Depending on the size of your garage, your garage door can be a major focal point of your home. You’ll spend days, or even weeks, finding the perfect landscaping, window shutters, and outdoor lighting, but what about your garage door?

Don’t think a standard white door is all there is. With so many to choose from, it’s important to know the different types, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they work.

By the time you’re done reading these tips, you’ll have a better understanding of the type of garage door you want for your home.

Garage Door Materials Make a Difference

The material your door is made of makes a big difference on the look and feel of your garage and home. Garage doors have been around for a while, and there have been many innovations.

Aluminum Doors

The most common door you’ll see is made from the lightweight, and relatively inexpensive, aluminum. These doors come in several different colors and styles, but many garages have simple white. What makes aluminum a big seller is lack of maintenance.

It doesn’t rust, which is great for humid climates and being lightweight, it doesn’t put stress on the opening mechanism. Stress can lead to costly garage door repairs. This can extend the life of the opener and keep down repair costs. The biggest problem is they can’t take a beating. Dings and dents happen.

Steel Doors

If the aluminum door is a lightweight when it comes to damage, a steel door is a heavyweight for sure. They come in many of the same colors and styles, but they handle contact much better. However, they are not rust proof, especially if they do develop dents and dings.

They’re a bit more expensive than aluminum, but they have the same low maintenance aspect and can include insulation. This is a big plus if you have a heated garage.

Wood Doors

When you choose a wood door, you’re getting a great product, but also a higher price. Wood doors give your garage area a more natural look.

They’re also heavy and can take a beating. The weight can put a strain on your mechanical opener, so choose a heavy duty one.

Wood doors require regular maintenance including painting and sealing every few years. If you’re looking to increase your curb appeal, then wood doors are perfect.

Celebrate Your Style

What kind of home do you have? Did you make it look like a country cottage, Victorian, or something more modern? No matter what style you chose, there is a garage door style to match it.

Generally, wood doors go great with country and Victorian homes. You can even accessorize with fancy handles and hinges.

Ranch homes do well with horizontal patterned doors, while modern homes are great with simple plain designs.

It’s suggested that you match the door with windows and other doors. It helps tie the whole design together and create a sense of cohesiveness.

It’s Your Door, Do What You Want

With the garage door taking up so much visual real estate, its important to take your overall design into account. Don’t get a garage door that looks great in the showroom, but not your home.

Are you looking for a new garage door? Is your old one worn out and dingy? Contact us today for an estimate and we’ll make your garage the belle of the neighborhood ball.