How to Choose the Best Garage Door Material for Your Home
Garage doors come in countless shapes, sizes, and materials. But what garage door material is best for your home? This question can be tricky, and the answer will differ between homeowners. In this guide to garage door materials, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the three main materials and how to pick the perfect door for your home.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel garage doors are one of the most popular choices for homeowners in New Zealand thanks to their strength, affordability, and design flexibility. They offer a modern and functional look, making them suitable for a wide range of home styles, from contemporary to classic.
Built tough and to last, our range of steel sectional garage doors has quickly become a crowd favourite across New Zealand for these reasons. In a country where the weather can sometimes be your worst enemy, steel is your best bet to withstand these conditions.
Why Choose Steel Garage Doors?
- Tough & weather-resistant: Steel is ideal for Waikato’s changing weather conditions, handling everything from heavy rain to extreme heat. However, a protective coating is needed in coastal areas or high-humidity environments to prevent rust.
- Low maintenance: Unlike wood, steel doesn’t need frequent repainting or sealing—a simple clean is usually enough.
- Customisable & stylish: Available in a range of colours, textures, and finishes so you can match it to your home’s aesthetic.
- Insulation options: If you use your garage for storage or as a workspace, an insulated steel door helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature, improving energy efficiency.
Potential Drawbacks of Steel Garage Doors
- Prone to dents: While steel is strong, lighter gauge doors can dent if hit with force (e.g., a stray ball or minor collision).
- Can rust over time: If exposed to constant moisture or scratched, steel may develop rust, especially in coastal or humid areas.
- Heavy to operate: Steel doors can be weighty, so having a high-quality garage door opener is important for smooth operation.
Wooden Garage Doors
Wooden garage doors offer classic elegance and natural warmth, making them a favourite for traditional, country-style, and high-end homes. These doors are typically constructed from solid hardwood, composite wood, or a wood overlay on a steel frame.
While solid wood doors deliver unmatched authenticity, engineered wood options can offer the same aesthetic with better moisture resistance and lower maintenance requirements. Explore our range of cedar garage doors to see if wood works for you!
Why Choose Wooden Garage Doors?
- Classic & customisable: Can be painted, stained, or carved for a bespoke, high-end finish.
- Excellent insulation: Naturally regulates temperature, making it ideal for garages used as workshops or living spaces.
- Strong & long-lasting: When properly maintained, wooden doors can last decades and even increase your home’s value.
Potential Drawbacks of Wooden Garage Doors
- High maintenance: Needs routine care to protect against moisture, pests, and sun damage.
- More expensive: Wooden doors are generally the priciest option, both in initial cost and upkeep.
- Heavy to operate: Solid wood doors require sturdy hardware and a powerful garage door opener to function smoothly.
Aluminium Garage Doors
If you’re after a sleek, contemporary look, aluminium garage doors are a great option. They’re lightweight, rust-resistant, and low-maintenance, making them a smart choice for coastal homes or modern builds.
Aluminium doors often feature glass panels or anodised finishes, giving them a high-end architectural feel. If you love the idea of a garage filled with natural light, a full-view aluminium and glass door could be perfect.
Why Choose Aluminium Garage Doors?
- Rust-proof & weather-resistant: Won’t rust, even in humid or salty coastal air.
- Light & easy to use: Less strain on the garage opener means longer motor life and smoother operation.
- Sleek & modern: Works well for contemporary homes or luxury designs.
Things to Consider About Aluminium Garage Doors
- Dents easily: Softer than steel, aluminium can dent from minor impacts.
- Less insulated: Aluminium isn’t as energy-efficient unless upgraded with insulated panels.
- Higher price: Custom aluminium doors can be more expensive than basic steel models.
Which Garage Door Material Is Right for You?
The best garage door material depends on your budget, climate, and maintenance preferences:
- Steel: Strong, low-maintenance, and affordable – a great all-rounder.
- Wood: Elegant and fits a traditional look but requires regular upkeep.
- Aluminium: Rust-proof and modern, but not as impact-resistant.
While each garage door material has its own benefits, we believe steel is the best of the bunch, and our range of Dominator garage doors reflects just that. No matter what you choose, Dominator Waikato has the perfect garage door to match your home’s style and needs.
