A garage door screen isn’t just a trendy purchase, it’s a smart and functional upgrade that works wonders when it comes to maximizing the use of your garage door space. With fresh air flowing in while bugs, leaves, and other debris are kept out, Utah homeowners are discovering new ways to take advantage of their often-underutilized garage space.
As your local garage door specialists, A Plus Garage Doors has seen how garage door screens have turned the garage from a dusty, dingy space to a gold mine of opportunity for relaxation and productivity. Whether you’ve been itching for a new area to engage in your hobbies or are looking to increase the value of your home, this upgrade is worth considering. Here are four of our favorite ways to use your garage door with a garage screen door installed.
1. Create a Garage Home Gym
While we truly do love the natural beauty that Utah boasts, we also know the weather doesn’t always cooperate. When the heat is sweltering or that unexpected May snowstorm hits, it’s a huge asset to be able to bring your workout indoors without needing to leave your home. Adding a retractable garage door screen is a great way to keep your exercise area cool and fresh while staying protected from the elements.
Brainstorm: Garage Gym Ideas
- Use ceiling mounts and other durable storage solutions to hang resistance bands, stack plates, and store other workout equipment.
- Cover one wall with mirrors to keep an eye on your workout form.
- Install a speaker system and wall timer to keep you entertained and focused.
- Add rubber flooring or mats for optimal comfort and safety
When it comes to building a garage home gym that inspires you to roll out of bed in the morning and get moving, a garage screen door is an asset that can’t be ignored.

2. Design a Workshop or Hobby Haven
A 2023 study published by Nature Medicine links having a hobby to improvement in mood, physical health, and overall happiness. We can’t think of a better reason to transform your under-used garage space into a grown-up playground using a garage door screen. With an intentional layout, personal touches, and the benefits that garage door screens provide, your garage can become the perfect place to create, build, relax, and enjoy.
Brainstorm: Garage Workshop Ideas
- Add built-in shelving, ambient lighting, and comfortable furniture for the perfect reading getaway.
- Install a durable work bench, customized tool storage solutions, and bright lighting to create a productive place to tinker.
- Add comfortable flooring, a wall of mirrors, balance bars, and a drinking fountain for an impressive in-home dance or yoga studio.
- Create a designed wall with a few feet of flooring in front of it to stage and photograph furniture flips you hope to sell on local marketplaces.
- Set up display shelving and add a kiln and pottery wheel for a ceramics retreat that stays ventilated and cool when projects are firing.
Whether your hobby kicks up dust you’d prefer to keep contained or you’re looking for privacy without experiencing stuffiness, a garage door screen is a great upgrade. Looking to customize the entry to your new hobby space to align with your personal style? Our team offers custom garage doors that provide you with the perfect balance between style and function. Check out our garage door design tool!
3. Set Up an Indoor-Outdoor Hangout
After serving communities all over Utah since our beginning as a garage door company, we’ve come to know our client base well. Utah families love to host! With a retractable garage screen door, you effectively transform your garage into the go-to gathering spot for family nights, neighborhood hangouts, summer BBQs, and more.
Brainstorm: Garage Hangout Ideas
- Look into adding aesthetic touches like string lights, real or faux greenery, and comfortable blankets for those cooler spring or fall nights.
- Consider keeping a fridge in the area, stocked with your favorite drinks and snacks.
- Invest in well-made, weather-resistant seating and tables for maximum comfort and maximum durability.
- Add shelving or cabinetry to store indoor games, like board and card games, and outdoor games, like Frisbees, bocce ball, or other lawn games.
- Hang a projector screen or mount a TV on the wall for bug-free outdoor movie nights.
A garage door screen truly gives you the best of both worlds: outdoor air and feeling with indoor comfort and protection. And if your garage door is ever in need of quick service before your guests arrive for your big gathering, give us a call. Our reliable garage door repair team is here to help!
4. Build a Summer Play Area Kids Will Love
When those Utah temperatures reach their unbearable peak in July and August, it can be tricky to entertain kids while stuck indoors. Creating a shaded, breezy place to play is an underrated parenting move that might save your summer. The garage door screen shines here by preventing sunburn and keeping out bugs while still allowing your kids to enjoy some fresh air.
Brainstorm: Summer Garage Playroom Ideas
- Install or place padded flooring, like foam floor tiles, for comfort and safety.
- Utilize one wall as a sports area to practice pitching a baseball, kicking a soccer ball into a goal net, serving a tennis ball, or just playing one-person catch.
- Create a creative corner with desks and crafting supplies that can be used indoor and outdoor, like sidewalk chalk.
- Add a mini fridge with kid-friendly drinks to make summer hydration easier.
- Invest in effective storage solutions for easy organization and cleanup.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Garage Serve You
At its simplest, a garage door screen is a versatile feature that allows your home to better align with your lifestyle, wants, and needs. From workouts to workshops, party venues to playrooms, your garage might have more potential than you realize. Time to consider how a garage screen door can maximize your home life experience.
Why Trust A Plus Garage Doors for Your Upgrade
While we don’t directly provide garage screen door installation services, we do understand the value of a well-designed garage. As trusted garage door specialists in Utah, we’d love to assist with any garage door needs you might discover as you transform your space. From custom garage door design to emergency garage door repair, our technicians are ready to help. We pride ourselves on providing honest advice, high-quality products and results, and a quality of work you can rely on, because we live and work in the same communities we service. Ultimately, our goal is to help you make the most of your garage space, no matter the vision. So don’t hesitate to reach out to A Plus Garage Doors today!
Garage Door Screen FAQs
What is a retractable garage door screen?
A retractable garage door screen is a mesh temporary wall system that fits behind your garage door and can be easily opened or closed.
Can I install a garage door screen by myself?
While DIY kits are available and affordable, we always recommend working with professionals to ensure the right fit and proper function, and to ensure that no damage is done to your garage door sensors, track, or panels during the installation process.
How do I maintain my garage door screen?
Most garage door screens don’t need much more than a regular cleaning with mild soap and water. If you notice any wear or damage, it might be time for a replacement.