If your home is like most American's, the garage door is likely the largest entrance to your home. In most newer developments, the garage is oftentimes the most prominent feature, sticking out in front of the home. Make a statement and add instant charm to your garage door with these three simple additions to make it look like a high-end, custom door. A decorative garage door handle and hinges add carriage-style charm while faux window panes will fool even your nosiest neighbors. See how we installed all three elements in just a couple of hours with a few basic tools. If you can use a drill, you can check this project off your to-do list in no time.
- Mark Placement of Garage Door Decorative HardwareLocate the flat, horizontal surface of your garage door panel. Place hinge at the center of that area, aligned with the right side of the garage. It should be placed several inches in from the edge. Once you're happy with the placement, use a pencil to mark where the holes are to attach the hinge. Remove the hinge and use a level to test alignment.Purchase the same kit that we used here ($48, Amazon)
Mark Placement of Garage Door Decorative Hardware
Locate the flat, horizontal surface of your garage door panel. Place hinge at the center of that area, aligned with the right side of the garage. It should be placed several inches in from the edge. Once you're happy with the placement, use a pencil to mark where the holes are to attach the hinge. Remove the hinge and use a level to test alignment.
Purchase the same kit that we used here ($48, Amazon)
- Pilot Holes And Install Decorative HardwareUse a 1/8-inch drill bit to drill pilot holes at the pencil marks you just made. Hold hinge up to the holes and fasten the hinges to the garage door with 1-1/2-inch screws. Repeat with hinges in all three remaining corners.How to Use a Drill
Pilot Holes And Install Decorative Hardware
Use a 1/8-inch drill bit to drill pilot holes at the pencil marks you just made. Hold hinge up to the holes and fasten the hinges to the garage door with 1-1/2-inch screws. Repeat with hinges in all three remaining corners.
- Measure Placement of Garage Door HandlesLocate the flat vertical panel down the center of your garage door. If this section is seven inches or wider, you will use two handles. If smaller than seven inches, use just one. Hold the garage door handle (or handles) up to where you want it located. Use a pencil to mark where the screw holes should be placed on the garage door.
Measure Placement of Garage Door Handles
Locate the flat vertical panel down the center of your garage door. If this section is seven inches or wider, you will use two handles. If smaller than seven inches, use just one. Hold the garage door handle (or handles) up to where you want it located. Use a pencil to mark where the screw holes should be placed on the garage door.
- Drill Holes for Garage Door HandlesUse the 1/8-inch drill bit to drill pilot holes in the garage door where you marked with a pencil. Hold the garage door handle up to the door so the holes are aligned, and secure with the screws provided in your handle kit. If you're using two handles, repeat on the second side.
Drill Holes for Garage Door Handles
Use the 1/8-inch drill bit to drill pilot holes in the garage door where you marked with a pencil. Hold the garage door handle up to the door so the holes are aligned, and secure with the screws provided in your handle kit. If you're using two handles, repeat on the second side.
- Measure Placement for Garage Door WindowsBefore you begin, measure the garage door panel or panels to make sure the faux window panels will fit properly. The garage door panels should not exceed 45-1/2-inches wide or 16-5/8-inches tall. If you have a single car garage, use one window kit. Use two window kits for a two-car garage.Purchase the same kit that we used here.
Measure Placement for Garage Door Windows
Before you begin, measure the garage door panel or panels to make sure the faux window panels will fit properly. The garage door panels should not exceed 45-1/2-inches wide or 16-5/8-inches tall. If you have a single car garage, use one window kit. Use two window kits for a two-car garage.
Purchase the same kit that we used here.
- Drill Holes for Garage Door WindowsHold the faux window panel up to the garage door. Once in place, mark drill holes with a pencil. Remove window pane and use a 1/8-inch drill bit to drill holes in the marked locations.
Drill Holes for Garage Door Windows
Hold the faux window panel up to the garage door. Once in place, mark drill holes with a pencil. Remove window pane and use a 1/8-inch drill bit to drill holes in the marked locations.
- Install Garage Door WindowsRemove protective plastic film from the window, if applicable. Push eight of the screws provided through the holes on the window pane. From the opposite side of the window, slide rubber washers over the screws, about 1/4 of an inch away from the screw's head.Hold the entire window panel up the garage door, aiming to align the screws with the pilot holes. The washers will help prevent the screws from falling out as you get situated. Without overtightening, use the drill to drive the screws into place. Repeat entire process on second panel, if necessary.Our Best Garage Remodeling Ideas for Impressive Curb Appeal
Install Garage Door Windows
Remove protective plastic film from the window, if applicable. Push eight of the screws provided through the holes on the window pane. From the opposite side of the window, slide rubber washers over the screws, about 1/4 of an inch away from the screw's head.
Hold the entire window panel up the garage door, aiming to align the screws with the pilot holes. The washers will help prevent the screws from falling out as you get situated. Without overtightening, use the drill to drive the screws into place. Repeat entire process on second panel, if necessary.