04 Mar 2025
5 min read
Your garage door is more than just an entry point—it’s the face of your home. But how do you choose the very best design? Roller Door or Sectional Door, steel doors or aluminium—there are endless styles, finishes and material combinations to choose from.
Let's explore all the things you need to consider when buying a new garage door so that you can easily choose one that will add value to your home, look and function perfectly for years to come and, importantly, put a smile on your face every time you pull into your driveway.
When selecting a style of garage door, you need to consider the architectural style of your home.
For both modern and traditional-style homes, Sectional Doors are very popular because they are available in a wide variety of materials and finishes. This means they can complement just about any style of architecture, from a traditional-look Hamptons-style home to contemporary, vertically layered homes.
Flush Mount Doors, where the door face sits in line with the frame, are most often found in contemporary homes, while the traditional style Roller Doors remain popular with homeowners due to their ease of use and durability.
Each style of door has different maintenance requirements, so also keep this in mind when making your selection.
The material that's best for your garage door will depend on where in New Zealand you live and the weather conditions the garage door will be exposed to.
Steel garage doors are the most popular material, but buyer beware, not all steel doors are made equal.
Some garage doors are made using cheap, inferior steel imported from overseas. At Windsor Doors, we use predominately New Zealand Steel to make our doors because it's a premium material that meets our country's strict building standards.
Sectional Aluminium Composite Doors are becoming an increasingly popular choice in residential homes due to their lightweight nature and suitability to cope with NZ's harsh weather conditions.
Timber and wood-look doors suit both ultra-modern, box-form homes and traditional-style homes, whether applied as Cedar Sectional or Steel Sectional Doors or Flush Mount Doors.
We've mentioned different styles and materials for your garage door but there are other factors to consider. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help with your decision.
An Architectural Design range is usually the most expensive, followed by Sectional Doors and then Roller Doors. Different materials and finishes will also affect the price of the garage door.
Is your garage just somewhere to store your car or is it multifunctional? For example, many homeowners use their garage as a home gym or music area. As it's easier to fit windows in some door styles than others, thinking about how the space will be used will help you determine how much natural light you require.
An aluminium or fiberglass door is often best for those in coastal areas who are subject to high winds and salt air.
All garage doors need some upkeep but it's best to stick with low-maintenance materials like Colorsteel® if you have a busy lifestyle. This range represents great value and has a huge range of colour options.
The size of your opening can sometimes limit what door type you can install.
Or rather, can you afford not to have insulation? Investing in an Insulated Garage Door can significantly reduce heat transfer, improve energy efficiency, and lower heating and cooling costs over time. Ensure the R-value of the insulation meets your needs.
Technology like smart garage door openers offer a greater level of convenience and adds value to your home.
At Windsor Doors, we're here to help you make the very best decision when it comes to your new garage door—a huge part of your home's exterior. We use the very best local materials to ensure your new door looks great and is functional for years to come.
If you're ready to boost your home's kerb appeal today, contact the team here at Windsor Doors for all your design, installation and maintenance needs.
The perfect garage door will reflect the natural beauty of your home, matching or complementing its architectural style and colour scheme. You can also take inspiration from the surrounding landscape and your community.
With so many garage door options, start by asking yourself the above questions. The next step is to seek help from a reputable local manufacturer like Windsor Doors for further advice on the best garage door for your home.
This comes down to personal preference but generally speaking, your garage door colour should complement your home's primary tone, with no more than 3-4 colours on your home's facade.
