To build your dream home, you need the perfect garage door that fits right in. There are many things to consider and options to choose from, so The Garage Door Company is here to make the process a bit easier. We’ll talk about how your dream garage door takes shape by exploring garage door styles, materials, must-have features, and customization options. By the end of this post, you’ll have narrowed down your options and come up with a clear picture of what the “perfect” garage door is to you.
Related Article: How to Identify and Fix Common Garage Door Alignment Issues
Garage Door Style Options
1. Swing-Out Garage Doors (Carriage-Style)
For an old-fashioned, carriage-house look, swing-out garage doors are a great idea. These doors open outward from the center, kind of like a pair of French doors. They have a vintage look to them and look amazing on historic or farmhouse-style homes. The only downside is that you need to make sure there’s adequate space for them to swing open. So if you have a short driveway or park your car right up to the garage, swing-out garage doors won’t have enough space to work properly.
2. Bifold and Trifold Garage Doors
Not as common in residential settings, bifold and trifold garage doors fold up in two and three sections, respectively, as they open. Instead of rolling up overhead, they stack to the side. These work well for homeowners who want a unique door or have garages with limited ceiling room. Depending on the color, finish, and accessories you choose, these garage doors can look modern or old-style.
3. Barn-Style Sliding Garage Doors
Barn-style sliding garage doors slide open along an exterior track rather than lifting overhead. They give your home an instant country-style look and don’t require ceiling tracks. Just keep in mind that they need enough wall space on either side of the garage opening to slide open fully.
4. Traditional Sectional Garage Doors
These are by far the most popular type of garage doors in Oklahoma and across the country. Made up of horizontal panels connected by hinges, these doors roll up along tracks and rest against the ceiling when they’re open. Many homes have them because they’re simple, sturdy, and do their job well.
5. Roll-Up Garage Doors
You usually see roll-up doors in commercial buildings, but they’re an option for residential garages too. Made of small horizontal slats, they roll into a tight coil above the door opening. Compared to the previous styles, roll-up garage doors leave your garage with more floor space, which can be used for things like storage. They’re great if you want something durable and compact, but they can be more expensive than other style options.
If you want to get started on your dream home by getting a new garage door, our expert team can help by providing you with the best garage door installation services in town.
Garage Door Material Options
Your garage door material affects everything—its sturdiness, insulation, maintenance process, and of course, its price. The last thing you want is to get a material that doesn’t fit your location, climate, or needs. So, take a look at the most common materials for garage doors and see what each one has to offer:
1. Wood Garage Doors
Wood garage doors are classic. Stained or painted, wood doors work well with a lot of home exteriors and styles. The only potential downside is that they need regular maintenance like staining, sealing, and sometimes even sanding to keep them from warping or rotting.
The Garage Door Company installs wood garage doors, so reach out to us if you need assistance!
2. Steel Garage Doors
Do want something low-maintenance that lasts? Consider steel garage doors. It’s one of the most popular materials for garage doors because it’s strong, affordable, and available in just about any style, from sleek and modern to faux-wood finishes. Additionally, steel can be insulated for better energy efficiency. However, they can dent if hit hard enough—something to think about if you’ve got kids who love to play near the garage.
3. Aluminum Garage Doors
Lighter than steel and naturally resistant to rust, aluminum garage doors are a top choice if you live in a humid area. They’re usually paired with glass panels for a modern, high-end aesthetic. The trade-off, however, is that they’re not as durable as steel and can dent more easily.
4. Glass Garage Doors
These days, if you’re a homeowner looking for a new door usually, it’s impossible not to come across glass garage door options. These doors are usually framed in aluminum and let natural light into your garage space. You can choose from frosted, tinted, or clear glass depending on how much privacy you want. While they look incredible, they don’t offer as much insulation as other materials.
We also provide glass garage door installations, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re interested.
5. Fiberglass Garage Doors
Fiberglass doors appear like natural wood without requiring the same amount of maintenance needed for actual wood. They’re lightweight, resistant to dents and rust, and can handle humid or coastal environments. But they can become brittle in extremely cold temperatures, which might not be ideal for some regions.
6. Vinyl Garage Doors
For something practically maintenance-free, vinyl garage doors are the way to go. They’re durable, don’t dent easily, and resist rust and moisture. Additionally, they’re insect- and rot-resistant.
Must-Have Garage Door Features
1. Insulation
An insulated garage door helps regulate the temperature inside your garage space, which is especially useful if your garage is attached to your home. It also helps with noise reduction and can make your garage door stronger.
2. Windows
Adding windows to your garage door is an easy way to boost its curb appeal and bring in natural light. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, and types of glass (e.g., clear, frosted, tinted, or decorative).
3. Wind Load Reinforcement
Oklahoma sees a fair share of storms throughout the year, and strong winds can do serious damage to a garage door. Wind load reinforcement is a smart move because it adds extra support to keep your garage door in place in the face of high winds.
4. Security Features
Your garage door is one of the biggest entry points to your home, so its security is something you definitely shouldn’t overlook. Look for features like rolling code technology (which changes the access code every time you open the door), automatic locking, and tamper-resistant brackets.
5. Smart Garage Door Openers
If you or a family member has a tendency to accidentally leave your garage door open after leaving the house, it’s time to consider smart garage door openers. These let you check and control your door from your phone, providing ultimate convenience. Some even work with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant.
Need a garage door opener installation? The Garage Door Company has you covered!
Customization: Make Your Garage Door One-of-a-Kind
1. Hardware
Small details like decorative handles and hinges can give your garage door a whole new look with very low costs. These are especially helpful if you have a very specific aesthetic in mind because hardware adds the finishing touches to complete the look.
2. Color and Finish
Getting a new garage door means you have all the freedom to decide on its color and finish. You can match them to your home’s exterior, or you can choose bold colors to make a statement. Some manufacturers even offer custom color matching.
3. Panel Design
The way your garage door panels are shaped changes the aesthetic appeal of your doors. Raised panels add depth, flush panels are great if you want something neat and modern, and long panels can make your garage door look wider.
The Garage Door Company Can Bring Your Vision to Life
Our team has been helping homeowners in Edmond, OK and surrounding areas install, repair, and maintain garage doors for many years. We’ve got the skills, expertise, and tools to make sure your garage door looks amazing and works perfectly.
If you’re considering getting a new garage door, we can also help you pick the best material, door series, and styles. Trust us—by the end of the project, you’ll finally have your dream garage door installed and ready to use!
Visit our website to learn more or schedule an appointment online today!
