Homeowners who want to maximize curb appeal pay attention to one of the largest features on the exterior of their house: the garage door. If windows are the eyes of the house and the front door is the handshake, the garage door is the face of the home, expressing both the homeowner’s personality and the personality of the house.
A person may not take notice when a garage door is a plain one. But when the garage door is something special, it imparts a beauty that truly adds to the curb appeal of a home. So, whether you’re replacing an existing garage door that no longer suits your needs, upgrading the look of your home, or find yourself choosing a garage door for a new build, here are some pro tips from garage door experts for how to choose a garage door that shows off your home and meets your lifestyle needs.
Decide on a Material First
The material of your garage door will inform all the other aspects, since certain other potential features depend on the chosen material. Today, there are more options than ever, which can make selecting one a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re doing a whole-house remodel or a new build. Choosing the material first will help narrow down your options, but not so drastically that you won’t still have plenty of choices among other features to make the garage door suit your style and needs.
Here’s a look at some common garage door materials:
Vinyl
Vinyl garage doors aren’t traditional, but they offer myriad benefits that make them a worthy consideration. You’ll be surprised at the choice of colors and glass options available with this durable material.
If you’re busy (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you’ll appreciate the lack of maintenance needed to keep vinyl garage doors looking great. From a distance, the wood texture finish will look like hardwood. Only you’ll know the difference. With superior PVC construction, the finish will, for the most part, stay scratch-free.
Wood
Wood garage doors are stunning and give you the most classic look. They’re incredibly customizable and window options are endless. You can match the wood type and stain to your home’s other architecture, creating a cohesiveness between the garage door, windows, and doors.
Wood garage doors do require more maintenance and a higher investment but elevate your home to a level of gorgeous luxury.
Steel
If you’re prioritizing security, steel garage doors are the way to go. Many come with lifetime warranties due to steel’s durability. But don’t worry, a steel garage door doesn’t mean your home will look like a commercial building. Residential steel garage doors come with finish options that make them as welcoming as wood or vinyl garage doors. Maintenance on garage doors made of steel is virtually non-existent, so this is a suitable option for time-constrained homeowners.
What to Consider When Choosing a Garage Door
When choosing a garage door, you’ll want to match the style and color to the house. A sleek, modern house will clash with a carriage-style garage door covered in faux hinges. Similarly, a traditional colonial home won’t pair well with something ultra-industrial. Instead, try to find a door style that coordinates with what’s already there.
For craftsman-style homes, look for garage doors with clean lines, paneling, and modest windows. Contemporary homes often benefit from minimalist designs, sometimes with frosted glass and aluminum. If you’re working with a farmhouse or cottage, consider a wood or wood-look garage door with warm tones or overlay details.
Color can make or break the look. While white is common, it’s not always the most flattering. Take cues from your home’s trim, shutters, and front door. A darker garage door can create contrast, making the house pop, while a lighter tone might help the garage blend in if you’re aiming for subtlety. Earth tones, grays, and even black are increasingly popular if you’re willing to be bold.
Unsure of where to start? Get in touch with a garage door expert and see what they have to offer in the way of advice. Come armed with a photo of your home so they can see what they’ll be working with. With the right choice, your garage door won’t just fit your house, it will complete it.
AUTHOR BIO: Megan Bethge serves as Marketing & Events Manager at First Choice Garage Doors, a family-run company serving homeowners and builders across the Mid-Atlantic since 2004. In addition to planning high-profile events, she leads strategic marketing initiatives, translating complex garage door technical details into clear, actionable insights that build customer confidence across the company’s five locations. In her spare time, Bethge enjoys rock climbing in the backcountry.
Sources:
https://www.chiohd.com/garage-door-styles
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/garages/210
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