Choosing the Right Garage Door Material

Garage doors come in a variety of types, styles, looks, and functions. While they are all meant to do the same thing, the materials used will ultimately effect the way you use your garage door, as well as the way it works, and the time it lasts. Because of this reason, it's important to know the facts about each material, and how they apply to different types of doors, before choosing one for your home. Not only do you need to know details for the look, and value, of your house, but also the safety of you and your loved ones.

Ultimately, you have four main types of materials that are used on almost all garage doors: wood, steel, aluminum, and plastic. Each one has their pros, and cons, and each is used on a different set of door types, in order to create a lasting, attractive, functional garage door for your home. You can find something perfect for you in each material, and create the perfect look.

Wood – Wood is a beautiful option, and offers some of the most attractive designs on the market. From a solid wood up and over, to a paneled sectional, you can be sure that every time wood is used, you will be left with a unique look that will offer something special for the overall look of your house. It is also great for painting and glosses, something that other materials won't allow you.

Steel – The most commonly used of all materials, steel makes a long lasting, safety conscious option for your garage door. While you can paint them, most manufacturers will offer pre-colored doors for you to buy, and many people choose a natural metallic color, as it is easier to maintain, and rather attractive in it's own right. You can buy these in single, double, and triple reinforced steel, and they make great sectional doors.

Aluminum – Not a lot of people buy this type of garage door anymore, as it's much less stable then the steel or wood type, and can easily gain dents, especially if you live in a windy, stormy area, or have kids who like to play in the driveway. However, it is a lightweight option, and so good for those who need help manually pulling up their door, in case something happens to the motor. It is also what you are likely to find on older homes.

Plastic – Reinforced, insulated plastic is another lesser used garage type. While plastic isn't strong alone, you can reinforce it with steel, creating a sturdy option, that is also much lighter weight then just the steel door. It makes a great swing-hung type of door, and it is less likely to scratch, and is much more economical then wood or aluminum. Think of it as a nice mix between traditional, and modern, at least in look, as it will give an great solid color door, without the metallic look, or the overly antique-like appearance of wood.