By Amy Hanlon on 07 Oct 2023
Why wouldn’t you want the best garage doors for your timber garage?
You’ve spent your valuable time researching and planning the ideal timber garage project, so the last thing you want is to forget about the doors.
But as with everything else, there’s a huge array of information out there. You don’t have time for that. You want to know what your options are, and how to make sure you pick the best one for you
So here’s a quick and easy guide to your garage door options. By the time you’ve read this article, you’ll have a clear idea of the types of doors available, and the pros and cons of each. Then it’s decision time!
Why the Right Garage Door Matters
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential that you understand why choosing the right garage door is so important. Your garage door isn’t just a functional component of your home; it also plays a significant role in your home’s security and energy efficiency. Here are some reasons why selecting the best garage door is essential:
Security
Your garage often stores valuable items like vehicles, tools, and equipment. A robust and secure garage door is vital to protect your belongings and your home.
Energy Efficiency
An insulated garage door can help regulate the temperature in your garage, which can not only impact the energy efficiency of your entire home, it can also help prevent condensation in your garage.
Convenience
Modern garage doors offer various convenient features, such as remote controls and smart technology, making your daily life more comfortable and secure.
What is the best material for a garage door?
Garage doors are made from various different materials, which each offer different properties, advantages and disadvantages.
What are the pros of steel doors?
Steel garage doors are a strong, low-cost option. They’re highly resistant to weather, won’t crack, rot or warp in heat or cold, and are a popular choice.
Steel doors are durable and secure, and don’t require maintenance like painting.
Steel doors are known for their strength and security. They are available in a range of designs and can be painted to match your home’s exterior.
What are the cons of steel doors?
However, steel doors are susceptible to rust over time. They need some maintenance to protect them from this. Steel doors must also be insulated to prevent condensation, as steel is a poor insulator.
While we don’t suggest making contact between your garage door and your car, these things can happen now and again. Steel can be dented or dinged fairly easily. While it’s a durable option, avoid any unnecessary impacts!
What are the pros of timber garage doors?
Timber doors in a timber garage? One advantage is that the doors will be a match for the rest of the building, so if a traditional style and pleasing aesthetics are priorities for you, this might appeal.
Like anything made of timber, garage doors are unique. Their individual pattern of grain and knots mean that no two doors are identical.
As a natural insulator, timber doors will help prevent heat loss from your garage. Timber doors are also highly customisable and available in a variety of designs and styles.
Timber doors offer a timeless and natural look. They can be customized to match your home’s architectural style. While beautiful, they may require more maintenance to prevent warping or rotting.
What are the cons of timber garage doors?
What about the disadvantages? While beautiful, timber garage doors need more maintenance to prevent warping or rotting. Timber garage doors must be painted to protect them from the weather.
Timber must also be treated appropriately to prevent rot, insects and fungus. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, timber garage doors aren’t for you.
Timber garage doors are generally heavier than doors made of other materials. Their operation can be noisy.
What are the pros of GRP garage doors?
GRP, or glass-reinforced polyester garage doors, have the highest strength-to-weight ratio of all the materials mentioned here. GRP is also known as FRP, fibreglass or composite plastic.
Garage doors made from GRP are extremely weatherproof and insulate well. The material is very strong and durable.
GRP garage doors mimic the appearance of timber but are more durable and require less maintenance. They are resistant to rot and corrosion, making them a long-lasting option.
What are the cons of GRP garage doors?
However, GRP tends to be an expensive option compared to other garage door materials. Like steel, GRP doesn’t deal well with impacts and can crack if struck by something heavy.
The designs and styles of GRP garage doors are often limited compared to other materials. If you have a particular style of door in mind, you may not find it in this otherwise excellent material.
What are the pros of aluminium garage doors?
Aluminium garage doors are lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to maintain. They can be powder-coated in various colours and are an excellent choice for a modern look.
Moisture-resistant, light and durable, aluminium is a popular choice for garage doors.
Like steel, aluminium is very low-maintenance. It doesn’t need painting and is easy to clean. Aluminium garage doors are available in a range of styles, colours and designs, and provide a modern finish to your timber garage.
What are the cons of aluminium garage doors?
Remember that aluminium garage doors must be insulated otherwise you’ll lose heat from your garage easily.
Aluminium doors tend to be more expensive than steel, and depending on the thickness and quality, can also be susceptible to dents on impact.
What are the pros and cons of ABS garage doors?
Finally, ABS garage doors. ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a relatively new material that has many applications, including garage doors. Car bumpers are often made of this material.
ABS is a reinforced plastic that is highly impact-resistant. It complements uPVC doors and windows and is extremely lightweight. ABS garage doors are weatherproof and provide excellent insulation.
What are the cons of ABS garage doors?
ABS doors are generally more expensive than the other materials we’ve covered. They’re also vulnerable to weathering, and over time and with exposure to UV rays the finish may fade.
Types of Garage Doors
Now that you understand the importance of choosing the right garage door, and the different materials available, let’s explore the most common types of garage doors available in the UK:
What are up-and-over garage doors
As the name suggests, these doors move up and over! They are made of a single panel which moves out and up to rest in the roof space of the garage when open.
Up-and-over garage doors are a classic and cost-effective choice. They are easy to operate and come in all the materials listed above. These doors are durable and simple to use.
Up-and-over garage doors are easy to install, reliable and weatherproof. They are available as both manual and automatic doors and have security-rated options.
What are sectional garage doors?
Sectional garage doors are known for their excellent insulation and security. They consist of multiple panels that slide upwards into the ceiling when opened, saving space. This design makes them suitable for garages with limited headroom.
This design is also useful if you have limited space in your driveway. Because sectional garage doors open vertically you can park your car as close as you like to the garage door and still have space to open the door.
Sectional doors come in large dimensions – up to 8m wide, and are a stylish, secure, and well-engineered choice.
What are roller garage doors?
Roller doors are easy to automate and provide good security. These doors curl up into a roll that is housed in a barrel-shaped container at the top of the door opening. Like sectional doors, roller doors open vertically.
Roller doors are also available in steel, aluminium, GRP and ABS.
What are side-hinged garage doors?
Side-hinged doors have hinges on their sides, surprisingly enough! These doors open like cupboard doors and are either split 50/50 or 70/30 across the opening. They are an excellent choice if you use your garage as a workshop or want to access it regularly on foot. They are often made from timber, offering a classic look.
Side-hinged doors swing outwards, so the open doors take up a lot of space in your drive or in front of your garage. If you’re using your garage to store a car, they may not be the ideal choice.
Are electric or manual doors better?
Most garage door types can be automated for added convenience. Electric doors can be controlled with a remote or phone app, allowing you to open and close them without leaving your vehicle.
Generally speaking, electric doors are more expensive than manual doors.
Which features should I look for in a garage door?
If you’ve decided on a material and whether your door should be manual or automatic, don’t forget about these other features:
How secure will my garage be?
Regardless of the material used, your garage door should be secure. Look for multi-point locking systems and good solid construction. Many doors will have a security rating (a code like LPCB, LPS 1175 and BS EN which shows that the door has been tested thoroughly.)
Buy from a reputable brand.
Another way to ensure that your garage door is a good purchase is to buy from an established brand. The vast majority of the doors that our customers choose for their timber garages are made by Hormann. Other reputable brands include Garador, SeceuroGlide and Cardale.
Insulation & energy efficiency.
Check that the door is insulated if you want to avoid heat loss in your timber garage. The walls are designed to keep heat in, but if the garage door isn’t, you still end up with a cold building. This is particularly important if you’re adding heating to your garage. Stay energy efficient and save some money on your heating bills!
Can I buy a garage door that matches the design of my home?
You may want to match your garage door to the overall design of your home, or to any other garden buildings you have. This can impact the materials you want to choose, as well as things like colour and style.
How much does a garage door cost?
Garage door prices can vary significantly depending on the type, material, and features of the door you choose. Set a budget before you start shopping, and be prepared to balance your priorities between aesthetics, security, and convenience within that budget.
Here are some of the garage door prices we’ve seen over the past year for our timber garages:
| SIZE | TYPE | MATERIAL | BRAND | COST |
| 1.5m | Manual Roller | Aluminium | SeceuroGlide | £1400 |
| 2.4m | Manual Sectional | Steel | Hormann | £1600 |
| 2.7m | Automatic Roller | Steel | Cardale | £2200 |
| 4.26m | Automatic Sectional | Steel | Hormann | £2850 |
As you can see, the size, material and door types all impact the cost.
How do I get started with my timber garage project?
Choosing the best garage door for your UK home involves considering various factors, including materials, types, security, insulation, aesthetics, maintenance, and budget. Now that we’ve discussed all of these factors, you’re well-placed to make the best decision for you and your garage project.
But if you’re still not sure, why not talk to our Sales Team? You can visit us in person at our Show Areain Errol (and check out our manual Hormann sectional garage door while you’re at it!) Or if you still have questions about timber garages, take a look at our Learning Centre.
More information:
How much does a large timber garage cost?
