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. It’s also important to remember that one off repairs, like replacing a panel on your garage door, will likely be difficult in the future.

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

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We recommend that you book with one of our top garage pros to attempt this upgrade in your home. If you’re considering the DIY route, our guides to garage maintenance and repair can help you to create a custom solution for your needs.

What Is a High Lift Garage Door System?

High lift garage door systems raise your door more vertically than standard-lift systems. High lift doors have extended vertical tracks with a shorter section of curved track at the top. These are distinct from vertical-lift doors, which have no curved or horizontal track sections. In most cases, such doors require torsion springs and a jackshaft opener to function well, along with increased safety measures. Your spring and opener’s lift capacities will depend on the weight of your door, and should be assessed by one of our top licensed pros.

The Benefits of High Lift Garage Door Conversion

According to DASMA—the Doors & Access Systems Manufacturers Association—the return on investment for installing a new garage door can be up to 193% of its initial cost. If you’re planning on selling your home, or just want to increase your property value, installing a high lift door could be worthwhile. 

There are plenty of reasons why homeowners would want to install a high lift garage door. Many of these relate to increased or alternative use of their garage space. These doors require more overhead room, but are a great addition to garages with higher rafters. 

When you hire a pro to replace your conventional garage door with a high lift system, you’ll need to purchase the needed sections of vertical track, a new garage opener, new springs and possibly more. Note that, if your garage is under the above recommended clearance, it may be impossible to convert your garage rafters or ceiling to a necessary height. This process could require an additional consultation from a carpenter or contractor.

Cost Factors for High Lift Garage Door Installation

The circumstances in which you’d install a high lift garage door can vary. Some homeowners do it to make space for a four- or two-post car lift, while others need more overhead space for storage. 

Regardless of circumstance, you won’t have to fully change your door to convert it to a high lift system. A full replacement of your track system and possibly your opener could be necessary. When you get a professional quote, your garage door technician will factor in the following:

• Track material
• Track length requirements
• Ease of access to the space
• Door replacement (if needed)
• Hardware requirements
• Opener requirements (if needed)
• Labor

Given a four to six-hour installation time, and a typical rate of $75 to $150 per hour for garage door maintenance or repairs, you can expect a high lift door to cost $300 to $900 without materials. 

Our guide to affordable garage doors can provide you with plenty of options starting at $800. We’ve also included some typical hardware and component costs here:

*Source: Price points reflect Home Depot, DDM Garage Doors and DK Hardware costs as of April 2025.

Professional Installation vs. DIY Considerations

Even if you’re replacing a conventional residential garage door with another traditional door, we recommend professional installation. Attempting the conversion process to a high lift system will require trained expertise. You’ll also benefit from labor warranties that typically come with such service. 

Licensed pros have the insurance and qualifications to properly level your door after installing new mounting brackets. Cheney Door Company in Kansas estimates a time-to-complete of four to six hours for this service.

Frequently Asked Questions About High Lift Garage Doors

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Real wood garage doors come in many styles and be customized to fit your wishes, but they come at a cost you must be willing to invest in to get the most out of. In this guide, we’ll look at the various advantages and drawbacks of wood garage doors so you can make the best decision for your home.

If you’re considering a new garage door, Garage.com can connect you with top-rated companies willing to get into the details about what you want and need to make the most-informed choice.

The Timeless Appeal of Real Wood Garage Doors

In terms of aesthetics for a home, a wood garage door is up there among the most desired. They are classic, timeless and unique – with the ability to be customized in so many fashions to fit many homes. 

Both real wood garage doors and their imitators have their own benefits and drawbacks, but in terms of look, nothing beats real natural wood grains.

Types of Wood Used for Premium Garage Doors

When we say wood garage doors, that is a very general term. In reality, choosing a ‘real wood garage door’ is just step one in the decision-making process. The next step is deciding what type of wood to use for your garage door, and this choice will help determine the next steps in addition to how much your door could cost.

Wood Garage Door Construction and Design Options

Real wood garage doors are highly sought-after, but they aren’t always in everyone’s budget. If that is the case, there are options to get that wood-like look for less. 

Solid Wood vs. Wood-Faced Construction

Both real wood garage doors, and their faux wood counterparts, have benefits and drawbacks to consider when choosing your next garage door.

Custom Wood Garage Door Features and Embellishments

Wood garage doors allow homeowners to dream big when it comes to the final look of them. Do you want to add some embellishments, or maybe some windows? Both can be done as wood doors are very easy to customize.

Maintaining the Beauty of Wood Garage Doors

Real wood garage doors are beautiful and can last many years. However, they do require more maintenance and up-keep than other materials such as steel or faux wood. 

Investment Value: Cost and ROI of Wood Garage Doors

Every homeowner wants to know financial investments into their home are going to pay off. A wood garage door brings a lot of value to a home with its natural curb appeal. With regular service, it can also last many years and repairs cost about the same as other types of doors.

Understanding Premium Wood Door Pricing

Like any other garage door, how much a wood garage door costs is a result of numerous factors (type of wood, insulation, customizations). A wood garage door, for a single car, can cost anywhere from about $1,000 up to approximately $6,000.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood Garage Doors

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Providing an elevated aesthetic while maintaining privacy, glass garage doors have increased in popularity over the years for both residential and commercial properties. While they are traditionally more expensive than a standard garage door, they come with benefits that are worth considering.

If you are thinking of investing in a glass garage door, Garage.com can connect you with top-rated companies that can send a technician to your home to speak about your garage door replacement options in more detail.

What Are Glass Garage Doors? Understanding the Modern Garage Door Trend

Glass garage doors are stylish and modern, with glass panels framed by other materials such as wood or aluminum. They come in various styles, all allowing natural light in but with unique differences. 

Types of Glass Options for Garage Doors

If you are considering a glass garage door, in addition to whether you want full-view or partial-view, there are multiple choices for the type of glass you use.

Glass Options

Benefits of Glass Garage Doors for Residential Properties

While a glass garage door is not the traditional choice, it is becoming much more common and adds a lot to your home.

Practical Considerations for Glass Garage Door Installation

While glass garage doors undoubtedly look fantastic and add a certain flair to your home’s look, they might not always be the best choice. There are benefits and drawbacks to consider before investing in a new glass garage door as opposed to a more standard wood, vinyl or steel garage door.

Maintenance and Care for Glass Garage Doors

As with any garage door, you’ll want to keep up with the maintenance for your glass garage door. That includes regular garage door tune-ups that check on the various components of the door, as well as the glass and frame itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Glass Garage Doors

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Faux wood garage doors can be made from various materials, and they all come with benefits that could push homeowners to choose them over a real wood garage door. In this guide, we’ll break down the types of faux wood garage doors, their benefits and drawbacks and important things to consider. 

If you are considering a faux wood garage door, call Garage.com 24 hours a day, seven days a week to be connected with top-rated companies that can fulfill your needs.

What Are Faux Wood Garage Doors? Understanding the Modern Alternative

Faux wood garage doors offer functionality, aesthetics and practicality. It is crucial to know there are different types of faux wood doors, and how they are constructed. Fiberglass, vinyl and composite faux wood garage doors all provide homeowners with that wood look without being the actual material.

Benefits of Choosing a Wood-Look Garage Door Over Real Wood

A faux wood garage door has numerous benefits over a traditional wood door, chiefly among them being lower maintenance, lighter and more weather resistant.

Popular Faux Wood Garage Door Styles and Designs

Each company has their own styles of faux wood garage doors they offer. Most will be able to offer numerous options for look (carriage house or traditional panels), paint color and finishes. They also can be customizable with windows

If you are curious about what would look best with your home, call Garage.com to be connected with highly rated companies that have a portfolio of options to fit your needs and budget.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency Features

Because the garage door can be crudely thought of as a giant hole in your house when opened, you of course want the garage door to be energy efficient.

Cost Considerations: Faux Wood vs. Real Wood Garage Doors

Faux wood doors are usually cheaper than their real wood counterparts, but depending on the design and other factors, the initial difference could be negligible. 

The biggest cost considerations come into play down the line as the life of a faux wood door is superior to a real wood garage door. That is because of the materials used in building the door. Faux wood garage doors are built to withstand weather much better than a real wood door, so the cost savings in the long run can be game-changers.

So while any new garage door will increase your home’s value and bring you a return on your investment, the long-term cost savings of a faux wood garage door is where the two differ most.

Maintaining Your Faux Wood Garage Door

Faux wood garage doors were designed and built with low-maintenance in mind. Keeping them clean with soap and water will help ensure they look new and regular tune-ups yearly for the garage door itself can help identify any potential issues. 

If there is any damage to the door itself, it is recommended to speak to your garage door installer to discuss your options and what may be under warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions About Faux Wood Garage Doors

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In this guide we will discuss the various aspects of a steel garage door, including its benefits and drawbacks, weather considerations and impact on your budget. If you’re considering a new garage door, contact Garage.com to be connected with top-rated companies.

Why Choose Steel Garage Doors for Your Home

As homeowners decide which material to use in a new garage door, steel should be at or near the top of the list for an overwhelming number of items on your checklist.

Popular Steel Garage Door Styles and Designs

In addition to its longevity, steel garage doors are highly customizable both in finish and with what styles they can be used to mimic your home’s aesthetics. Popular choices for steel garage doors are:

• Sectional
• Carriage House (side-hinge)
• Roll-up

Maintaining Your Steel Garage Door for Longevity

Once you decide to invest in a new garage door, you want to make sure your money stretches as far as it can. That means upkeep, and steel garage doors are one of the easiest materials to deal with.

Routine Cleaning and Inspection

We recommend getting tune-ups at least once or twice a year, depending on where you live and how old the garage door system is. It is best to make sure the garage door is clean and check the sensors, tracks and hinges at set intervals. This will help ensure there are no issues and if you see one, it can be dealt with in an efficient manner, hopefully preventing the need for a costly emergency garage door repair.

Preventing and Addressing Rust Issues

While steel garage doors are known for their durability, there is the possibility that older doors can rust. This is especially true at the bottom of the door where it meets the ground. If you see rust, it’s important to tackle the issue right away. Use a steel wool or wire brush to scrape away any flaky rust. You can then sand down the area, prime and paint it. 

When to Call a Professional for Service

If the problem looks large, or you aren’t completely comfortable with doing it yourself, Garage.com can connect you with highly reviewed companies more than eager to return your steel garage door to its prime state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Garage Doors

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In this guide, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of a carriage house garage door, and if you’re considering one, call Garage.com anytime to be connected with top-rated companies waiting to install a system of your choice. 

The History and Evolution of Carriage House Doors: From Stables to Modern Homes

Carriage house garage doors are also referred to as barn doors, and that is precisely where they originated in the 18th and 19th century when the preferred mode of transportation was horse-drawn carriages.

The doors back then, like some now, swung out horizontally and had upscale designs and decorations that put one’s wealth on display. As the modernization of society progressed, the need for a carriage house garage door waned. The appeal and adoration for the style, however, did not. 

While less expensive overhead garage doors became the go-to system as the years wore on, carriage house doors remained in the picture due to their elegance and charm. That has endured through the years and now as families expand into the suburbs as cities grow, the doors have regained popularity for their numerous benefits.

Defining Characteristics: What Makes a Carriage House Door Distinctive

Carriage house garage doors are distinctive in their look and functionality. In contrast to their sectional counterparts, they swing out horizontally or they swing up more like a traditional garage door. They also traditionally have that ‘barn door’ style with decorative trimmings, hinges and sometimes windows.

Functional and Customization Considerations for Carriage Style Doors

If you are set on installing a carriage house garage door, there are certain decisions that you will then need to make before the job gets done.

The first is whether you want the door to swing to the side (like a traditional barn house door) or swing up (like a conventional sectional garage door). Your decision here should be based on the surroundings of your garage door and which swing action works best for your home.

With that figured out, how do you want the garage door to look? Carriage house garage doors can be finished to look like wood or they can be painted. You can also add trim or hinges to the door for decoration.

As a homeowner you will also want to consider if added insulation is necessary for added energy efficiency, based on where your home resides. Finally, windows will be another consideration if you want to modernize the look and add some natural light to the interior space.

Installation and Maintenance: Caring for Your Carriage House Doors

Because of the unique workings of a carriage house garage door as opposed to the more traditional manner, the installation typically takes a little bit longer. 

As for maintenance, as always it is recommended that you conduct regular visual inspections of your system and schedule yearly tune-ups to make sure all is in good working order. Carriage house garage doors tend to weigh more than sectional doors, so it could cause more strain on your opener – making tune-ups even more important.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carriage House Garage Doors

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Aluminum garage doors have a lot of benefits for homeowners and they bring a sense of functionality and affordability. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of an aluminum garage door. 

When you’re ready to decide on your next step, give Garage.com a call and they will connect you with top-rated companies ready to install your new garage door.

What Are Aluminum Garage Doors?

Aluminum garage doors are becoming more popular due to their benefits for homeowners. They are modern-looking and very customizable. You can pick from just about any paint color or even add windows. They can be insulated for extra energy efficiency. In addition, an aluminum garage door is traditionally more affordable than other materials such as wood or steel. 

Aluminum and Glass Combinations

Aluminum garage doors can be customized in many ways, with one of them being the addition of glass panels. Glass additions to a garage door bring a sophistication to the design, as well as allowing natural light to penetrate the inner space. The glass can also be textured to preserve privacy.

Potential Drawbacks of Aluminum Garage Doors

While there is plenty to like about aluminum garage doors, it’s also important to consider the potential drawbacks of the material, including:

• Dings and dents: Because aluminum is not as strong as steel, it is more susceptible to dents and scratching.
• Add the padding: Aluminum garage doors are less energy efficient naturally. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure you add insulation – which comes at an extra cost.

Aluminum Garage Door Costs and Value

Because of its lightweight material, aluminum is usually more affordable than other materials. It can be customized in many ways, which would raise the cost of the door, but in general it is considered to be easier on your budget.

Maintenance and Care for Aluminum Garage Doors

Regular annual or twice-a-year tune-ups are always something that should be considered for any garage door on your home. Between those appointments, using soap and water to keep the doors clean and visual inspections to make sure hinges, tracks and sensors are unobstructed is important.

Selecting the Right Aluminum Garage Door for Your Home

One of the most attractive qualities of an aluminum garage door is how much you can customize it. Whether it’s color, the texture or adding glass panels, the sky seems to be the limit as to what you can do. Whatever the aesthetic of your home, there’s a good chance you can work with aluminum for your garage door to supplement the curb appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aluminum Garage Doors

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Fiberglass garage doors are durable, energy-efficient and won’t have you wondering where your savings account went. Check out our guide on fiberglass garage doors, and if you are considering a new garage door, Garage.com can connect you with top-rated companies ready to put in the work to upgrade your system.

What Are Fiberglass Garage Doors?

Fiberglass doors, on the surface, are precisely what they sound like. But there is more to these customizable doors that while they have waned in popularity, provide plenty of upside for those who choose them.

Fiberglass garage doors are strengthened with steel frames, and have more natural energy efficiency than aluminum doors while being more budget-friendly than wood garage doors. They are reliable for wetter climates, but might not be the best choice for windier environments.

Fiberglass Door Construction

Fiberglass garage doors are composed of mainly fiberglass reinforced plastic with glass fibers. They are constructed with steel frames, making them durable to go along with their ability to resist inclement weather (water and heat). 

Limitations and Considerations for Fiberglass Doors

While a fiberglass garage door does have its benefits in certain situations, it’s also wise to consider drawbacks of the material, including:

• Add the pad: While fiberglass garage doors do offer some energy efficiency, they don’t have as much as steel or wood doors. It’d be best to upgrade your door with more insulation if you are truly considering it.
• Can be pricey: Not as expensive as a real wood garage door, fiberglass garage doors can be on the higher side compared to some materials – especially if you get fancy with customizations.
• Too lightweight?: While being lightweight can be good in some respects, it can be a detriment in others. Fiberglass can be brittle in very cold climates, and it breaks easier than a steel door in a collision.

Styles and Design Options for Fiberglass Garage Doors

Fiberglass garage doors can be highly customized, from a faux wood look they are most-known for to painted. They can also add glass panels for a more modern look. You can use them with a sectional garage door or with a carriage house style. In short, they are very versatile and can fit numerous styles of doors.

Cost Analysis of Fiberglass Garage Doors

A fiberglass garage door is a good investment due to its longevity. They are in the middle of the spectrum for a new system – more than aluminum but less than real wood – and relatively modest in terms of annual upkeep with regular maintenance.

Maintenance and Care for Fiberglass Garage Doors

One of the biggest benefits of a fiberglass garage door is its ease for annual upkeep. Garage.com always recommends you get regular garage door tune-ups, but fiberglass is otherwise pretty easy. It’s lightweight, and therefore easier on the hinges, springs and opener itself. It is important to do visual inspections at regular intervals, and cleaning the door with soap and water.

Selecting the Right Fiberglass Garage Door

When making your final decision for a new garage door, it’s crucial to consider your budget, your home’s aesthetics and the climate in which you reside. Fiberglass garage doors can be ideal in numerous situations and are worthy of consideration, but it’s not a choice to be made lightly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fiberglass Garage Doors

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Sectional garage doors are durable and can be stylish, adding value to a home for years to come. In this guide we’ll discuss considerations for your new sectional garage door, and when you’re ready you can contact Garage.com to be connected with highly regard companies ready to install.

What Are Sectional Garage Doors?

Sectional garage doors became popular in the 1920s as the mass production of automobiles made a garage door a more important feature of the home. While carriage house garage doors were the preferred method before this, that all changed as technology improved. 

Sectional garage doors have tracks on either side of the door and are lifted vertically and then horizontally parallel to the ceiling of your garage. It is both an efficient and space-conserving system that has become the go-to style for new garage doors.

Key Benefits of Sectional Garage Doors

There are numerous benefits to a sectional garage door, which is why it has risen to become the most popular choice during the last 100 years. Those include:

• Spacing: With the compact design of the door being lifted along tracks to run parallel to the ceiling, homeowners lose very little space inside. The door’s design also keeps the weather from affecting its movements, unlike in the past with carriage house doors being slowed by piles of snow.
• Choice of materials: Sectional garage doors can be made of wood, steel, aluminum, fiberglass, composite or vinyl. Each type of material has its benefits depending on various factors including your climate and needs.
• Customizations: In addition to your choice of materials, you can choose what finished look you desire along with whether to add insulation for energy efficiency, windows for added flair and smart technology.

Insulation Options for Sectional Garage Doors

R-value is simply a material’s ability to resist a transfer of heat. Each material used for your sectional garage door will have a different R-value. How much insulation you need or want for your garage door will largely depend on what climate you live in. If you decide you want more insulation, and thus a higher R-value for your garage door, you can add it for increased energy efficiency.

Customization Options for Sectional Garage Doors

A sectional garage door has the option to not only come in various materials, but also can be customized in many ways:

• Windows: Homeowners have the option to add natural light and curb appeal with a row of windows.
• Finish: A variety of colors are available or doors can be made to look like real wood.
• Insulation: While most sectional doors come as a single panel by default, you can add another layer for increased insulation and energy efficiency.

Installation Considerations for Sectional Garage Doors

Installation for a sectional garage door can be a little trickier than a single-panel door because it is a more complex process with extra components. There are more hinges and screws involved with the horizontal sections that must be connected together, so it’s recommended to let a professional do the work and not try and do it yourself.

Maintenance and Care for Sectional Garage Doors

To keep your garage door in solid working order, we advise you to conduct regular visual inspections of the components to make sure they are moving smoothly (rollers on the tracks, no loose screws, etc.). We also recommend yearly tune-ups for a more professional check on the system as a whole. 

In addition to those, it’s important for you to keep the doors clean and free of obstructions. Keeping your garage door clean, whether it’s wood, steel or composite, will help the longevity of the door by reducing any adverse effects from the weather. Ensuring your tracks and sensors are clear of obstruction helps the door run more smoothly. 

Cost Analysis of Sectional Garage Doors

Sectional garage doors can range from a few hundred into the thousands of dollars. The final cost is more determined by the material chosen for your new garage door and any customizations added such as insulation or windows. Garage doors do add market value to your home, and studies have shown a solid return on the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sectional Garage Doors

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