Whether you have a craftsman or contemporary, Tudor or traditional log cabin, your style of home isn’t complete without the right garage door. But, if you’re not sure what design aligns with your home’s aesthetic, wading through many different options can be confusing.
Here at Lenny’s Garage door in Louisville KY, we know a thing or two about garage doors for the wide range of architectural styles here in Louisville! We can help you choose the best fit for your needs and aesthetic so that you always enjoy the view when you come up the driveway. Here are a few of the most common styles of garage doors we install here in Louisville.
The panel style of your garage doors is the main feature that is going to give it character and curb appeal. Here are a few different types:
Raised panel is one of the most common types of garage door designs and features protruding rectangles, usually with beveled edges, which add definition to the door.
Raised panels are an excellent choice for a range of home styles, including craftsmans and ranch houses.
A recessed panel, as you’ve probably guessed, is the inverse of the raised panel. In this case, a framework is added to create the illusion of a panel set into the door.
This style of garage door is a great way to add flair to any home, and will look especially good on Mediterranean style homes and Colonials.
Carriage House garage doors harken back to traditional barns where horse-drawn carriages were stored. As such, they feature recessed paneling or overlayed planks, as well as decorative handles and other adornments that are consistent with the classic look.
Carriage style garage doors are elegant and will look right at home on Victorians, Tudors, log cabins and other traditional home designs.
If you’ve been waiting for the most popular garage door styles for modern homes, you’ll love the look of a flush panel door. This design is sleek, smooth and aesthetically industrial.
Flush panel garage doors come in solid panels, sectional panels or wood planks depending on what style you’re going for. And, they look best on modern and contemporary houses.
In addition to different panel options, a garage door’s shape can add character to your overall exterior design. Here are a few ways to think about garage door shape:
Arched garage doors are great for homes with a more traditional look, such as cottages, Tudor homes, and Spanish Colonials. They can feature a very subtle arch or a dramatic curve depending on the architectural design of the home.
Rectangular garage doors, on the other hand, will mesh well with a wider range of styles, from craftsmans to contemporary to Victorian and more.
If your garage is larger than a single car, you’ll have the option between installing one large door or separate ones. There are a few advantages to either option, with a large single door adding curb appeal and separate doors being more energy efficient.
The kind of material you use will have a huge impact on the overall look of your garage door. Typically, you’ll choose one of the following options:
Wood is one of the most visually appealing options for garage doors, and can be molded into any of the design styles we’ve covered here. It’s also one of the more expensive garage door materials you’ll find on the market. And while it may look amazing, wood will require more care because of its susceptibility to temperature changes and humidity.
Composite is a great option for anyone who wants the look of a wood garage door but lives in an area that is hard on natural materials. Here in Louisville, for instance, composite garage doors tend to hold up well with our high humidity.
Steel is a popular choice for garage doors because it’s durable, affordable, and strong. Steel can be used for any of the panel design options we’ve covered here, but because it’s a metal, it will give your home a more modern look.
Aluminum is similar to steel in terms of durability and aesthetic, but tends to be lighter weight, more resistant to corrosion, and even more budget-friendly. That being said, because they are slightly thinner than steel doors, aluminum doors may not be as energy efficient or resistant to weather-related damage.
Finally the last consideration you’ll want to make when choosing garage door styles is windows. Window quantity, placement, design, and opacity can give your garage door a more classic or modern look.
Putting in windows also comes with practical considerations, such as how much natural light you want or need in your garage and whether you want a more energy-efficient door.
Still on the fence when it comes to choosing a style for your garage door? Our team at Lenny’s Garage Door can match your home aesthetic with a door that is beautiful, durable, and in your budget.