If you’ve got an older garage with two single roller doors separated by a centre brick pillar, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s possible to knock that pillar out and replace the lot with one wide, modern double door. It’s one of the most common garage renovation questions homeowners on the Sunshine Coast ask — and the short answer is yes, in most cases it can be done.
The longer answer involves a few important considerations around structural integrity, cost, council requirements, and which type of door best suits your home. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before committing to a double garage door conversion, so you can make a confident, informed decision.
If you’re still weighing up whether your current doors need replacing at all, our garage door replacement and installation guide covers the full range of options available to Sunshine Coast homeowners.
Is It Possible to Convert Two Garage Doors Into One?
In most cases, absolutely. The majority of double garages built between the 1970s and 1990s were designed with a centre brick pillar dividing two separate openings, each fitted with its own single roller door. At the time, this was standard practice. But modern sectional and panel lift garage doors have made wide single-opening designs far more practical, and the conversion from two singles to one double has become a popular renovation across Australia.
The feasibility of your specific conversion depends on a few factors: the structural role of the centre pillar, your roof and lintel design, and the overall condition of the surrounding brickwork. In straightforward cases, the pillar can be removed and replaced with a structural steel beam that spans the full width of the new opening. In more complex builds — particularly where the pillar supports roof loads or upper-storey weight — a structural engineer will need to assess the situation before any work begins.
The key takeaway is that this is not a DIY project. It requires professional assessment, structural work, and expert installation to ensure the finished result is safe, compliant, and looks the part.
Structural Considerations Before You Start
Removing the Centre Pillar
The centre pillar in a two-door garage isn’t just cosmetic — it typically supports the overhead brickwork, lintel, or roof structure above the garage opening. Removing it without proper support would compromise the structural integrity of the wall and potentially the roof.
In most conversions, the pillar is removed and replaced with a structural steel beam (often called an RSJ or lintel beam) that transfers the load across to the remaining side walls. This beam must be sized and specified by a structural engineer based on the loads involved. It’s a critical step, and it’s non-negotiable — no reputable builder or garage door installer will proceed without engineering sign-off.
Brickwork and Opening Modifications
Once the pillar is out and the new beam is in place, the opening typically needs to be widened and squared off. This involves removing excess brickwork from where the pillar stood and potentially adjusting the sides of the opening to accommodate the new door width. In many cases, bricks from the demolished pillar can be recycled and reused for any infill or patching work, keeping the exterior appearance consistent.
The opening height may also need adjustment depending on whether you’re switching from roller doors to a sectional panel door, as the two styles have different headroom and clearance requirements.
Benefits of Converting to One Double Garage Door
Increased Access for Modern Vehicles
This is the number one reason homeowners make the switch. Modern family vehicles — SUVs, dual-cab utes, and large sedans — are significantly wider than the cars these garages were originally designed for. Two narrow single openings make it a daily battle to squeeze in without scraping mirrors or door panels. A single wide opening eliminates that stress entirely and makes parking and manoeuvring far easier.
Improved Curb Appeal
The visual difference is dramatic. Replacing two dated single roller doors with one clean, modern sectional door completely transforms the street-facing appearance of a home. It’s one of those renovations that delivers an immediate “wow factor” — a point that’s not lost on property valuers and potential buyers. If you’re renovating to sell or simply want your home to look its best, this upgrade punches well above its weight. To get the most from your new door’s appearance, choosing the right brand matters — our overview of the top garage door brands in Australia can help you compare your options.
Better Internal Space Usage
With the centre pillar gone, you gain usable wall space along the back and sides of the garage. That extra room makes it easier to add shelving, workbenches, or storage — and it improves general access for anyone with mobility considerations. The interior feels noticeably more open and functional.
Pros and Cons: One Double vs Two Single Garage Doors
Before committing, it’s worth considering both sides of the equation.
Advantages of one double door: You get a wider, unobstructed opening that suits modern vehicles. It creates a cleaner, more contemporary exterior look. Internal space is maximised without a pillar taking up room. You only need one opener and one remote system, simplifying automation.
Disadvantages of one double door: If the single door is damaged or malfunctions, your entire garage access is blocked until it’s repaired. There’s no separation between vehicles, which some homeowners prefer for security or airflow reasons.
Advantages of keeping two singles: You have backup access if one door fails — the other still operates independently. Two doors can provide a more balanced, symmetrical look on wider facades. You can open one door for ventilation while keeping the other closed.
Disadvantages of keeping two singles: Each opening is narrower, which is the core problem for larger vehicles. Running two automatic openers means double the maintenance and replacement costs over time. The dated appearance of twin roller doors can detract from your home’s street appeal.
For most homeowners dealing with tight access and an ageing garage, the conversion to a single double door is the stronger long-term investment.
How Much Does It Cost to Convert to One Double Door?
Cost depends on the complexity of the structural work and the type of door you choose. As a general guide for Sunshine Coast homeowners, expect the following indicative ranges.
A standard Colorbond sectional door with structural beam installation, pillar removal, brickwork modifications, and a new automatic opener typically falls in the range of $4,000 to $6,000. If you opt for a custom, insulated, or architecturally styled sectional door with premium finishes, the total can sit between $5,000 and $9,000 depending on specifications.
These figures include labour, materials, structural steel, and the door itself, but they can vary based on the specific requirements of your garage. Roofing modifications, additional brickwork, or unusual structural configurations will push costs toward the higher end.
The most accurate way to budget is to get a professional measure and quote specific to your property. For a broader understanding of garage door repair and replacement pricing in Australia, our cost to fix a garage door breakdown is a useful starting point.
How Long Does a Garage Door Conversion Take?
One of the appealing aspects of this renovation is how quickly it comes together. Most double garage door conversions are completed within one and a half to two days.
Day one typically involves removing the existing doors, demolishing the centre pillar, installing the structural beam, and preparing the opening — including any brickwork modifications. Day two focuses on fitting the new sectional door, installing the automatic opener, programming remotes, and completing final adjustments and clean-up.
For a renovation that so dramatically changes the look and function of your home, a two-day turnaround is remarkably efficient.
What Type of Double Door Should I Choose?
The most popular choice for conversions is a sectional panel lift door. These doors open vertically and slide back along the ceiling, which means they don’t require any clearance in front of the opening — ideal for garages close to driveways or footpaths.
Sectional doors come in a wide range of profiles, colours, and materials. Colorbond steel is the most common choice in Australia for its durability, low maintenance, and colour-matching flexibility. Insulated sectional doors are also available and worth considering if your garage is attached to the house or you use the space as a workshop. For more on how insulation improves comfort and energy efficiency, see our garage door insulation guide.
Tilt doors are another option, though they require more front clearance and are less common in modern conversions. Roller doors can be made in double widths but generally don’t offer the same aesthetic impact or insulation options as sectional panels.
Do You Need Council Approval?
Structural modifications to a garage — particularly removing a load-bearing pillar — may require building approval from your local council. Requirements vary between councils on the Sunshine Coast, so it’s worth checking with your local authority or asking your installer whether a building certification is needed for your specific project.
In many straightforward conversions where no changes are made to the building footprint or roofline, approval may not be required. However, if a structural engineer is involved (and they should be), their specifications and sign-off documentation provide an important record regardless of council requirements.
Is It Structurally Safe to Remove a Garage Pillar?
When done correctly by qualified professionals with structural engineering oversight, yes — it’s completely safe. The key is that the load previously carried by the pillar must be properly transferred to a new steel beam and distributed to the side walls. This is standard structural engineering practice and is carried out on homes across Australia every day.
What’s not safe is attempting pillar removal without engineering assessment, or hiring unqualified tradespeople who skip the structural calculations. Always ensure your installer works with — or can provide — a structural engineer’s specifications for the beam.
Will Converting Increase My Home Value?
While it’s difficult to put a precise dollar figure on the return, real estate agents consistently identify garage presentation as a significant factor in buyer perception. A modern double garage door improves street appeal, suggests a well-maintained property, and solves a functional problem that many buyers actively look for. For homes where the existing two-door setup looks visibly dated, the conversion can be one of the highest-impact, lowest-cost renovations available.
If your current doors are showing signs of wear, our guide to repairing garage door dents can help you assess whether a repair or full replacement makes more sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the centre pillar in my garage?
Yes, in most cases the centre pillar can be removed and replaced with a structural steel beam. A structural engineer must assess the loads involved and specify the correct beam size before any demolition begins.
How much does it cost to convert two single garage doors into one?
Most conversions on the Sunshine Coast fall between $4,000 and $9,000 depending on the structural work required and the type of door selected. A standard Colorbond sectional door with beam installation sits at the lower end of that range.
How long does a garage door conversion take?
The typical timeframe is one and a half to two days. Demolition and structural work happen on day one, with the new door installed and operational by day two.
Is one double garage door better than two singles?
For most homeowners with modern vehicles, one double door provides significantly easier access, a more contemporary look, and lower long-term automation costs. The trade-off is that if the single door fails, all garage access is temporarily blocked.
Do I need council approval for a garage door conversion?
It depends on your local council and the scope of the structural work. If a load-bearing pillar is being removed, building certification may be required. Your installer or structural engineer can advise on what’s needed for your specific property.
Sunshine Coast Garage Door Guys — Free Measure and Quote
At Sunshine Coast Garage Door Guys, we help homeowners across the Sunshine Coast transform their garages with professional door conversions, replacements, and installations. Whether you’re converting two singles into one double, upgrading an old roller door, or simply need expert advice on what’s possible for your property, our qualified technicians will assess your garage and provide a clear, obligation-free quote.
Do it Once, Do it Right. That’s our approach to every job.
Call us on (07) 5451 8776 to book your free measure and quote, or fill out our online contact form. We service all Sunshine Coast suburbs from Caloundra to Noosa — including Buderim, Sippy Downs, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Nambour, and everywhere in between.
