Part 1 of our garage door buying guide gave you an overview of what kinds of choices you have when you’re ready to take the plunge.
Now we’re ready to dig in and get serious about some of the choices you’ll be making, like design, hardware, windows and your many options for colors.
Don’t buy a garage door until you download our free Guide to Buying a Garage Door.
At this point, you may be ready to close your eyes, spin around and point, Pin-the-Tail-On-the-Donkey style, in order to make your choice.
It can be overwhelming with so much to think about.
But you needn’t worry! We’ll take it step-by-step and explore what’s available so that you can confidently choose the perfect door for your home.
Design
Buying a garage door has never been so fun. Don’t believe me? Take a look at some of the options you have when you’re choosing a design for your door:
- Carriage House doors look like they swing open but actually open and close like a normal garage door.
- Contemporary styles with clean lines and a full view, with its glass construction.
- Traditional styles, with or without windows and frills.
The look you pick for your garage door should match the architecture and overall aesthetic feel of your home. With all the choices that are available today, you won’t have any trouble finding one that’s just right.
Color
There’s no limit to the color options you have at your disposal. Seriously. If you want it, you can get it.
Check it out:
- Steel doors are available pre-painted in a few different colors. But, and here’s where it gets exciting, they can also be painted with any exterior latex paint you wish. Want a customized color? Done. Keep in mind that this may be more exciting for you than for your neighbors!
- Wooden doors come in a natural finish, but they can be stained or painted to suit your desires.
Now that you’ve got the design and color locked down, it’s time to think hardware.
Hardware
You still have options but not quite as many when it comes to hardware.
Generally, the hardware you choose will be limited based on the type of door you choose.
For example, a carriage house style door will have a specific kind of hardware that complements it, while a more modern door may not need any hardware at all.
It’s important to remember that once the hardware is installed on your door, it’s difficult to remove or change without damaging the door.
With every choice you make when buying your garage door, it’s just that important to keep the overall feel of your home in mind when you’re making garage door decisions.
Adding hardware can go from tasteful to tacky in a heartbeat.
Windows
While windows are functional, they can also add a layer of style to your garage door.
Similar to the hardware, certain styles of doors have specific types of windows, though you do have a level of freedom to change things up a bit.
The window selection runs that gamut, from a traditional row of windows to faux wrought-iron to no windows at all.
You can even choose different patterns and colors.
Just make sure the windows you choose for your garage door stay in line with the design of your home.
Value
There is often a question of what design features have the biggest impact on cost.
The variables that affect the price of a garage door are numerous; however, adding decorative hardware and windows will add to your costs.
The ideal way to buy a garage door is to carefully consider each option, from the design, color, hardware, windows and value. Your garage door company will be able to give you a detailed breakdown of what each cost is associated with so that you can determine what options are worth paying a little extra for.
What design element is the most fun for you?
