Guide to Garage Door Materials

When it comes to installing a new garage door, choosing the right material is just as important as the panel style. Different garage door materials determine your maintenance requirements, available design options, and more.

If you aren’t sure where to start, we’re here to help! Here are some of the most common garage door materials and why they may be right for your home.

Popular Garage Door Materials

Steel

Steel garage doors are a top choice because they’re affordable, long-lasting, and versatile. They’re made from galvanized steel, which makes them rust-resistant and easy to maintain.

Steel doors can be customized to look like wood or come in various textures and patterns. You can also pick from different thickness options to suit your garage door insulation and security needs.

Advantages of Steel Garage Doors:

• Durability – They can withstand different weather conditions and impacts.
• Low Maintenance – Minimal upkeep is required to keep them in good shape.
• Customization – You can choose from various panel styles and colors.
• Energy Efficiency – Insulated options are available for better energy efficiency.

Wood

Wood garage doors offer a timeless and classic look that’s ideal for homeowners who want a warm and rustic appearance. Typically crafted from woods like cedar and adler, this garage door material is highly customizable.

Advantages of Wood Garage Doors:

• Aesthetic Appeal – They add traditional and elegant charm.
• Customization Options – They’re easily tailored to match your home’s style.
• Unique Grain Patterns – Each door is one-of-a-kind.
• Insulation – Wood provides natural insulation properties.

All that being said, wood can warp or deteriorate much faster than other materials when not properly cared for. This means regular maintenance, including refinishing and sealing, is needed to shield it from the elements and retain its beauty.

Wood Composite

Wood composite garage doors offer an attractive compromise between the natural beauty of wood and the durability of alternative materials. These doors typically consist of recycled wood fibers and a robust resin, creating a product that closely mimics real wood while being more resistant to wear and tear.

Advantages of Wood Composite Garage Doors:

• Practicality – They have the beauty of real wood without the high upkeep.
• Durability – Less prone to rot and decay.
• Insulation – They provide good thermal properties.
• Customization – Available in various styles and finishes.

Faux wood garage doors (or wood overlays) are another good choice. Unlike wood composite doors, they’re usually made with a durable steel core and then covered with a natural wood exterior.

Aluminum

Aluminum garage doors are made from glass panels enclosed in an aluminum frame. These doors are particularly known for their modern design and resistance to moisture, which makes them a great option for humid areas or places with frequent rain.

Their sleek design matches very well with contemporary homes.

Advantages of Aluminum Garage Doors:

• Lightweight – These doors are easy to open and close.
• Corrosion-Resistant – Ideal for coastal areas where salty air can cause rust.
• Low Maintenance – They don’t rust or peel, so you won’t spend much time on upkeep.
• Modern Aesthetics – Their sleek and contemporary appearance can enhance the look of your home.

It’s important to note that you’ll get varying levels of privacy depending on the type of glass you choose. If you live in a busy neighborhood, for example, you may want to select frosted glass so others can’t see inside.

Vinyl

Vinyl garage doors are becoming increasingly popular due to their easy upkeep and resilience. They’re built to resist rust, rot, and fading, making them a good choice for homeowners who don’t want to deal with frequent upkeep. Vinyl doors are available in various styles and colors, offering some customization options to complement your home’s appearance.

Advantages of Vinyl Garage Doors:

• Low Maintenance – No need for painting or staining.
• Durability – Resists weather and everyday wear.
• Insulation – Some models come with insulation options.
• Affordability – It’s a budget-friendly garage door material.

Note that while vinyl garage doors come with numerous benefits, they might not offer the same level of personalization as wood or steel doors. They’re also less common and harder to find.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass garage doors are known for their lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties. They’re an excellent choice for coastal regions and areas with high humidity. These doors can be customized with various finishes and can mimic the appearance of wood, making them versatile in terms of design.

Advantages of Fiberglass Garage Doors:

• Moisture Resistance – Perfect for humid climates.
• Lightweight – Easy to open and close.
• Customization Options – They can mimic the appearance of wood or other materials.
• Insulation – They usually come with flexible insulation options.

While fiberglass garage doors are mostly durable and low-maintenance, they are susceptible to damage from high winds.

Color Options & Paint Matching

Garage doors come with different factory color options, but if there’s a specific shade you have in mind – for example, your shutters or the trim around your home – we can precisely match it with our garage door paint matching services. There are hundreds of colors available to choose from!