What Can You Do With Old Garage Doors? 10 Creative Ideas

Rabia Tingat • December 18, 2025

If you’re replacing a garage door, you might be wondering what to do with the old one. Throwing it away feels wasteful, especially when it’s made of solid wood or durable metal. The good news is that there are many creative and practical answers to the question: what can you do with old garage doors?

With a little imagination, old garage doors can be reused, repurposed, or upcycled into unique features for your home and garden. This guide is written for homeowners and DIY beginners who want simple, realistic ideas—not complicated projects that require advanced tools. Let’s explore how old garage doors can get a second life.

Why Reuse Old Garage Doors Instead of Disposing Them?

Before diving into ideas, it’s worth understanding why reuse makes sense.

Old garage doors are often built from high-quality materials that are hard to find today. Solid wood panels, sturdy steel, and decorative details make them perfect for DIY garage door projects. Reusing them helps reduce waste, saves money, and adds character to your space. Plus, upcycling garage doors gives your home a custom, one-of-a-kind look.

1. Turn an Old Garage Door Into a Rustic Dining Table

One of the most popular ways to repurpose old garage doors is by turning them into a dining table. Wooden garage doors, in particular, work beautifully for this project.

The panels already provide a natural design, so you don’t need much extra work. With sanding, sealing, and sturdy legs, you can create a rustic table that becomes the focal point of your dining room or patio. This is a great option if you enjoy farmhouse or industrial-style décor.

2. Create a Statement Headboard for Your Bed

If you’re looking for something bold, an old garage door can become a stunning headboard. This idea works especially well for homeowners who like vintage or reclaimed wood styles.

After cutting the door to size and cleaning it up, you can mount it directly behind your bed. The raised panels add texture and depth, making your bedroom feel warm and inviting. This is a smart answer to what can you do with old garage doors when space is limited.

3. Build a Garden Bench or Outdoor Seating

Another creative way to reuse old garage doors is by transforming them into outdoor seating. Garden benches, porch swings, or patio sofas can all be made from garage door panels.

Because garage doors are designed to handle weather exposure, they’re surprisingly durable outdoors. With proper sealing and cushions, you’ll have comfortable seating that looks unique and lasts for years.

4. Use Old Garage Doors as Decorative Wall Panels

Wall décor is often overlooked, but it’s one of the easiest DIY garage door projects. An old garage door can be mounted horizontally or vertically as a decorative wall feature.

In living rooms, offices, or entryways, these panels add charm and visual interest. Homeowners who want character without spending a lot on art often love this idea.

5. Convert a Garage Door Into a Sliding Barn Door

If you’re renovating your home, this idea is both stylish and functional. Solid wood garage doors can be trimmed down and converted into sliding barn doors for bedrooms, bathrooms, or pantries.

This project answers what can you do with old garage doors in a very practical way. Not only do you save money, but you also get a custom door that stands out.

6. Make a Potting Table or Garden Workstation

For gardeners, old garage doors are a hidden gem. You can easily turn one into a potting table or outdoor workstation.

The wide, flat surface is perfect for planting, trimming, and organizing tools. Add hooks, shelves, or drawers, and you’ll have a functional garden setup made entirely from reused materials.

7. Design a Unique Coffee Table or Side Table

If a full dining table feels too big, consider making a coffee table or side table instead. This is an excellent beginner-friendly project.

Cut the garage door into smaller sections, attach legs, and apply a finish that matches your décor. These tables work well indoors and outdoors, offering yet another creative way to upcycle garage doors.

8. Create a Privacy Screen or Room Divider

Old garage doors can also be used as privacy screens. Whether you want to separate outdoor spaces or divide a large room, this idea is both decorative and functional.

By standing panels upright and securing them properly, you can create a stylish divider that allows some light through while still offering privacy. This works especially well in patios and open-plan homes.

9. Build a Shed or Playhouse Door

If you have a garden shed or kids’ playhouse, consider using your old garage door as an entry door. With a few modifications, it can be resized and rehung.

This idea highlights how to reuse old garage doors in a practical way, reducing the need to buy new materials while maintaining durability.

10. Turn Old Garage Doors Into Artistic Home Décor

Finally, if you enjoy creative projects, old garage doors can become art pieces. Some homeowners paint murals, add mirrors, or use them as photo backdrops.

This option is perfect if you’re more interested in aesthetics than function. It’s also a great conversation starter for guests.

Tips Before Starting Any DIY Garage Door Project

Before choosing what to do with old garage doors, keep a few things in mind. Inspect the door for damage, rust, or rot. Always clean and sand the surface before working on it. Most importantly, make sure the final project fits your space and lifestyle.

Conclusion

So, what can you do with old garage doors? As you’ve seen, the possibilities are far more exciting than tossing them in a landfill. From furniture and décor to garden features and functional upgrades, old garage doors offer endless creative potential.

For homeowners looking to save money, reduce waste, and add personality to their spaces, repurposing garage doors is a smart and rewarding choice. With a little effort, you can transform something old into something truly special.