Stacking Garage Doors: The Latest in Form & Function

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct from the Designers

Today’s garage doors are quite different from their predecessors. Based on carriage house doors that used to conceal horse-drawn carriages before the automotive era, the earliest garage doors opened manually by swinging them outward or sliding them to the side. The overhead door came along as cars became more popular and has gone through several versions—some you’re familiar with, and something new you likely haven’t seen before!

Garage Doors with Overhead Operation

The last century has seen overhead garage doors go through a few key formats. Single-panel doors were a game changer because they opened in their frame—no need to worry about snow or shrubs on the sides blocking their motion. But because they moved as a single piece, they could have clearance issues from pushing out into the driveway or closing into the garage as they went up. Engineers overcame these challenges by splitting the door into multiple jointed panels. These sectional doors use springs and cables to pull the door up and out of the way one panel at a time, so it stays fully within the door frame and track system affixed to the garage’s ceiling, eliminating any outdoor clearance concerns. The vast majority of homes are outfitted with sectional garage doors nowadays.

The latest innovation in garage door operation still uses sectional doors, but it does away with the traditional track system inside the garage. Clopay® introduced stacking garage doors for residential use with their VertiStack® Avante® line in 2024, and it was named Best in Show at the International Builders’ Show in 2025. The accolades keep coming, so get acquainted with this practical new option!

Garage Doors with Stackable Panels

They look the same as regular sectional garage doors when seen from outside, but stacking garage doors offer a totally different view inside. The operating mechanism is placed above the door opening rather than on the ceiling. That means no visible tracks, hinges, or cables that can cause clearance problems in the garage, and you get to enjoy a clearer and cleaner look. The door panels stack vertically and project only a modest amount from the wall surface—whether left open or concealed in housing—or you can recess them up into the ceiling. All in all, it’s a neat and tidy solution that offers a host of benefits.

The aesthetic appeal of stacking garage doors is what most homeowners notice first. Limiting the mechanicals to the door area alone opens up the feel of the garage and makes it look less cluttered. And as a design bonus, you’re free to have a higher ceiling, because you don’t have to worry about tracks, springs, and motors extending down to operate the doors.

Practically speaking, that broader open ceiling also gives you more flexibility. You don’t have to worry about interference with ceiling-mounted fixtures like lighting and fans. If you’d like to use the overhead space for storage, there are plenty of options. You’re free to hang up a kayak or a rack for other items. Not a fan of ladders? Look into lifting racks that you can raise and lower as needed. On that note, stacking garage doors are ideal for those who want a car lift to maximize vehicle storage without expanding the footprint of the garage. No matter what you have to work with in terms of garage space, these doors can help make the most of it.

Customizing Your Garage Door

As with the rest of the popular Avante® garage door options from Clopay, VertiStack® Avante® garage doors let you tailor the final look to your goals. The stacking mechanism is a feature—not the only thing these doors have to offer! Consider your whole façade when selecting the frame color and panel material. Between the clear, tinted, textured, and mirrored possibilities for glass and acrylic, and aluminum panels for those who prefer a totally opaque and solid appearance, you can build the perfect complement for your home. This type of garage door makes a wonderful choice for modern and contemporary architecture, but don’t be afraid to branch out—such doors are a great way to update almost any home for a transitional twist!

If you’re in the market for a new garage door, Clopay® has you covered. Their extensive collection has something for everybody with tons of door styles and design options, and they’re always innovating to offer new patterns, finishes, materials, etc. Find a local dealer to help you find a great fit, or try their EZDoor™ Design Tool to virtually test the possibilities from home—it couldn’t be easier to get the ball rolling!