Custom Garage Doors

Most of us probably think a garage door is a garage door. There might be windows, there might not. Maybe it’s a cool color that catches the eye, or maybe it’s just white. 

But garage doors can be so much more. How much? You can customize garage doors to be both aesthetically pleasing and adding functionality to your home. Whether it’s the look of the door to the insulation for increased energy efficiency, to added windows for more natural light or hardware that makes people take a second glance.

Custom garage doors can be pretty much whatever you want them to be, and if you’re curious, Garage.com can connect you with top-rated installers ready to help design to your heart’s desire.

The Benefits of Investing in a Custom Garage Door

The benefits of a custom garage door hit your visitors right in the face when they pull up to your home. With how large of a space a garage door demands, the look of it plays a lot into the curb appeal of your home. So right there, before you take into account any other benefits, a custom garage door can set your home apart with its look. 

Custom Garage Door Materials: Finding the Perfect Match

Each material used in building a garage door has its benefits and drawbacks. That applies to its ability for customizations as well.

• Wood: This is the natural look so many want, but it’s also the most expensive material. It has higher natural insulation than other materials, and it is super customizable for color, finish and additions.
• Steel: On the lower end of the cost spectrum, these doors are strong and require little maintenance. They are highly customizable and can be finished to mimic other materials (like wood).
• Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to rust, these doors are great for the coastal regions of the country. They aren’t as strong as steel, though, and could be susceptible to dents.
• Fiberglass: This material is flexible in terms of dealing with weather changes, and in how it can be finished to look like whatever you want. Durable and lightweight, but also sits on the higher side of cost.
• Vinyl: More expensive than steel, but less than wood, this material is durable and strong. It also, however, has the most limitations in terms of how you can customize it – especially with color. These are great in moderate climates and you won’t have to worry about warping or rust if they contend with a lot of rain.

Design Elements: Creating Your Signature Custom Door

So what are the design elements you’ll be discussing most in your consultation for your new custom garage door? The most popular are:

• Windows: Where you have a single-panel or a sectional garage door, you can add windows either vertically or horizontally. On top of that, you’d agree on a type of glass (textured, clear, colored, etc.). 
• Insulation: Especially in areas where it can get chilly at certain times of year, you can add insulation to all materials used to build a garage door. Some materials, like wood, have a higher natural R-value, but insulation can be added to any door for increased energy efficiency.
• Decorations: You can add trim to your garage door, or perhaps you want to add on some handles or hinges to up the look. Those certainly add an architectural flare that a standard door doesn’t have.
• Finishing: How do you ultimately want the door to look? What are the home’s aesthetics? This will determine whether you’re fine with just a painted door – vinyl and steel can accommodate a ton of colors, whereas vinyl is less customizable – or if you want something like a wood finish that mimics real wood without being so.

The Custom Garage Door Design Process

Designing a custom door is a side-by-side process with your installer. You will go over options about materials and whatever add-ons you would like to be included. This includes windows (and the type of glass preferred), insulation and hardware. If you want it, they can probably do it. It all comes down to your wants … and your wallet.

Custom Garage Doors vs. Standard Options: Understanding the Investment

Custom garage doors, by their very nature, are more expensive than a standard garage door. They include extra elements like windows, insulation, trim or added-on hardware. Both a new standard door and a custom garage door will bring you a solid return on your investment, but depending on the property a more customized garage door could be expected. 

Both options require maintenance and regular tune-ups to keep them at their best, and it’s important for the homeowner to make sure the door is clean and nothing sounds fishy in how the door opens and closes.

Where a difference could come into play down the road is if the door is damaged, obviously a custom panel would cost more than a standard one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Garage Doors