Choosing a garage door is mostly about five decisions. Get those right and the rest — finishes, hardware, opener — falls into place. Here's how our installers walk homeowners through each one.
What decisions matter when choosing a garage door?
**Five decisions shape every garage door spec:** size, material, insulation, hardware/windows, and wind-load rating. Get those right and the rest — finish color, opener type, brand — falls into place. The decisions interact: an insulated R-18 carriage door on a coastal home will also pull you toward galvanized hardware and a hurricane wind-load upgrade.
- Size — single (8x7, 9x7) or double (16x7, 18x7)
- Material — steel, aluminum, wood, composite
- Insulation — none, R-9, R-13, R-16, R-18
- Hardware and windows — plain, decorative, full-view
- Wind-load rating — standard, hurricane (140–180 mph)
What's included
- Door, hardware, springs, and weather seal
- Removal and disposal of your existing door
- Opener pairing (or new opener install if needed)
- Workmanship warranty on every install
What's quoted separately
- Structural carpentry — if your jamb is rotten or the header is undersized.
- New electrical — most homes have a working ceiling outlet for the opener. If yours doesn't, an electrician handles that scope.
- Custom widths and headroom — non-standard openings need a non-standard door, fully built to your spec.
- Permit fees — passed through at cost where required.
Single vs. double doors
If you're choosing between two singles and one double for a two-car garage, the double is usually the cleaner architectural choice and the simpler install. We can spec either — the consult is where we walk you through trade-offs for your specific opening.
When is upgrading to a premium garage door worth it?
**A premium garage door is worth it when one of three conditions applies:** the garage is attached and you heat or cool it, the door is the dominant element of your home's facade, or you live in a hurricane or high-wind zone. In those cases, the next-tier door pays back in energy savings, curb appeal, or insurance discount within a few years.