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Guide

How to Shop for a Garage Door

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The Ultimate Guide to Shop Garage Doors

Choosing the perfect garage door can transform your home’s curb appeal and enhance its functionality. At American Door Works, we make it easy to shop garage doors and accessories, ensuring you find the ideal fit for your needs. Whether updating an existing door or installing a new one, our guide will help you navigate the process.

Selecting the right garage door involves considering several factors, from dimensions and insulation to door style and more. Our experts are here to assist you every step of the way. Let’s explore the key steps to help you shop garage doors in your home.

Table of Contents

  1. Your Garage Dimensions
  2. Considering Your Space
  3. Selecting Door Styles
  4. Other Options to Consider
Step 1
Step 1

Your Garage Dimensions

Important considerations:

  • What are the measurements of your garage door opening(s)?
  • What is the distance from the floor to the ceiling in your garage?
To start, you’ll need to know the dimensions of your garage door. For existing garages, measure the door openings. For new constructions, consult with your contractor to get the dimensions from the building plans. Additionally, measure the floor-to-ceiling height in your garage, as this information is crucial for determining the available headroom above your door.
Need Assistance?
If you prefer, we can send our professional technicians to measure your garage door openings or assess your project. Just let us know, and we’ll arrange a visit.
Step 2

Considering Your Space

Important considerations:

  • Is your garage insulated or non-insulated?
  • Do you intend to heat or cool your garage space?
Even if your garage lacks insulation, you should consider getting a steel-backed insulated door. These doors are sturdier, more durable, and operate more quietly than non-insulated options. They also come in a wider range of colors and panel designs.

For insulated garages, we recommend a minimum of a 1 3/8” steel-backed polystyrene insulated door. For a small additional investment, a 2” polystyrene insulated door provides flexibility for future heating or cooling plans.

If you plan to control the temperature in your garage, we offer brands with a wide range of insulation values, but we suggest a 2” polystyrene insulated door (R-9) as the starting point. The warmer or cooler you plan to keep your garage, the higher the R Value or lower the U Factor you will want. At American Door Works, we offer a variety of insulated doors with R Values ranging from 6.9 to 18.4 on residential models.

We’re Here to Help
Discuss your needs with our experts to find the best R Value or U Factor for your garage.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 3

Selecting Door Styles

Important considerations:

  • Would you like to add windows to your garage door(s)?
  • Select a color and panel style that complements your home’s exterior.
Adding windows to your garage door can enhance natural light, especially if your garage lacks windows. If privacy is a concern, ask our sales team about the numerous glass options available

Choose a color and panel design that harmonizes with your home’s exterior. Whether for a new build or an existing home upgrade, American Door Works offers various colors and styles from our manufacturers. Feel free to explore our residential garage door options.

See In-Person Options
Visit one of our four showrooms to view a variety of doors in person. We also offer color samples to take home and compare with your home’s exterior.
Step 4

Other Options to Consider

Important considerations:

  • Upgrade your garage door opener for quieter operation.
  • Consider adding a door screen to maximize your garage space.
For homes with living spaces above the garage, consider a LiftMaster Belt Driven opener for its quiet, reliable operation. Modern models include built-in cameras and the LiftMaster MyQ app, which instantly enhances the security and convenience of your garage.

If you plan to use your garage as an extension of your living space or to entertain guests while enjoying the cool breeze, consider door screens for natural airflow without letting bugs through. American Door Works offers both manual and electric screen door options.

Check Out Our Garage Door Screens
Learn more about our Garage Door Screen options.
Step 4

Browse Our Garage Door Categories

Raised Panel Doors

Plank Doors

Carriage Panel Doors

Overlay Doors

Recessed Panel Doors

Wood Doors

Aluminum Full View Doors

Flush Panel Doors

Clopay Canyon Ridge Doors

Garage Screen Doors

We can help you find the perfect door.

Contact our expert team for advice and recommendations for your garage door needs.

Talk to An Expert