Garage Door Materials: The Pros and Cons of Each Type

Whether you’re shopping for a new garage door or trying to take care of the one you already have, the material it’s made from makes a big difference. 

This short article will look at the most popular garage door materials and rank them on several factors, including durability and price.

Then, we’ll discuss the type of homeowner best suited for each. 

How They’re Ranked 

Several factors are important to consider when choosing the material for a new garage door. These include:

1. Durability: The average garage door can easily cost over $4000, so choosing a durable and long-lasting material is essential. Some materials focus on durability, while others are designed more for cost savings. 
2. How it looks: The garage door is one of the most visible parts of a home’s exterior. Many homeowners choose a design that complements the home’s style. Materials such as wood and fiberglass can be painted or stained to match the home’s color scheme.Typically, most garage doors look alike so it can be hard to determine the material just from the looks.
3. Insulation: Most garages are non-insulated, resulting in higher energy bills. Choosing a well-insulated garage door material can help improve energy efficiency and make the garage more comfortable.
4. Maintenance: Some materials require more maintenance than others. For example, wood doors require regular staining or painting to prevent damage and maintain appearance. On the other hand, steel doors require little maintenance.
5. Cost: Finally, the material plays a huge factor in the garage door’s cost. Materials such as steel and aluminum are generally more affordable than wood.

Overall, the right garage door material depends on various factors, including the homeowner’s preferences, budget, and the area where they live. 

Your Guide to Garage Door Materials

In the following sections, we’ll briefly discuss each garage door material and rank them on each factor. 

Steel

Steel garage doors are the most popular choice for many homeowners because they come in a variety of styles at a low price point. 

Here is how they rate:

1. Durability: Steel is a highly durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Steel garage doors are resistant to dents, scratches, and other types of damage.
2. How it looks: Steel garage doors come in various styles, colors, and textures. They can be painted or coated to mimic the look of other materials, such as wood or stone. However, some homeowners may not find the look of a steel door as appealing as other materials.
3. Insulation: Entry-level steel doors are not insulated, although this is becoming less and less common. Adding insulation increases the price but helps improve energy efficiency and reduce noise. They are a good choice for homeowners who live in colder climates or who use their garage as a workspace.
4. Maintenance: Steel garage doors require very little maintenance. They can be cleaned with soap and water and painted with standard exterior house paint. 
5. Cost: Steel garage doors are generally more affordable than other materials, such as wood or fiberglass. They are a good choice for homeowners who need a new garage door but need to keep costs down. 

Overall, steel garage doors are an excellent choice for many new homeowners. They are durable, low-maintenance, and come in a variety of styles and colors to suit any home. 

However, many garage door manufacturers relegate steel garage doors to the lower end of their product line. This may limit unique designs, colors, or insulation options. 

Wood

Natural wood garage doors offer a unique and beautiful look to any home.

Here is how they rank:

1. Durability: Wood garage doors can be durable but require regular maintenance to ensure longevity. They are susceptible to rot, warping, and insect damage. However, with proper care, they can last for many years.
2. How it looks: Often imitated. Never duplicated. Wood garage doors have a natural beauty that other materials cannot replicate. They provide an elegant, warm appearance and can be stained or painted to match the look of the home’s exterior. However, they may not be suitable in areas with extreme weather conditions or high humidity.
3. Insulation: Wood garage doors provide natural insulation and can help regulate the temperature inside the garage. However, they are not as energy-efficient as other materials and may require additional insulation to improve their efficiency.
4. Maintenance: Wood garage doors require regular maintenance to prevent rot, warping, and insect damage. They should be cleaned, sealed, and painted or stained every few years to maintain their appearance and avoid damage.
5. Cost: Wood garage doors are generally more expensive than other materials, such as steel or aluminum. They require a higher initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs.

Overall, wood garage doors offer any home a unique and beautiful look. Still, they require more maintenance and are generally more expensive than other materials. 

Homeowners willing to invest the time and money into regular maintenance and appreciate the natural beauty of wood may find it the best choice for their garage door. 

However, other materials may be a better fit for those who prioritize durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance.

Composite

Composite garage doors fall somewhere between steel and wood doors. They offer a similar look to a natural wood garage door, using modern materials to increase energy efficiency and lower maintenance. 

Here is how they rank:

1. Durability: Composite garage doors are highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and hail. They are resistant to dents, scratches, and rust and are less likely to crack or warp than natural wood doors.
2. How it looks: Composite garage doors can mimic the look of natural wood and come in various other textures and finishes. Although they can be painted, it’s more common to see them stained to further simulate a natural wood look.
3. Insulation: Composite garage doors offer excellent insulation, which can help regulate the temperature inside the garage and reduce energy costs. They can be filled with foam or polyurethane, providing some of the highest R-values of any garage door material.
4. Maintenance: Composite garage doors require minimal maintenance. They are resistant to rot, insect damage, and warping. They can be cleaned with soap and water and do not require frequent painting or staining.
5. Cost: Composite garage doors are generally more expensive than steel garage doors but less expensive than natural wood doors. They require a moderate initial investment but have lower ongoing maintenance costs.

Overall, composite garage doors are a durable, low-maintenance, and versatile option for homeowners who want the look of natural wood without all of the maintenance. 

Homeowners who prioritize durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency may find composite garage doors to be the best fit for their homes.

Fiberglass

Many cost-conscious homeowners consider fiberglass garage doors a great alternative to steel ones.

Here is how they rank:

1. Durability: Fiberglass garage doors are resistant to warping and corrosion, making them ideal for humid environments. However, they can be damaged by wind and debris, meaning they cannot be used in areas prone to hurricanes or tornadoes.
2. How it looks: Fiberglass garage doors can be made to mimic the look of natural wood or painted or stained to match the home’s exterior.
3. Insulation: Fiberglass garage doors offer good insulation, which can help regulate the temperature inside the garage and reduce energy costs. They can also be filled with insulation materials, such as foam or polyurethane, increasing the R-value further.
4. Maintenance: Fiberglass garage doors require minimal maintenance, as they are resistant to rot, insect damage, and warping. Cleaning is simple, requiring only soap and water. Fiberglass doors do not require painting or staining.
5. Cost: Fiberglass garage doors are priced similarly to steel doors and much less expensive than natural wood doors. They require a moderate initial investment but have lower ongoing maintenance costs.

Overall, fiberglass garage doors are a durable, low-maintenance, and moisture-resistant option for homeowners who want the look of natural wood without the maintenance requirements. 

Since they cannot be wind-rated, fiberglass garage doors are only available in some parts of the country. It’s worth noting that fiberglass garage doors cannot be repaired. If a section is dented or damaged, the entire garage door must be replaced. 

Vinyl

Another entry-level garage door material, vinyl is popular with homeowners due to its low cost and low maintenance. 

Here is how it ranks:

1. Durability: Vinyl garage doors do not rust and are highly resistant to denting or cracking. They are slightly more durable than fiberglass doors and less likely to fade or discolor.
2. How it looks: Similar to fiberglass doors, vinyl garage doors come in a limited number of styles and colors. They are usually painted to compliment the home’s exterior. 
3. Insulation: Vinyl garage doors can be insulated, which helps regulate the temperature inside the garage and reduce energy costs. Most vinyl garage doors have an R-value of 11.75.
4. Maintenance: Vinyl garage doors require minimal maintenance, as they are resistant to rot, insect damage, and warping. They can be cleaned with soap and water but must be painted every few years to maintain their appearance.
5. Cost: Vinyl garage doors are priced similarly to fiberglass doors but slightly more expensive than steel doors. 

Overall, vinyl garage doors are the most durable of budget-friendly garage door materials. They offer excellent insulation and are resistant to extreme weather conditions. 

Homeowners who prioritize durability and very low maintenance should consider vinyl garage doors.

Aluminum & Glass

Aluminum and glass garage doors offer a modern and contemporary look. They can be an excellent fit for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics and natural lighting. 

Here is how they rank:

1. Durability: Aluminum and glass garage doors are highly durable and resistant to corrosion and rust. They are more prone to dents and scratches than other materials.
2. How it looks: Aluminum and glass garage doors offer a sleek and modern look, providing natural lighting to the garage. They can be customized in various finishes, such as frosted or tinted glass, to complement the home’s architecture.
3. Insulation: Aluminum and glass garage doors offer poor insulation. Thus, they are not recommended for regions with extreme temperatures. It is rare to find a wind-rated aluminum and glass garage door. 
4. Maintenance: Aluminum and glass garage doors require regular maintenance, including cleaning the glass and checking the hinges, rollers, and tracks for wear and tear.
5. Cost: Aluminum and glass garage doors are generally more expensive than other materials, such as steel or vinyl. They require a higher initial investment due to their modern design and customization options.

Overall, aluminum and glass garage doors are a good fit for homeowners who prioritize aesthetics and natural lighting. They offer a modern and sleek look but may require additional insulation and regular maintenance to improve energy efficiency and durability. 

Homeowners who live in regions with moderate temperatures and have the budget for a higher initial investment may find aluminum and glass garage doors to be a good fit for their homes. Not only are they more durable, but they help give your garage an upscale, sophisticated look.