The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Garage Door for Your Home
When it comes to enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your home, selecting the right garage door plays a significant role. The garage door not only provides security to your belongings but also adds to the overall curb appeal of your property. With a plethora of garage door options available on the market, choosing the perfect one can be a daunting task. This ultimate guide will help you navigate through the process of selecting the ideal garage door for your home.
Size and Dimensions
One of the crucial factors to consider when choosing a garage door is the size and dimensions that will best fit your garage space. Measure the opening of your garage to determine the appropriate size for your new garage door. Whether you have a single car garage or a double car garage, selecting the right size will ensure a proper fit. Additionally, consider the vertical clearance within your garage to choose a door type that operates smoothly without any hindrance.
The Material
Choosing the right garage door entails considering various factors to ensure it complements both the aesthetics and functionality of your home. Garage doors are available in three types of materials. Steel, Timber/Wood or GRP (Fibreglass).
Steel Doors
Steel offers both the most strength and durability when it comes to garage door construction. You will also find that the steel will not only be galvanized but will also come with a baked on polyester powder-coating in white
or for an additional cost one of several standard colours.
These doors will also offer you the best value as they are always machine made and require very little manual work during assembly
Steel doors are also offered in what is known as a “foil finish”, this is in fact a plastic laminate coating that is designed to give the appearance of wood but without the required maintenance.
Timber Doors
Timber offers the most natural appearance when it comes to garage doors, ideal for older properties or homes that have that “rustic” look and feel to them. These doors are offered in a huge range of styles and available in either an unstained option for you to add your own colour or a choice of factory finishes.
Two more things to really consider when thinking of a timber door is the required maintenance, you will need to paint/re-stain your door every 18-24 months to make sure its last and also the price. Whilst the timber doors we offer are stunning they are also hand made which adds to the cost, you should expect to pay anywhere from 3 to 4 times the price of a steel door.
GRP Doors
GRP or glass reinforced plastic (fibreglass) is a popular choice for people looking for that natural timber look but without the added hassle of needing a fresh coat of paint/stain every 18 months or so.
It is a common misconception that GRP doors are lightweight, now whilst this can be true for some of the lower quality brands out there the products we sell are built to last and therefore built using much thicker panels, this can and will give them up to and over 40 years of service.
As with timber doors, the GRP ones are also hand made which will reflect on the price so expect to pay a similar figure to wood doors.
To see some of our range of steel, timber and GRP up and over doors click here
Types of Garage Doors
There are several types of garage door which are:
- Up & Over (Canopy or Retractable)
- Sectional
- Roller
- Side Hung (Barn Door)
- Round the Corner
We have covered these in more detail in our other post TYPES OF GARAGE DOORS which you can view by clicking on it.
When selecting the right type of garage door, it’s essential to consider the size, style, and insulation requirements to ensure a perfect fit for your garage space. Whether you opt for a up & over, roller, sectional or side-hinged door, choosing a garage door that complements the style of your home is key to achieving a cohesive and visually appealing exterior.
The Design
When it comes to choosing the perfect garage door for your home the design is a crucial aspect to consider. The design of the garage door should not only enhance the overall aesthetics of your property but also complement the style of your home exterior. Whether you prefer a traditional look or a more contemporary design, selecting a garage door that aligns with your preferences is essential to achieve a cohesive and visually appealing facade.
Security Feature
Security is a paramount concern when selecting a garage door for your home. Ensuring that the garage door provides reliable security measures to protect your belongings and property is essential. Look for features such as sturdy materials, secure locking systems, and advanced security technologies to enhance the safety of your garage space. Investing in a garage door with robust security features will provide you with peace of mind knowing that your belongings are well protected.
The securest doors in order of best to worst are as follows:
- Up & Over doors (especially with the additional 4 point locking kits)
- Sectional Doors (both manual or electric)
- Side Hung Doors
- Round the Corner Doors
- Roller Doors
The Price Conclusion
When it comes to determining the price of a garage door, various factors come into play. The type, material, design, size and additional features of the garage door can impact its cost. It is essential to set a budget range and explore different options within that budget to find a garage door that meets your requirements without compromising on quality. Additionally, consider long-term savings potential such as energy efficiency and maintenance costs to make an informed decision on the price point that offers the best value for your investment.
Below is an approximate range of prices for the different materials and types of doors:
Metal Up & Over From £1250.00 + VAT inc fitting
Timber Up & Over From £2995.00 + VAT inc fitting
GRP Up & Over From £3295.00 + VAT inc fitting
Steel Side Hung From £1650.00 + VAT inc fitting
Timber Side Hung From £2500.00 + VAT inc fitting
Sectional From £2195.00 + VAT inc fitting
Round the Corner From £3495.00 + VAT inc fitting
Roller Doors From £1395.00 + VAT (low quality) £2495.00 + VAT (High Quality)
These prices are all for single car size doors of 7ft x 7ft (2134mm x 2134mm). Double car size doors 14ft x 7ft (4424mm x 213mm) are generally double the price and can go as high as £12,000.00 + VAT inc fitting (this would be for a handmade Nordic Pine Sectional Door)
Hopefully this guide has helped you with you decision on choosing the right door for your property.
If you have any questions then contact us either by phone or email and we will be happy to help you.
