Hardware Planning & Installing Tips

Important Safety Notice (Please Read — Seriously)

These install tips are designed for an experienced handy person. We sell decorative garage door hardware for the exterior of your garage door only.

Your garage door is the largest moving object in your home. Because of that, never attempt to make adjustments or modifications to interior garage door hardware unless you have prior garage door installation experience.

This includes:

• Garage door torsion springs

• Extension springs

• Door rollers

• Cable brackets

• Cables

• Door panels

• Electric openers

Serious injury, death, and/or damage can occur. (We’re not being dramatic — garage door springs are no joke.)

Our products are strictly decorative. They are not used to secure, access, open, or lift any door, gate, or shed. If it moves the door, it’s not our hardware.

Where Should I Place My Hardware?

This is one of the most common questions we get.

There is no official industry standard for decorative hardware placement other than trying to “balance the look.” Ultimately, placement is a personal choice — as long as it does not interfere with the operation of your door.

That said, placing hardware off-center or on only one side can create an unbalanced appearance. Most manufacturers apply:

• Strap hinges to one of the four corners of a door

• Pull handles or door rings centered on the vertical door stile or flat center area

The stile is the flat area between square panel sections on steel raised or recessed panel doors. If you have carriage house overlay doors with center trim boards, that trim board typically becomes your center reference point.

Two-Car Garage Doors Over 14’ Wide

If you have a two-car door wider than 14’, you should order two sets of hardware to give the appearance of two single-car doors.

For example:

• A 16’ wide garage door typically uses

  • Eight strap hinges

  • Four pull handles

The industry standard length for strap hinges is 16”.

Most important:
✔ Do not install hardware across door panel joints
✔ Do not interfere with door operation

Try This First: The Painter’s Tape Trick

Before drilling anything into your garage door (because holes are permanent), try this simple method.

How to Mock Up Hardware Placement

1. Buy a small roll of blue or bright green painter’s tape (thin width works best).

2. Measure the decorative hardware you want to order or install.

   • Most strap hinges are 16” long and 2” wide

   • Door rings and pull handles range from 4-1/2” to 14”

3. Cut tape pieces to match the exact size of the hardware.

4. Apply the tape to your door where you think you want the hardware installed.

Keep in mind:

• Handles are typically installed in pairs

• They’re usually placed on the second section up from the ground

• Strap hinges are typically placed on one of the four corners

If your door has glass in the top section, strap hinges are often installed below or above the window section — just make sure they do not overlap section joints.

Now Step Back

Walk 15–20 yards away (toward the sidewalk). This is your curb appeal view.

If it looks balanced and intentional, you’re on the right track.

If not, move the tape around until it feels right. This method saves you from:

• Drilling unwanted holes

• Ordering the wrong size

• Regretting your life choices

Take a photo of your tape layout if needed.

Also — your door may look better with:

• Hinges only

• Handles only

• Or no decorative hardware at all

Please check your door BEFORE ORDERING.

If you’re unsure, send us a photo of your garage door (and front door if it’s adjacent). Design help is free, and we can offer different design and pricing options.

Installing Decorative Pull Handles

Typical Placement

Garage Door Handles are usually installed:

• On the second panel up from the ground

• Centered horizontally

If you have an existing lock section, install handles in the section above.

For carriage house overlay doors, mount on the center trim board at the same vertical height.

Installation Steps

1. Mark screw hole locations using the hardware as a template.
   (Ensure handles are straight — some are wider at the top.)
   

2. Using a 1/16” drill bit, break the surface only.
   Do not drill too deep.

3. For steel doors, apply a small amount of exterior grade adhesive for additional holding strength.

4. Install screws. Start all screws before tightening fully. Hand tighten to avoid overtightening.

5. Clean excess adhesive and allow curing time.

Maximum drill bit size: 1/16”

Final Reminder

Our decorative garage door hardware is designed to enhance curb appeal — not operate your door.

Proper planning, careful measuring, and using the painter’s tape method will help you achieve a balanced, professional look without unwanted holes or hardware regrets.

If you’re ever unsure about placement or design, send us a photo before ordering. We’re happy to help you make your garage door stand out — safely and beautifully.