We all have a standard image that comes to mind whenever the topic is regarding garage doors but the fact there’s more than one type or style to choose from. Garage doors are a lot more complex and choosing the right one for your property is not exactly a walk in the park.

Find the right size.

A standard garage door can measure 8 x 7 feet, 9 x 7 feet or 10 x 7 feet all around. These are the most common dimensions for most garages. However, if you have more than one car or a large vehicle, you must reconsider the specifications.

When looking for a new garage door, the basic measurements to take into consideration are the width and height of the existing opening, the internal headroom which is the clear space from under the lintel to the ceiling and the internal reveals.

Pick a style.

The style of a garage door is usually defined by the type of panel. There are four main panel designs to select from.

The simplest type is the flush panel which is flat and slightly textured. It’s ideal if you don’t want the garage door to stand out too much but rather to blend in with the walls.

The long-raised panels have a distinctive look that adds depth to the overall design. They’re still somewhat simple but less subtle.

Short-raised panels feature an elegant Victorian look and their detailed trim and symmetrical look can complement traditional or historical facades.

Painted panels are very versatile and can be customized using a variety of colors. They’re meant to stand out or to perfectly match other elements regarding the overall design of the building.

Select the material and other related details.

Usually, garage doors are either made of wood or steel. Wood garage doors offer a wide variety of design options. They can be painted or stained, can feature all sorts of details trims and ornaments depending on the style and can be made from a variety of species of wood.

Steel doors comes in three main types: single-layer, made from a single sheet of galvanized steel, double-layer, which feature a galvanized steel skin on the outside and a thick layer of polystyrene or polyurethane on the inside and triple-layer doors which also feature an additional galvanized skin on the inside.

Think of any special features or functions you want the door to offer.

Depending on your needs and preferences, a garage door can be insulated or not, can features weather seals between the sections or with a threshold to keep the drafts and rain out. There’s a whole range of other features and technical details to choose from so take your time.

Decide how you want the door to open.

There are four basic types of garage doors from this perspective. The up and over doors require a fixing sub frame and you must always take these dimensions into consideration when ordering such a garage door.

The sectional overhead doors are ordered by the internal dimensions of the steel frame opening and they all have a steel framework.

Roller shutter doors feature tracks and support brackets and a curtain roll. They can be both insulated and non insulated.

Side hinged doors need a timber or steel sub frame and they usually come preassembled. They’re very versatile and popular.