Choosing the right Garage Door Material for your home
Choosing a new garage door is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your home’s exterior. It isn't just about picking a color; the material you choose determines how much maintenance you’ll do, how well your garage handles the summer heat, and how long the door will last.
At Element Doors and Garages, we want to help you find the perfect balance between style and durability. Here is a breakdown of the most popular garage door materials for 2026.
1. Steel: The Versatile Best Seller
Steel is the most popular choice for a reason. It’s incredibly durable, relatively affordable, and comes in almost any style—from traditional raised panels to modern flush designs.
Pros: Very low maintenance, highly secure, and easy to insulate.
Cons: Can dent if hit hard enough (like by a stray basketball) and can rust if the paint is scratched and left untreated in humid areas.
Best For: Most homeowners who want a reliable, "set it and forget it" door.
2. Wood: The Luxury Classic
Nothing beats the natural beauty and warmth of real wood. Whether it’s Cedar, Mahogany, or Cypresswood, a wood door is a piece of craftsmanship that can completely transform a home’s curb appeal.
Pros: Unmatched beauty, naturally insulating, and highly customizable.
Cons: High maintenance. It requires staining or painting every few years to prevent rotting, warping, or fading.
Best For: Homeowners who prioritize aesthetics and don't mind a little extra upkeep to keep their home looking like a custom estate.
3. Aluminum & Glass: The Modern Choice
If your home has a contemporary or mid-century modern vibe, aluminum is likely your best bet. Aluminum frames compliment glass panels the best and are naturally resistant to rust and corrosion.
Pros: Rust-proof (ideal for coastal areas) and perfect for "Full-View" glass designs.
Cons: Generally provides less insulation unless you opt for specialized insulated frames.
Best For: Modern homes and homeowners who want a sleek, "industrial" look with lots of natural light.
CHI’s Sandstone Carriage Overlay
4. Fiberglass: The Wood Mimic
Fiberglass is often called the "faux wood" champion. It features a steel core for strength but is coated in a fiberglass skin that can be molded to look exactly like real wood grain.
Pros: Won’t rot, warp, or shrink. It’s much more resistant to salt air than steel, making it a favorite for beachside properties.
Cons: Is not cheap and can become brittle or crack in extremely cold climates and can "yellow" or fade if exposed to intense, direct sunlight for years.
Best For: Coastal homes or those who want the wood look without the wood maintenance.
Which Material is Right for You?
To help you narrow it down, ask yourself these three questions:
What’s my climate? (Choose aluminum for the coast; insulated steel for cold winters.)
How much maintenance do I want to do? (Choose steel for "none"; wood for "some.")
What’s my home’s style? (Modern = Aluminum; Traditional = Steel; Farmhouse = Wood)
Ready to See the Difference?
At Element Doors and Garages, we carry a wide selection of all these materials. We can even bring samples to your home so you can see exactly how they look against your siding and trim.
