When you need a new car, do you make a bee-line for the nearest car dealer and buy the first car you see?

Probably not.

Why would you purchase a new garage door that way?

It may not cost as much as a car, but a garage door is still a hefty investment, and you’ll most likely be replacing your car before you ever have to replace your garage door again.

Take the time to do your homework and find the garage door that’s exactly right.

Don’t buy a garage door until you download our free Guide to Buying a Garage Door.

The way to do that is to do some comparison shopping.

Let’s look at the aspects of purchasing a garage door that are worth comparing.

Cost

Money is usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think about making a large purchase.

To give you an idea, a garage door for a single car garage will start out at around $500.

The price goes up from there as you begin to add in elements like higher-end materials, levels of insulation, and decorative items.

You also need to keep in mind that garage door openers are a separate cost and have their own varied options to choose from.

Material

The comparisons really start to ramp up once you start getting into your options for what your door is made of.

The type of material you choose for your door doesn’t only depend on aesthetics.

These are a few of the other considerations that are important to think about:

  • The climate in which you live.
  • The amount of maintenance you expect to do.
  • How durable the door will be.

Let’s take a look at the different materials and the qualities of each that may influence your decision.

  • Steel. Steel garage doors are the most popular choice because they allow you the most freedom with color and have varying insulation options, which is important if you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes or strong winds. They’re very durable and won’t rust, warp, crack or need to be repainted frequently. One of the downsides is that a steel door can be dented.
  • Wood. While wood doors are hard to beat in terms of visual appeal, they do have the tendency to eventually warp or crack, especially in a more humid environment. They require more maintenance than any other materials, but they are less likely to incur accidental damage and if they do, it’s easier to fix. Wooden doors are quite durable when they’re properly maintained.
  • Wood composite. This option offers the best of both worlds. They’re very durable, have a steel interior with a faux wood overlay, and require very little maintenance. They are suitable for any climate because they aren’t affected by humidity or other adverse weather conditions. 

Insulation

When faced with the question whether or not you should insulate your garage door, always choose yes!

Garage door insulation will have an affect on your energy costs if you have an attached garage, keeping your home cooler in the hot months and warmer in the cold months.

The choices for garage door insulation are:

  • Single layer. No added insulation.
  • Double layer. Polystyrene insulation.
  • Triple layer. Polystyrene or polyurethane insulation.

Style

Comparing the different styles of garage doors you can choose from might just be the most fun when you’re comparison shopping.

Some of the main style choices to make are:

  • Do you want windows and, if so, how many and what kind?
  • What hardware will look best with the color and material garage door you’ve chosen?
  • Do you like any kind of paneling? If so, do you want it to be embossed or raised?

Taking the time to comparison shop will ensure that you get the garage door that best fits your style, your budget and the needs of your home.

Which step in the comparison-shopping process surprised you the most?