The first garage doors were solid slabs of wood, just like their carriage-house predecessors. Then came aluminum and steel. Then fiberglass, and now there are even more options for home garage door design. Let’s take a look at your options for garage door material construction by discussing the pros and cons of each material:
Wood
Pros:
Good insulator
Natural material
Endless species/grain choices
Can be stained/painted
Cons:
Susceptible to rot and warping
Susceptible to boring insects
Heavy
Expensive
Steel
Pros:
Low cost
Low maintenance
Durable
Customizable
Cons:
Dents easily
Dents rust easily
No insulator properties
Heavy
Glass & Aluminum
Pros:
Low-maintenance
Lightweight
Let in natural light
Corrosion and rust resistant
Cons:
Can rust in humid/salt air climates
Dents
Not waterproof
Low insulator values
Fiberglass
Pros:
Doesn’t rust or corrode
Doesn’t warp or rot
Can be customized in color/texture
Affordable
Cons:
Cracks if damaged
Gets yellow and brittle with age
Poor insulator
Not as attractive as other options
Vinyl
Pros:
Low maintenance
Lightweight
Durable
Waterproof
Cons:
Less customizable than other options
Almost impossible to paint
Require insulation
Wood grain mimic is subpar
Wood Composite
Choosing the Right Material for Your New Garage Door Install
When you’re considering your new garage door design, you have to factor in the style of your home, the customizations you want, the addition of installation, and your budget. Each garage door material has its hallmarks – that’s why they’re all on the market, after all. But which one is right for your home project will totally depend on you.