If you’re researching garage doors, you may not know where to begin — many different garage door styles exist, and it’s important to take your time and weigh your options. With an array of colors, materials and additional features, you can choose a garage door that suits your needs and adds plenty of curb appeal to your property.
Browse our garage door buying guide below to discover tips and factors to consider when investing in a new garage door for your home.
Table of Contents
- Different Types of Garage Doors
- Garage Door Material Options
- Standard Garage Door Sizes
- Best Colors for Garage Doors
- Other Factors to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door
- Adding Windows to Your Garage Door
- Choose Halo Overhead Doors for Your Garage Door Installation
What Are the Different Types of Garage Doors?
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a new garage door is type. There are a few main types of garage doors, categorized by how they open and are installed in a garage:
1. Sectional Garage Doors
This is one of the most popular types of garage doors. These doors are made of panel sections connected with hinges. When you close or open the garage door, wheels at the edge of the panel roll inside a vertical track, allowing the doors to open vertically. Sectional doors are available in many materials, including aluminum, wood, wood composite and fiberglass.
Some of the benefits of these garage doors include:
- Impressive insulation qualities
- Great strength and security
- Available in large dimensions for bigger garages
- Well-engineered and stylish
2. Side-Hinged
These garage doors open like traditional double swing doors and can also be called carriage garage doors. They open out toward the driveway, giving you unrestricted space inside the garage. These doors are typically made of wood, although galvanized steel doors are also available.
A few benefits of side-hinged doors include:
- Low maintenance
- Quick access
- Easy to install
- Stylish, traditional appearance
3. Up and Over
These doors are made of one solid piece — they don’t have sections. Up and over garage doors have a pivoting hinge mechanism, allowing them to tilt into the garage. Common materials used for these doors are wood composite, steel and wood.
Some benefits of these doors include:
- Canopy or retractable options for the opening mechanism
- Many choices of colors, materials and designs
What Material Should a Garage Door Be?
Once you know the type of garage door you want, the second factor you want to consider is material. When browsing different garage door materials, consider the local climate, your design preferences and your budget.
1. Wood
Redwood, meranti, fir and cedar are some of the most common types of wood used to manufacture garage doors. These doors may be factory-stained or painted but can also be finished on-site. Wood garage doors are aesthetically pleasing and easy to customize. They can also be treated to prevent warping or swelling during temperature changes.
Wood garage doors require regular maintenance, including painting, staining and sealing to protect against moisture, pests and weather damage. They are also heavier than other alternatives.
2. Steel
Steel is one of the most popular choices for garage doors because of its durability, flexibility and value. In addition, it is available in endless style options and is a lower-maintenance alternative to natural wood. That said, steel is not a natural insulator and can be vulnerable to dents. Extra protection against corrosion from salt exposure may be necessary for homes near bodies of saltwater.
3. Fiberglass
Fiberglass is less prone to cracking or denting, and it doesn’t rust. In addition, it’s durable, lightweight and low maintenance. It can also provide good insulation properties and is naturally resistant to corrosion, making it a go-to choice for beachfront properties. Fiberglass closely mimics wood but doesn’t crack, shrink or warp. That said, fiberglass material has limited design options and can sustain damage on impact.
4. Aluminium
Aluminum offers similar benefits to steel but at a lower cost. It’s naturally rust-resistant, highly customizable, and a low-maintenance material. However, aluminum is not as durable as steel. In addition, it is not a great insulator and is not fully waterproof.
Modern garage doors made with aluminum are a great choice if you plan to fit them with glass windows to allow natural light into the space.
5. Wood Composite
Wood composite is a blend of wood fiber, plastic and a binding agent. It’s the material of choice for homeowners who want a garage door with a wood look but without the high maintenance requirements of genuine wood doors. Wood composite is also resistant to rot, warping and splitting.
