When searching for the best material for your new garage door, there are many factors to consider. From style to durability against the elements, a variety of features come into play during the decision-making process.
Choosing the style is the easier part of the process and will be determined by the limitations of your garage such as the clearance in the entryway for swing up or swing out as well as the clearance around the ceiling for tracks.
Garage doors come in a variety of styles including roll up, swing up, swing out (carriage house style), slide to side (sliding barn doors).
Materials to Protect Your Home from the Elements
From wood and steel to aluminum and fiberglass, there is a garage door material out there to suit any style or need. Color and design of the garage door are important but functionality and durability are key.
Wood and Wood Composite– With a warm, rustic feel, wooden garage doors are appealing to many homeowners. Although this is a sturdy option, wood will need to be refinished multiple times and can carry a higher price tag than other materials. Wood composite is a 
lighter, cheaper option and works best for large double doors.
Aluminum/Glass– Known for their lightweight and rust-resistant properties, aluminum and glass garage doors are a popular and versatile option for your home. Newer models are sturdier and lighter than older aluminum doors and feature laminated panels that are dent-resistant. Heavy-duty framed aluminum doors may be more expensive, but cheaper options are not guaranteed to be as dent-resistant.
Fiberglass– This type of material is affordably customizable and can be made to mimic any sort of material, such as wood or can be left in its naturally transparent state to let in light. It also holds up well in warmer coastal areas but is not recommended for colder areas because it is more likely to yellow and break in that type of environment.
Steel– Top quality steel doors are made from two layers of galvanized steel. Although they are lower maintenance than wood, they are more prone to rust and dents. To avoid issues like this, consider choosing at least a 24 or 25-gauge steel or opt for a fiberglass overlay that will be rust and dent resistant.
Vinyl– Vinyl is extremely difficult to break or dent, making it perfect for a household with children. Although vinyl doors are like fiberglass in their construction, they are much sturdier and require less maintenance. With vinyl, you get unbeatable durability and protection against damage. One downside with this material is that vinyl garage doors come in less color and design options compared to other materials.
At Garage Door Discounters, we use our expertise to help you select the garage door with the best material and style to suit your needs. Use our interactive Door Builder to begin building and customizing your garage door.
