10 Ways To Repurpose Your Old Garage Door & Openers
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If you’ve recently replaced your old garage door or opener, don’t discard the old one just yet. Instead, consider giving them a second life with some creative and practical DIY projects.
You can repurpose your old garage door into:
- Bedroom Headboard
- Floating Shelves
- Dining Room Table
- Privacy Screen
- Flower Beds, and
- More.
There are countless ways to repurpose these materials, from transforming door panels into stylish furniture to converting openers into useful gadgets.
In this post, we share ten innovative ideas for making the most of your old garage doors and openers, adding charm and functionality to your home.
Ideas To Repurpose Old Garage Doors
Repurposing your old garage doors not only can you save money, but you can also add unique, rustic charm to your home. Here are ten ideas to get you started:
Bedroom Headboard
Repurpose your old garage door as a headboard for your bedroom. An old wooden garage door can create a stunning focal point. Simply:
- cut the door to the desired size,
- sand it down, and
- apply a paint or stain.
You can add a satin polyurethane finish for extra durability. Whether you’re looking for a rustic look or something more polished, this headboard will be a unique addition to your bedroom.
Floating Shelves
Transform your old garage door panels into floating shelves. This is one of the easiest projects to tackle.
- Cut the panels to your desired length,
- sand them smooth, and
- mount them to your wall using sturdy brackets.
These shelves are perfect for displaying books, plants, or decorative items. Paint or stain the shelves to match your decor for a more cohesive look.
Dining Room Table
Use the panels from your old door to create a unique dining room table. A glass garage door panel can make a stylish tabletop.
Replace the old wooden garage door panels with glass, and you’ll have a table that lets in natural light and adds a modern touch to your dining room.
If you prefer a rustic look, keep the wooden panels and top them with tempered glass.
Privacy Screen
An old garage door can be turned into a privacy screen for your backyard or patio. This project involves cutting the door into sections and attaching hinges to create a folding screen.
You can paint or stain the panels to match your outdoor decor. This screen is perfect for creating a private space or dividing different areas of your yard.
Flower Beds
With your old garage door panels, you can create raised flower beds.
- Cut the panels to your desired size,
- assemble them into rectangular boxes, and
- fill them with soil.
Wooden garage doors are ideal for this project, but steel or aluminum doors can work. Raised flower beds are great for gardening in small spaces and can add a charming touch to your garden.
Garden Bench
Turn your old garage door into a garden bench. Cut the door into smaller sections and use the panels to build the seat and backrest of the bench. Add sturdy legs and a coat of paint or stain to protect the wood from the elements.
This garden bench will be a unique and functional addition to your outdoor space.
Custom Coat Racks
Repurpose your garage door panels as custom coat racks. Cut a panel to the desired length, sand it down, and add hooks for hanging coats, hats, or bags. This coat rack can be installed in your:
- entryway,
- mudroom, or even
- your home office.
Customize it with paint or stain to match your interior decor.
Outdoor Display Case
Create an outdoor display case using your old garage door panels. This project is perfect for showcasing plants, garden tools, or decorative items.
Cut the panels to the desired size, assemble them into a box shape, and add glass or plexiglass doors. This display case can be placed on your:
- porch,
- patio, or
- in your garden.
Wall Of Windows
Transform your old garage door into a wall of windows for your home office or guest room. Replace the solid panels with glass to create a wall that lets in plenty of natural light.
This project requires a bit more craftsmanship but can dramatically improve your space’s curb appeal and functionality.
Bed Headboard
Finally, use your old garage door to make a custom bed headboard. Cut the door to fit the width of your bed, sand it down, and paint or stain it to your liking.
You can even add decorative trim or molding for a more finished look. This headboard will add a touch of rustic charm to any bedroom.
Repurpose Your Old Garage Openers
Repurposing an old garage door opener can be both practical and creative. Here are three innovative ways to give this often-overlooked equipment new life.
Dumbwaiter
You can transform an old garage door opener into a handy dumbwaiter. This is perfect for moving items between floors in your home.
You can create a mini elevator by mounting the opener vertically and attaching a sturdy platform.
This is especially useful for transporting groceries from the garage to the kitchen or laundry to and from the basement. Ensure the system is well-balanced and secure, and you’ll have a functional dumbwaiter that saves you time and effort.
Retractable Awning
Another great way to repurpose your garage door opener is by turning it into a retractable awning. This DIY project can enhance your outdoor living space.
By attaching the opener to a sturdy frame and connecting it to a fabric awning, you can create a retractable shade for your patio or deck.
This provides you with the flexibility to enjoy the sun when you want it and retreat to the shade when necessary. Ensure the opener is weatherproofed to withstand outdoor conditions.
This repurposed garage door opener will add functionality and charm to your outdoor area.
Moving Target System
For those who enjoy target practice, repurposing your garage door opener into a moving target system is brilliant. By setting up the opener to move a target back and forth along a track, you can create a dynamic practice environment for shooting or archery.
This system can be adjusted for speed and distance, providing a customizable training experience. Ensure the motor and track are shielded from any potential damage.
This repurposing idea not only utilizes your old garage door opener but also adds an exciting and challenging element to your practice sessions.
Repurpose Your Old Garage Door Springs
Have old garage door springs lying around? Repurpose them by turning them into one of these:
Door Closer
Transform your old garage springs into a door closer. Attach the springs to a heavy door that needs some help closing. This is especially useful for barn doors or large entryways.
Secure the spring with a cable or rope to ensure safety if the spring breaks. This DIY project is a simple way to reuse old garage materials effectively.
Workout Equipment Set
Another great idea is to create a workout equipment set using garage door springs.
You can build a spring bar or a chest expander. If the spring breaks, insert a cable or tubing inside it to prevent accidents.
This repurposed equipment offers a rustic yet functional addition to your home gym.
Launcher
You can also use old garage springs to build a launcher for outdoor activities. The springs can provide the necessary tension, whether a slingshot or a ballista. Secure the springs with cables to ensure safety during use.
This project combines creativity with practicality, making it a unique way to repurpose old garage door components.
Repurpose Your Old Garage Door Sensors
Repurposing old garage door sensors can add unique and practical touches to your home. Here are three inventive ways to reuse these devices.
Intruder Alert System
You can create an infrared intruder alert system using old garage door sensors. Install the sensors at entry points like doors or windows. An alarm can sound when the beam is broken, alerting you to potential intruders.
This DIY security measure is cost-effective and efficient, giving you peace of mind without a hefty price tag.
Automatic Light System
Turn your old garage door sensors into an automatic light system for your attic or basement. By placing the sensors at the entrance, the lights can automatically turn on when you enter the space and turn off when you leave.
This setup saves energy and adds convenience, ensuring you never have to fumble for a light switch in the dark.
Pet Deterrent
Repurpose your garage door sensors to create a fun, interactive pet deterrent. Install the sensors in areas you don’t want your pets to go, such as the kitchen counter or certain rooms.
When your pet crosses the sensor, it can trigger a harmless deterrent like a small fan or noise, training them to stay away from restricted areas.
Repurpose Your Old Garage Door, Openers & Parts
There are countless ways to repurpose old garage doors, from creating unique furniture to adding decorative touches to your home. By reusing your old garage door, you can:
- save some money,
- reduce waste, and
- add a personal touch to your living space.
So before you throw out that old door and parts, consider these DIY ideas and get creative with repurposing. Just because you now have a new garage door doesn’t mean you have to throw the old one away.
