Before making a major investment in a high-ticket item like a garage door, it’s important to do your homework.
A good place to start is researching the types on the market. In general, garage doors are available in four basic types: swing out, swing up, roll up, or slide to the side.
Swing-out carriage-house doors, or sliding barn doors, are a good choice if you need to keep the ceiling clear or if you want that distinctive look.
Whatever style you choose, it’s important to pick a door that complements your home’s style. For example, a Craftsman bungalow, would call for the original swing-out doors. But there are other options that would work. Manufacturers of modern roll-up doors make them in styles that mimic the old swing doors, complete with faux strap hinges on the sides and a pair of handles flanking a deep groove in the center.
Consider this general rule of thumb: most styles feature panels, trim and other detailing. Doors with true frame-and-panel construction tend to be more substantial than those with decorative detail. Furthermore, glass panels on the top row can be both aesthetically pleasing and also bring in natural light. Some homeowners with roll-up doors use shatterproof glass or frosted plastic in all the panels to create a modern look.
With the right garage door choice, you’re on your way to adding significant value to your home. Who wouldn’t want that?