When a custom door makes sense
Most garage doors are chosen from a standard line of sizes, styles and colors, and for many homes that's exactly right. But some homes and some homeowners need something more. Historic houses near Downtown Waukesha may have arched or unusually sized openings. High-end new builds may call for a specific wood species or a design that matches custom entry doors. Modern homes may want flush doors that disappear into the siding. Detached carriage houses and workshops may need oversized or extra-tall doors.
That's where custom garage doors come in. We help you design a door that fits your opening and your vision, coordinate with the manufacturer, and install it properly so it looks and works beautifully.
What can be customized
- Size and shape, including oversized, extra-tall and arched-top openings.
- Material, such as cedar, redwood, mahogany, composite or custom-clad steel.
- Design, with custom board patterns, panel layouts and crossbuck designs.
- Glass, including custom window shapes, grilles, frosted, seeded or tinted glass.
- Finish, from custom stain colors to paint matched to your trim.
- Hardware, such as hand-forged handles, strap hinges and clavos.
Popular custom door types
Real wood carriage doors. Built from cedar, hemlock, redwood or mahogany, these doors bring natural grain and warmth to craftsman, Tudor and historic homes. They can be stained to highlight the wood or painted to match trim.
Arched-top doors. Many older Waukesha homes have arched garage openings, and some new homes are designed with them. A standard rectangular door in an arched opening leaves an awkward gap. A custom arched-top door follows the curve for a finished look.
Flush and seamless modern doors. Some contemporary designs call for doors clad in the same material as the siding, like wood planks, fiber cement or metal panels, so the garage door blends into the facade.
Custom glass doors. Full-view or partial-glass doors with custom frame colors, glass types and grid patterns can turn the garage into a bright workspace or a striking architectural feature.
Oversized and specialty doors. Tall doors for RVs, boats or car lifts, extra-wide doors for three-car openings and doors for detached shops and coach houses.
Our custom door process
- Consultation. We visit your home, discuss your goals and look at the architecture, the opening and the framing.
- Precise measurements. Custom doors require exact measurements of the opening, arch radius, headroom, side room and backroom.
- Design and drawings. We work with you and the manufacturer to finalize materials, design, windows, finish and hardware, and provide a detailed quote.
- Ordering and timeline. Custom doors take longer to build than standard doors. We give you a realistic timeline and keep you updated.
- Preparation. We inspect and prepare the opening, including jambs, header and any framing changes needed for the new door.
- Installation and finishing. Custom doors are often heavier and need careful handling. We install heavy-duty tracks, springs and hardware sized to the door's actual weight, then balance and test.
Plan ahead for custom lead times. Custom doors are built to order and can take several weeks or longer depending on materials and finishes. If you're building or remodeling, involve us early so the door is ready when the opening is.
Caring for a custom wood door in Waukesha
Real wood doors need more care than steel, especially in our climate. To protect your investment:
- Have the door finished on all sides, including edges and the bottom, before or immediately after installation.
- Inspect the finish each spring and fall, and refinish when it starts to look dull or worn, often every two to three years on sun-exposed doors.
- Keep snow, slush and salt away from the bottom section in winter.
- Keep gutters working so water doesn't pour onto the door.
- Choose a darker stain carefully on south- and west-facing doors, which absorb more heat.
Heavier doors need the right hardware
A custom wood or oversized door can weigh far more than a standard steel door. That extra weight must be carried by properly sized torsion springs, heavier cables and drums, reinforced tracks and strong hinges. Openers must also be rated for the weight, and a wall-mount jackshaft opener is often a good choice for heavy or tall doors and garages with high ceilings. We size every component to the door's actual weight, not just its dimensions.
Custom doors and historic homes
Waukesha has a rich collection of historic homes, and their garages often present special challenges: narrow openings, low headroom, arched tops and framing that's settled over the decades. A custom door lets you honor the home's character while adding modern insulation, safety features and smooth operation. We'll work within the constraints of an older garage, recommending low-headroom track systems or other solutions where needed.
Custom vs. semi-custom
Not every special project needs a fully custom door. Many manufacturers offer semi-custom lines with additional sizes, colors, window designs and wood-look finishes. These can deliver much of the custom look at a lower price and with shorter lead times. We'll show you both paths and help you decide where custom details are worth the investment.
Custom garage doors throughout Waukesha County
We design and install custom garage doors throughout Waukesha and in nearby Pewaukee, Brookfield, New Berlin, Genesee, Delafield, Wales and Sussex. Whether you're restoring a historic carriage house or building a modern home, request a consultation and we'll help you create a door that fits perfectly.
What affects the price of a custom door
Custom doors vary widely in cost. The biggest factors are:
- Material: cedar and mahogany cost more than hemlock or composite; custom-clad doors depend on the cladding.
- Size and shape: oversized, tall or arched doors require more material and engineering.
- Design complexity: intricate overlays, custom windows and hand-forged hardware add cost.
- Finish: factory finishing on all sides adds cost but greatly extends the life of wood doors.
- Hardware and installation: heavier doors need heavier springs, track and openers, and more installation time.
Design tips for a custom door you'll love
- Start with the house. Pull design cues from windows, trim, columns and entry doors.
- Keep proportions in mind. On wide openings, vertical board patterns and window grids help break up the expanse.
- Think about light. Custom windows can bring light into a workshop or gym without sacrificing privacy.
- Coordinate finishes. Match stain tones or paint colors to other exterior elements.
- Don't forget function. Insulation, weather seals and the right opener matter as much as appearance.
Working with builders and architects
If you're building a new home or a major addition in the Waukesha area, we're happy to work with your builder or architect early in the process. We can review plans for headroom, side room and framing, recommend opening sizes and help select doors that fit both the design and the budget. Involving us early prevents last-minute changes and helps ensure the door arrives when the opening is ready.
Custom doors for detached garages and coach houses
Many Waukesha properties, especially in the older parts of the city, have detached garages and coach houses at the back of the lot or along an alley. These buildings often have unusual openings, low headroom or doors that were replaced long ago with something that doesn't match the house. A custom or semi-custom door can bring them back into harmony with the home. Because detached garages are often unheated, we'll help you decide whether insulation is worthwhile and choose finishes that hold up to the elements.
Insulation and custom doors
A custom look doesn't mean giving up comfort. Many custom and semi-custom doors are available with insulated cores, insulated glass and weather seals. For attached garages, we recommend insulated construction behind any custom overlay or wood face, so your new door looks remarkable and keeps the cold out.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a custom garage door take?
Custom doors are built to order and can take several weeks or longer depending on materials and finishes. We give you a realistic timeline when you order.
Can you make a door for an arched opening?
Yes. We measure the arch precisely and order a door built to follow the curve, so there's no awkward gap between the door and the opening.
Are custom wood doors hard to maintain?
They need more care than steel, including regular refinishing. With proper sealing and periodic maintenance, a quality wood door can last for many years.
Do custom doors need special openers?
Heavier or taller doors may need a higher-rated opener, and wall-mount jackshaft openers are often a great fit. We size the opener to the door's weight.
Is a custom door worth the cost?
For historic homes, unusual openings or high-end designs, a custom door often provides a fit and look that standard doors can't. We'll also show you semi-custom options that cost less.
Can a custom door match my existing wood entry door?
In many cases, yes. Custom wood doors can be built in matching species and stained to coordinate with your entry door, shutters or other exterior woodwork.
