13 Top Garage Door Styles to Level Up Your Curb Appeal in 2024
[Last Updated:] December 5, 2024
From traditional wood-look doors to vintage carriage house doors, choosing the right garage door style can enhance the look and curb appeal of your home.
Some homeowners prioritize a timeless, clean look that complements their home’s architecture. Others may value a touch of historical charm or a modern, sleek aesthetic.
Use our garage door designer tool to start creating your dream door, or take a look at these top garage door trends for some ideas. Explore considerations such as durability, insulation, and functionality so you can find the style best suited for your home and lifestyle.
Table of Contents:
- 1. Traditional Garage Door
- 2. Carriage House Garage Door
- 3. Contemporary and Modern Garage Door
- 4. High Lift Garage Door
- 5. French Garage Door
- 6. Swing-Open Garage Door
- 7. Tudor Garage Door
- 8. Craftsman-Style Garage Door
- 9. Wood Garage Door
- 10. Colonial Garage Door
- 11. Glass-Paneled Garage Door
- 12. Mediterranean Garage Door
- 13. Ranch-Style Garage Door
- How to Pick a Garage Door Style
- Need Help Choosing the Right Garage Door Style?
- FAQ About Garage Door Styles
1. Traditional Garage Door
The traditional garage door, also known as a flat panel garage door, offers a timeless and simple design. It features smooth panels with minimal detail and works with a variety of home styles..
Homeowners who lean toward a clean and classic look will appreciate this garage door style. It’s also a budget-friendly choice and easy to maintain.
2. Carriage House Garage Door
Popular and on-trend, carriage house garage doors can give your home’s exterior an elegant appearance. It features sections that mimic the look of swinging barn doors, often with decorative hardware such as hinges and handles.
They come in various colors and styles to accentuate the exterior appearance of your home. This style complements homes that feature a Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, and Craftsman architectural style.
3. Contemporary and Modern Garage Door
Contemporary or modern garage doors prioritize clean lines, smooth surfaces, and minimal detail for a sleek and polished look. They’re offered in a variety of materials, such as glass, aluminum, and steel.
Homeowners drawn to mid-century modern, contemporary, or transitional styles will find that modern garage door styles complement their home’s architecture beautifully.
4. High Lift Garage Door
High-lift garage doors are more of a functionality choice than an aesthetic one. They open vertically along tracks mounted on the ceiling, maximizing overhead clearance.
This type of garage door is ideal for tall vehicles or lofted storage areas. They may cost more than traditional styles to install.
5. French Garage Door
French garage doors add a touch of European sophistication to your home with their unique swinging design. They feature two doors that hinge outward on the sides, similar to French doors on a house.
They come in various materials, such as wood or wrought iron, to further enhance the classic look. Keep in mind that this style requires more clearance for swinging outward and might not be suited for driveways with limited space.
6. Swing-Open Garage Door
While some garage door styles may only appear to swing out, swing-open garage doors actually do. They can be customized to appeal to a more classic French aesthetic or more modern with clean lines.
However, swing-out doors require additional clearance like French garage doors and may not be ideal in areas with harsh winters, as snow accumulation or strong winds could impede their operation.
7. Tudor Garage Door
The Tudor garage door captures the essence of English Tudor architecture, known for its rich history and decorative elements. These doors typically feature a rectangular upper section and a lower section adorned with decorative half-timbering or Tudor squares.
This is a great choice for Tudor or Gothic Revival-style homes; however, they’re typically more expensive due to the additional materials and detailing involved.
8. Craftsman-Style Garage Door
The Craftsman garage door embodies the warmth and character of the Arts and Crafts movement. These doors feature simple, clean lines with horizontal panels, often incorporating windows.
This style beautifully complements Craftsman and bungalow homes, echoing the natural materials and subtle details that define these architectural styles.
9. Wood Garage Door
Wood garage doors add a touch of timeless elegance and natural beauty to your home’s exterior. They come in a variety of designs, including traditional panels, carriage house styles, and Craftsman with decorative accents.
Unless you opt for a faux wood garage door, be prepared for more maintenance if you opt for wood garage doors rather than other materials, such as steel or fiberglass. Wood is also more susceptible to warping, rotting, and insect damage if not properly cared for. Regular staining or painting is necessary to keep these garage doors looking their best.
10. Colonial Garage Door
Colonial garage doors evoke the charm of Colonial and Georgian architecture. They typically feature symmetrical designs with raised panels and clean lines.
Some may also incorporate decorative elements that enhance the period look, such as molding or black hardware.
11. Glass-Paneled Garage Door
Glass-paneled garage doors offer a modern twist, allowing natural light to flood the garage for a brighter and more inviting space. They usually feature aluminum frames to hold the oversized glass panels.
You may want to consider frosted or tinted glass options to maintain a level of privacy if your garage is visible from the street. Glass may also not be suitable for harsh climates.
12. Mediterranean Garage Door
Homeowners with Spanish-, Tuscan-, or Mediterranean-style homes will love this garage door style’s warmth and charm. Mediterranean garage doors feature a rustic look with arched elements, decorative hinges, and sometimes stained wood.
13. Ranch-Style Garage Door
Ranch-style garage doors feature smooth, flat panels with minimal ornamentation, echoing the long, low profile of ranch architecture. They’re available in a variety of materials, such as steel, wood, and fiberglass.
These doors prioritize functionality and easy garage door maintenance, making them a practical choice.
How To Pick a Garage Door Style
Choosing a garage door can be overwhelming, with so many styles to consider. Focus on these key factors to find a door that complements your home and meets your needs:
- Consider a style that complements your home: Your garage is a significant part of your home’s curb appeal, so your garage door should complement your home’s architectural style. Modern houses might benefit from a glass-paneled garage door while homes with historical charm may be better suited for a carriage house garage door.
- Incorporate your personal taste: Do you love the classic charm of Tudor garage doors, or are you drawn to the sleek lines of contemporary designs? The style you choose should reflect your design personality.
- Assess your lifestyle: Think about how you’ll use your garage. Do you need extra overhead space for storage? Will your garage primarily house vehicles? Answering these questions can help guide you toward a more functional style, such as a traditional or high-lift garage door, versus a more decorative one.
- Explore different materials: Materials such as wood, steel, and fiberglass offer unique benefits. Steel is durable and low maintenance, while wood offers a classic look but requires more upkeep. Fiberglass provides a good balance between aesthetics and practicality.
- Determine your budget: Garage door prices vary depending on style, material, and size. Set a realistic budget and consider the long-term value proposition of different materials.
- Look into necessary maintenance: Some materials, such as wood, require more regular maintenance than others. Factor in the ongoing upkeep costs when making your decision.
Need Help Choosing the Right Garage Door Style?
Trust the service professionals at your local Precision Garage Door Service™ to help you choose a garage door you’ll love. Whether you’re doing a home exterior remodel or want to upgrade your existing door. We can design and install a garage door that matches your style and meets your needs.
Take advantage of our design and installation services, call or schedule an appointment online with your local Precision Garage Door Service today.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Services should be performed by licensed and experienced professionals. Precision Garage Door Service is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a Precision Garage Door Service professional for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
FAQ About Garage Door Styles
Precision Garage Door Service is your go-to for nationwide garage door solutions. We handle thousands of repairs daily and have the expertise to answer all your garage door style questions.
What is the most popular garage door style?
The most popular garage door style is the traditional garage door. It features a simple, clean design with minimal ornamentation and complements a variety of architectural styles.
What size garage door do I need?
Standard garage door sizes typically range from 8 feet to 20 feet wide and 7 feet or 8 feet tall. However, a garage door professional will measure the opening to ensure you select a garage door that is correctly sized for your home.
What are the old-style garage doors called?
There isn’t one specific term for old-style garage doors, but some possibilities include carriage house and swing-open garage doors.
How do you tell which type of garage door you have?
To tell which type of garage door you have, look at the panels and materials. Flat panels with a smooth surface may point to traditional garage doors, while a door with decorative half-timbering and decorative elements may be a Tudor garage door. Use our garage door design tool to determine your garage door style.
What is the most reliable garage door?
Material and construction play a big role in the reliability of a garage door. Generally, well-maintained steel garage doors offer excellent reliability due to their strength and resistance to warping. Consult with a garage door professional to determine the best option for your home.