifold |
| Internal wall space | Needed for side-sliding doors | Side-Sliding |
| Thermal efficiency | Important for attached garages | Sectional, Insulated Roller |
| Aesthetic preference and budget | Balances cost with appearance | Up-and-Over, Side-Hinged |
Conclusion
Choosing the right garage door for a short driveway comes down to space, practicality and long-term reliability. Roller, sectional and bifold designs maximise space, while side-hinged and side-sliding doors offer convenient access where ceiling height or layout is limited.
For tailored advice or professional installation, contact our team at WM Garage Doors. Our specialists can help you select and fit the ideal garage door for your property.