I am building a new garage with an attic. Looking for a creative gable end door to get the canoes into the attic for winter storage. It's a Minneapolis Metro garage with Smartside siding so, sliding board and batten barn doors, while they look great, won't match the style of the garage. Do you have a creative second level door or window that works for you?

Build the tallest side wall you can and hang it inside. Be easier then sliding it into the attic every spring and fall

I have thought about this if I ever rebuilt my garage.

I think I would go with the tried and true hayloft dropdown door and some kind of beam trolley system just like they did in the old days.

I remember helping my Uncle with getting the bales of hay into the loft in the 1960s.

You probably could fabricate the trolley, pulley system and rollers pretty easily and it wouldn't need to be heavy duty.

I bet they might have everything you need at someplace like tractor supply.

Beam trolley track, rollers & mounting hardware

OldScout48: "I have thought about this if I ever rebuilt my garage.


I think I would go with the tried and true hayloft dropdown door and some kind of trolley system just like they did in the old days.


I remember helping my Uncle with getting the bales of hay into the loft in the 1960s.


You probably could fabricate the trolley, pulley system and rollers pretty easily and it wouldn't need to be heavy duty.


I bet they might have everything you need at someplace like tractor supply.


"

I grew up on a very small farm in IA. My dad favored an old hay machine that picked up loose hay rather than bailing. We put it up with hay forks and trolley. While I considered replicating this system briefly, the canoes aren't nearly weighty enough to justify involving extra mechanics.

As far as tall side walls, there is utility of the attic trusses far beyond canoe storage that I am pursuing. Tall sidewalls also look a bit out of proportion in S. Minneapolis.

EDIT: Thanks for that link OldScout48. That trolley might have some utility in the new garage.

Frame in the area you are going to use for the door.

Build the door hinge it on the side most useful. side the out side to match the rest of the building.

That's what we did not hard.

No need to over think it.

A small matching version of whatever style garage door you are installing on the lower level. Complete with automatic opener.

Are you doing the work yourself? If not, some sort of custom door is going to be expensive. Best thing might be a window. You could get a casement window with egress hardware that allows the sash to open out of the way. You'd get some light in there while your are at it.

Thanks everyone. I have a decent idea of the directional I'll go. Just wanted to survey the membership here to see if someone had first-hand experience.

I agree with Acanoer about not overthinking - it doesn't have to be that hard. I did it, and put a door about 4x4 or 5x5 (can't recall) on each end to improve light, airflow and loading. I chose not to have it try to match the surrounding cedar shakes though, and was very happy with the way it turned out.

Jaywalker: "I agree with Acanoer about not overthinking - it doesn't have to be that hard. I did it, and put a door about 4x4 or 5x5 (can't recall) on each end to improve light, airflow and loading. I chose not to have it try to match the surrounding cedar shakes though, and was very happy with the way it turned out.


"

This is the right direction. Do yo have a photo with that door closed?

Jaywalker: "
"

That looks nice and neat with two doors. Very nice. Shingles to attic door exterior would make a homogenized look if desired. Add a swing-out arm w/pulley system and you're all set. Optional upgrade to an electric pulley system.

A door could be made to match the surrounding siding, but that was not a concern for me. I actually liked having it look like a door. I did want to have the sides of the opening framed with more sturdy boards so things I was loading or unloading would not damage the shakes. Rafter beam had a pulley.

Thanks Jaywalker. This is very helpful

Nice Jaywalker, that is a beautiful setup.

Hey jaywalker, how high is that door?

It was about 9-10 feet above ground level.