Do you need help choosing the right garage door that looks great with your home’s exterior? The Garage Door Company is here to make the whole process easier for you! In this guide, we’ll talk about everything you should consider. This includes color choices, materials, styles, openers, and more. Our goal is to help you find a garage door that feels and looks like it was made just for your home.
Garage Door Color Theory
Color affects mood and how big your garage door looks. Light colors (white, cream) make your home feel larger and brighter. On the other hand, darker tones (navy, black, hunter green) are good at creating contrast and can hide dirt well. However, they do absorb heat. Contrasting trim frames can highlight architectural details. And, of course, just keep the finish consistent: matte trim works best with matte siding; glass doors with gloss trim.
Related Article: How to Maintain the Beauty and Durability of Your Wood Garage Door
Different Types of Garage Door Materials
The best garage door for you doesn’t depend only on appearances and colors. You also have to consider the material it’s made of, especially if you want it to last long and look good during that time.
1. Steel Garage Doors
Steel doors are a common pick when it comes to modern garage door options. Mid-thickness steel resists dings. Add insulation with a polyurethane core (R-value around 16-18), and it helps with energy bills and noise blocking. Additionally, powder-coated finishes hold up to sun and rain.
2. Wood Garage Doors
Wooden garage doors, especially cedar or redwood, bring richness and texture that you won’t find on any other material. However, you will need to stain or seal it every few years. Consider real wood for homes with detailed trim or something vintage-looking. These wood doors age with character, though you’ll need to watch for peeling finish in direct sun or warped panels after heavy rain.
3. Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum doors work well in humid or damp settings. Most aluminum doors are paired with glass panels, which is great for allowing natural light inside. Many homeowners like these doors because they add a lot of curb appeal.
4. Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass is a good all-around material. It doesn’t warp or rust much. It can look like wood but won’t last as long in bright sun without UV protection. If you choose fiberglass for your new garage door material, consider UV inhibitors in the finish.
5. Vinyl Garage Doors
This material keeps dents at bay and is quite low maintenance. It’s great for visual appeal and has a range of colors to choose from. Ultimately, when it comes to durability and simplicity, vinyl garage doors take the top spot.
The Most Common Garage Door Styles
Picking the right garage door style depends on several factors, like your home’s style, your personal preference, and your daily routine. These are the most common styles in Edmond that you can pick from:
1. Sectional Doors
Hinged panels roll up along tracks and rest above your ceiling. These work well in most homes, most climates, and most styles. We recommend picking panel layouts (flush, raised), insulation, and decorative hardware. It’s one of the most flexible ones among the garage door designs and various styles.
2. Swing-Out or Carriage House
These swing out like barn doors, even if they’re sectionals. They often pair well with detached garages or homes with long driveways. However, you’ll need extra room in front to swing them open.
3. Rolling Steel
Steel slats coil up above the door, making it a great choice if you want maximum ceiling space. Great for smaller garages or workshops where you have smaller ceiling spaces. Usually, rolling steel doors are used in commercial buildings rather than residential homes.
4. Barn-Style Sliding
These doors slide on exterior hardware. However, it requires wall space beside the garage. Not very ideal for two-car attached garages, but great for detached workshops or single-bay garages.
5. One-Piece Tilt Up
These are single-panel doors that pivot up. But they’re less common today, and they don’t seal around the garage door opening as well as sectionals and can be heavier. This garage door style is commonly found on mid-century or retro-leaning homes.
Garage Door Opener Options
If you’re getting a new door, you might also need a new opener. With the right pick and proper installation, opening your garage will feel effortless.
- Chain-drive openers: These have a lower final cost, but can be loud and noisy.
- Belt-drive openers: Quieter, smoother, and a good investment for attached garages. They run on rubber belts, so they have fewer maintenance requirements.
- Screw-drive openers: These openers offer a balanced performance. They’re quieter than chains and cheaper than belts. But they can be sensitive to extreme temperatures.
- Direct-drive (jackshaft) openers: This is usually mounted on the wall beside the door, which frees up ceiling space. It’s quiet and easy to retrofit into low-ceiling or garage-room-conversion setups.
- Smart and automatic garage door openers: Openers can be built-in or upgraded to work with smart home tech, such as smartphone control, auto-close timers, vacation mode, and remote access and alerts.
Garage Door Installation: What to Expect
Once you’ve picked the door that fits your home just right—style, material, insulation, the works—it’s time to think about installation. At The Garage Door Company, our professional garage door installation means you’ll get a door that looks great and works flawlessly. Installing a garage door takes the right tools, technical skills, and a lot of small details that really matter if you want it to run safely and smoothly. You’ll get all of that with a professional installation.
Every home is different. Some garages have tricky layouts and uniquely shaped door frames, while others have low ceilings or tight side spaces. Some need extra reinforcement for strong winds, and others might require different hardware setups depending on the type of door you’ve chosen. Consider booking a consultation with the team at The Garage Door Company here in Edmond for professional guidance.
We’ll come out, take a look at your space, answer your questions, and walk you through your options. From measuring and ordering to full installation and testing, we’ve got the experience to get it done properly.
Other Things to Consider When Choosing Your Garage Door
1. Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Most garage doors are chosen based on how well they look alongside the existing home design. This is because your garage often covers 30% of your front exterior. Pick something that adds character, adds color, or something that matches your siding, roof, and trim.
2. Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Garage doors fall into the category of “energy efficient” if they’re insulated well, especially if your garage is connected to your living space. This is because an insulated garage door can lower cooling costs in the summer and heating costs during winter. We recommend an insulated door with an R-value of 12+. Polyurethane or polystyrene cores help reduce energy costs and lead to quieter operation.
3. Wind and Storm
Our region gets strong winds and tornado warnings. It’s best to ask for a wind-certified door because this means it uses construction materials that can withstand extreme weather. This may include reinforced struts, heavy-duty springs, and wind-resistant panels.
4. Maintenance Requirements
Steel lasts decades with mild care, wood needs staining or sealing every 2-3 years, while vinyl and fiberglass resist wear but may discolor over time. It’s important to plan your maintenance budget before picking a garage door material.
5. Safety and Security Features
Unlike most old doors, new doors have automatic reversal systems, rolling-code remotes, and better locks. Garage door manufacturers have increasingly been creating better and more secure garage doors these days, so it’s best to choose the ones with the most safety features.
6. Local HOA Rules
Some neighborhoods have color or material restrictions. Double-check before ordering carriage-house wood stain or matte black frames. Permit requirements vary, too, but most residential doors don’t need them.
7. Garage Door Windows
Windows break up solid door panels, so they make things visually interesting on the outside. They also benefit the inside of your garage, because if you want daylight in your workshop garage, for example, you can go with clear top-row windows. For privacy, consider frosted or obscure glass. Small square windows suit modern homes, while arched windows fit Colonials. Also, look for insulated glass (double pane with argon).
Discover the Best Garage Door Options for Your Home
Finding the perfect garage door for your home starts with knowing all the customization options available in the first place. Whether you’re considering double car garage doors or styles that fit contemporary houses more, The Garage Door Company here in Edmond, OK, is ready to help.
We provide services including new garage door installations and garage door replacements, so don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment with us. We’re open 24/7, so we’re here whenever you need us, day or night.
