---
title: "Choosing Doors for Your Shed: Roller, Sectional, Sliding or Open Bays"
description: "Doors are one of the biggest single items on a shed quote, and the choice affects the wall height, the frame and how the building behaves in a storm. Here’s how the main options compare. ## The options | Door…"
url: "https://steelspan.co.nz/advice/choosing-doors-for-your-shed-roller-sectional-sliding-or-open-bays/"
updated: "2026-11-09"
category: "Planning & Design"
---

# Choosing Doors for Your Shed: Roller, Sectional, Sliding or Open Bays

Doors are one of the biggest single items on a shed quote, and the choice affects the wall height, the frame and how the building behaves in a storm. Here’s how the main options compare.

## The options

| Door type | How it works | Suits | Watch for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Roller door | A curtain of steel that rolls up onto a drum above the opening | Most sheds and workshops; quick, simple and good value | Needs headroom above the opening for the drum |
| Sectional door | Insulated panels that run up on tracks under the roof | Workshops, showrooms and heated spaces; better seal and insulation | Needs track space inside, so check against lights and mezzanines |
| Sliding door | Large panels on a top track that slide sideways | Barns, hay sheds, very wide openings, low-headroom buildings | Needs clear wall beside the opening, and good seals for weather |
| Open bay | No door at all | Farm machinery and hay storage where quick access matters | Weather, dust, birds and security; the frame is designed for open-sided wind loads |
| Access door | A standard hinged door for people | Every building; often required as an exit in commercial buildings | Position for fire rules and everyday convenience |

## Doors and wind

In a strong wind, a big door is the weakest part of most sheds. If a door blows in, wind rushes inside and pushes up on the roof from below, which can damage the cladding or frame. That’s why doors in higher wind zones need to be rated for the wind on your site, and why the engineer designs the building for the doors it actually has. Ask about wind-rated doors or wind locks if your site is exposed.

## Size it right

- Make the opening wider and taller than your biggest vehicle, with room for mirrors and roof gear.
- Pick the door before setting the wall height, because the door mechanism needs space.
- Leave turning space in front of each door.

## Where doors go

On commercial sites near boundaries, fire rules can limit openings in walls that face the boundary. Doors usually belong on the walls facing away from the boundary. On farms, keep doors and open bays away from the prevailing weather.

## Extras worth considering

- Motors and remotes for big doors you use daily
- Insulated doors for heated workshops
- Windows or vision panels in sectional doors for light
- Security locks for tool stores

## Lead times

Standard roller doors and sectional doors are usually on a 2 to 3 week rolling lead time, so they don’t normally hold up your programme. Special finishes, specific glazing or anything uncommon can take longer, so check with us early.

## Talk to Steelspan

Tell us what drives in and out, and how often, and we’ll recommend doors that suit the building and your site’s wind zone. Use our Easy Shed Quote or call 0800 787 726.