On Wed, 31 Mar 2010 20:08:21 +0000, Al 1953 wrote:
Now I understand bracing better, I'm thinking maybe have the braces
parallel, like this:

http://shedbuilder.info/How-To-Build-A-Shed-Door.html

No jambs/verticals in that design either.

Hmm, aren't those diagonal braces the wrong way round? Shouldn't they be
flipped so that they transfer load along the brace's length to the hinge
side of the door?

Agree with the 'riffle' though (is that a genuine term?) - it'll reduce
the tendency for the diagonal brace to try and slide against the
horizontals.

Regarding vertical braces, I'm not sure they do add much to the strength.
They'll reduce the tendency to warp or for the door to twist, but you can
probably do without them if you want given that you've got an inch of
material already.

As for hinges, hard to tell how big is "big enough", although I think I'd
use three per door. Like you say, mountings are more important. I think
when I come to rebuild my garage doors I'll put metal plates on the
reverse side of the doors and bolt the hinges right through the doors and
the plates behind (ditto with the jambs).

cheers

Jules