A large garage door can be a dominant feature of the front of your house, so you’ll want it to complement the style of your home. As well as being available in a variety of materials – for example, timber, glass, metal, laser cut screens, louvres – there are many different manual and automated operating systems to choose between. They also come in standard or customised sizes.

Garage Doors

From invisible doors that disappear into the cladding when closed to feature doors that have a strong visual impact, choosing the right garage door will depend on the architectural style of the home, as well as the required functionality.

The options for garage doors are now vast - from materiality to function - so it’s always best practice to consider the type of door that would work best for your home early in the design process.

What are the different types of garage doors?

There are three main types of garage doors. These are tilt doors, roller doors and sectional doors. However, many garage door manufacturers also offer customised and bespoke solutions and more complex styles of door including hinged or stacking options and bi-fold doors.

Roller doors

Roller doors are generally the most cost-efficient option in terms of garage doors. They are also a good option if space is an issue, leaving the ceiling space free.

Sectional garage doors

Sectional garage doors are also a popular option. These doors move up a vertical track and then bend to run parallel to the ceiling along a horizontal track. Sectional garage doors are made up of different sections which are held together by hinges, allowing them to bend.

Tilt doors

Tilt doors are a single panel and tilt to open, resting horizontally beneath the ceiling space in the garage when open. Because they open outwards, tilt doors generally need more clearance than sectional doors.

Are garage doors insulated?

Many modern garage doors are insulated. Selecting an insulated door not only helps to moderate internal temperatures in both the garage and home (if the garage is internal), it also acts as an additional noise barrier and prevents moisture infiltration.

Can garage doors be automated?

Garage door opener technology has developed quickly, with many automation systems now incorporating garage door opening functionality. The humble remote control opener is no longer the standard, with smart phone kits now more common than ever before. This technology widens the possibilities for both residential and commercial garage doors, allowing users to operate the doors from anywhere in the world via apps and receive notifications when the door is opened or shut by another user.

What are the best materials for a garage door?

There are various options in terms of materiality for garage doors, allowing for a wide range of design possibilities. In most cases, the external wall cladding can be used to clad a custom garage door, creating a seamless look. This style of ‘invisible door’ is particularly popular in contemporary homes, and with vertical timber cladding. Conversely, copper garage doors can create a visually stunning feature, while glass sectioned or fully glazed doors provide a different aesthetic. Cedar is another coveted choice for garage doors, along with steel and aluminium.