Americans use their garages more than other entry into the house, which is why setting up a stellar garage storage system is so important. Another way to enhance this frequented space and increase the value of your home is by upgrading your garage door. They are largely customizable, down to the way they open and the materials they're made of, and can easily complement your garage wall storage. Before you get started on your design, there are a few things to brush up on.
Three basic materials
Garage doors are typically made of wood, metal or aluminum, and each has its own unique benefits. Wood is largely renowned for its charm and its durability, as wood doors are usually the thickest option. It can be cut to any size and comes in several varieties, such as hardwood, mahogany, redwood or cedar. They need to be repainted or refinished frequently, however, and don't hold up as well in damp climates. Due to its somewhat finicky nature, wooden garage doors often have shorter warranties.
Metal, on the other hand, takes much less maintenance. Steel is the most common type of metal door, as it is very tough and relatively inexpensive. Unfortunately, it is somewhat prone to rusting, so any wear and tear much be fixed immediately to maintain its integrity.
Aluminum is the priciest but strongest garage door option out there. It's incredibly sturdy, yet miraculously lightweight; it's dent-resistant, rust-resistant and relatively impervious to the forces of nature. For very wide garages, this is often your best bet, as it won't strain the mechanical components that lift the door as much as other options will.
Four basic types:
In addition to choosing the material, you can also choose which way your garage door opens. Some doors swing out, some swing up, some shift side to side, while others roll up. Most doors that swing out are carriage-house doors, a variety usually made of wood chosen for its aesthetic. While the roll-up is easily the most popular, the side-to-side and swing-out doors are great if you want to keep the ceiling clear for additional garage organization.
Three basic levels
Depending on your price range, you can customize your door to any degree you'd like. They are generally categorized as stock, a basic door with little glass or paneling, mid-level customization, and high-level customization. Factors to consider when designing your door include material, panel style and insulation.
Mid-level doors usually come in different colors if they're made of steel, or can be done in hemlock, cedar or mahogany if they're wood. Insulated doors in this price range are usually done with an interface made of fiberglass, giving the interior of the garage (and the garage cabinets) a more finished look. Paneling such as glass can be chosen at this level, affording the space quite a bit of sunlight. There are even decorative options that look like swing doors but roll up like a modern garage door.
Higher-end doors are the most customizable and usually feature more of a design aspect to accompany the architecture of the house. Carriage-house styles generally fall into this category, while steel doors are usually double-faced and injected with special insulation.
It's true that garages are most commonly used for storage and parking, but there's no reason that they can't be just as beautiful as the interior of your home.
