In the garage door industry the names of different styles of garage doors are used quite arbitrarily. In general the terms Coach House, Carriage House or Craftsman pretty much define the same styling and can be used interchangeably but opinions differ even among professionals. Coach House Industries, also known as CHI, use phrases like “traditional architectural features” and “classic look of wood” to help describe these doors. Summit Door of Corona California says:
“With clean lines and classic designs, the Coach House Collection is a contemporary take on a historic American symbol - the barn door. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate its Craftsman-like details and the simplicity of its form. Whether a true detached barn or a modern application, these doors will remind you of simpler time.”
Traditionally the Coach House door is an outward acting garage door. Today, most homeowners interested in this design type want the ease of use of the overhead style door but the look of the Coach House Door. Generally speaking there are three elements that make a Coach House or Carriage House look like a Coach House or Carriage House door.
- 1. Large windows in the top section.
- 2. A mock “kerf” or faux separation giving the appearance of being outward acting.
- 3. A deep relief to give good straight “shadow definition” generally but not always vertical in orientation.
Outward acting Carriage doors are available through a small variety of custom door builders. Although the “real” Carriage House doors function just as they did 100 years ago and lend themselves to be more “authentic” they lack the function most homeowners are striving to achieve. The overhead sectional type of Carriage House door can be easily motor operated, moves upward as opposed to outward allowing vehicles to park closer to the door and use traditional overhead door track and springs making service and repairs available from almost any garage door dealer.Whether you call them Coach House, Carriage House or Craftsman these “new” old style doors will easily allow you to spruce up the face of your home giving your home a unique and elegant style.
