When it comes to choosing garage doors, homeowners now have more options than ever. The traditional steel/plastic façade is just one of many types of materials available on the market, and it is being used less and less frequently in new builds. Just recently, I came across a home that sported very unique garage doors. The house had an attached three-car garage, and each of the doors was solid wood that featured intricate designs and wrought iron ornamental metal. This alone made the home stand out, and in my opinion made it look absolutely stunning.
If you don’t believe your garage can be a focal point or major selling factor, think again. With a huge selection of materials and custom styles, you may want to spend some time going through the options before settling for plastic! Ultimately, there are a few factors you will need to take into account before settling on a garage door material. Finding the balance between durability, quality and design can be a challenge for beginners. To make the process as easy as possible, you may want to speak with a local garage door dealer, as they should be able to give you sound advice and material recommendations.
What Garage Door Materials Are There?
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Fiberglass
- Wood
A popular choice among homeowners for a long time, aluminum has the benefit of being cheaper than steel. It also looks similar and can be outfitted with numerous finishes for decorative purposes. However, the main downside to choosing this material is that it is more prone to denting. This may not be a problem for a lot of people, but if you have kids (especially new drivers), take this point into consideration!
This is the material the vast majority of garage doors were made from, at least until the last decade or so. It is tough, rugged and can also be made to look like wood when painted/textured properly. If you are adamant about making your home energy efficient and have an attached garage, this is where steel loses out. It does not insulate well and is also not an effective noise dampener. Remember though that steel doors come in multiple gauges; for maximum security and durability, 24-gauge is the thickest.
If you are searching for a cheap material that will get the job done, a fiberglass door is an alright choice. Bear in mind that it is very light and susceptible to fading. People living in coastal regions often use this material for the fact that it is resistant to corrosion from salt water.
From an aesthetic stance, wood is simply unmatched. While painted doors can look great, their stained counterparts are recommended for true curb appeal. In contrast to the other materials, however, wood does require a bit more maintenance.
