Steps for Installing a Stylish Garage Door
Even if you decide to stick with pre-made garage doors, there are many ways to make it more stylish. Here are some tips for a decorative garage door installation.
Materials
The biggest decision you make about garage doors will be the materials you choose. There are a few that can add a decorative touch to your home. For one, vinyl is a good choice. That's because there are numerous color options and the paint is blended directly into the material, making it harder to chip or become uneven. You might also look at doors that have a blend of material. Adding glass windows to a steel or even wood door is one common option. These could be in a unique pattern that adds elegance to the door.
Some people choose materials that are more about the appearance than the function. Wood garage doors are beautiful and can be stained to any number of tints, and they are actually quite durable as long as the wood is treated properly. On the other hand, steel doors are extremely functional but, perhaps, not seen as the most stylish. You must consider not only the regular door but also the material of your storm door, since they both will be visible to guests at certain times.
Garage Door Openers
There is also a bit of style that's added based on the operation of the door. You want something that will openly quietly and efficiently. The best choice for that is often a belt drive garage door opener or a direct drive. The belt drive will be a bit cheaper, but the direct drive is more powerful.
Lighting
Adding lights to garage doors is not just about style but about safety. The lights could be motion sensors, so that they will flash on when your car pulls up to the driveway. They will also come on if someone is trying to intrude on your property. They can also help light the way for guests that are approaching your property after dark. You could get hanging lights attached to the sides of the garage door or consider track lighting that goes along your entire driveway.
While having a beautiful garage door is a good thing, you don't want to completely overlook other factors, such as strength, cost and longevity. Speak with your garage door installation team to find a setup that is balanced and within your budget.