Not all garage doors are created equal. With so many styles, materials, and opening systems to choose from, picking the right one for your home can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’re here to walk you through the most popular types of garage doors, explain what makes each one unique, and help you find a door that fits your home, your lifestyle, and your budget.
We’ll also take a look at the different types of garage door springs, which are just as important when it comes to keeping things running smoothly.
Let’s break it down.
What Are the Six Types of Garage Doors?
There are six main styles when it comes to how garage doors open and close. Each has its own look and function:
1. Sectional Garage Doors
This is the most common type in the U.S. It’s made of panels that bend and slide up along tracks into the ceiling. Sectional doors are strong, safe, and available in tons of styles and colors.
2. Roll-Up Garage Doors
You’ll often see these in commercial buildings, but they’re great for homes with limited ceiling space. Instead of panels, roll-up doors coil into a drum above the opening.
3. Slide-to-Side Garage Doors
These glide along the wall, kind of like a barn door. Slide-to-side doors are rare but handy for garages with low headroom or ceiling obstructions.
4. Side-Hinged Garage Doors
These old-school doors swing open from a hinge on the side—just like a pair of double doors. They’re a great fit for traditional or vintage-style homes.
5. Tilt-Up Canopy Garage Doors
This one-piece door tilts up and slides into the ceiling, forming a canopy outside when open. It’s simple but not ideal for short driveways.
6. Tilt-Up Retractable Garage Doors
Similar to the canopy style, but instead of sticking out, this door fully retracts into the garage. It needs more ceiling room but offers a cleaner look.
What Is a Faux Garage Door?
A faux garage door is a design trick—it’s made to look like a certain material or style without the price or upkeep of the real thing.
For example, you might love the charm of wood, but don’t want the high maintenance. A faux wood garage door gives you that rustic look using materials like steel or fiberglass with a realistic woodgrain finish.
You get all the style with none of the stress.
What Is the Most Popular Type of Garage Door?
That crown goes to the sectional garage door. Homeowners love them for their:
Smooth, vertical opening
Reliable performance
Affordable pricing
Huge variety of materials and designs
Whether you’re going for modern, farmhouse, or something in between, sectional doors offer the most flexibility.
Need help choosing a style? Contact Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound at (253) 400-3880 and we’ll guide you to the perfect fit!
What Is the Most Durable Material for a Garage Door?
It depends on your needs, but here’s a quick guide:
Steel – Super strong, weather-resistant, and low maintenance. Great for most homes.
Aluminum – Lightweight and rust-proof. Ideal for coastal or rainy areas.
Wood – Classic and beautiful, but it requires regular care.
Fiberglass – Resists dents and doesn’t warp. A good option for humid climates.
Vinyl – Durable and hard to dent, but limited in style choices.
Steel is often considered the most durable all-around material. It stands up well to rough weather, bumps, and daily wear and tear.
Let’s Talk About Springs: Types of Garage Door Springs
Every garage door needs a spring system to lift and lower the door safely. There are two main types of garage door springs:
1. Torsion Springs
Mounted above the door opening
Use torque (twisting force) to lift the door
Lasts longer and offers smoother motion
Common in newer systems
2. Extension Springs
Found along the sides of the door tracks
Stretch and contract to help lift the door
Less expensive but wear out faster
Often used in older setups
If your garage door isn’t opening smoothly—or if it’s making loud popping sounds—it might be time to replace the springs.
Pro tip: Never try to replace garage door springs on your own. They’re under high tension and can be dangerous. Call a trained tech from Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound. We’ve got you covered.
How to Choose the Right Garage Door for Your Home
Still unsure? Here’s what to think about when picking your garage door:
✔ Style
Want something modern? Go for clean lines and bold colors. Prefer a cozy farmhouse look? Try carriage-style doors with decorative hardware.
✔ Material
Choose a material that matches your climate and maintenance preference. Steel and aluminum are both easy to care for and hold up well in most environments.
✔ Insulation
Live somewhere with cold winters or hot summers? Insulated doors help keep your garage (and your energy bill) comfortable.
✔ Budget
There’s a garage door for every price range. Basic steel doors start around a few hundred dollars, while custom wood doors can cost several thousand.
Need help balancing style, function, and budget? Give us a call! We’ll help you find the perfect fit without breaking the bank.
Why Garage Door Spring Choice Matters
Garage door springs may be out of sight, but they’re definitely not out of mind when things go wrong.
The right spring system will:
- Extend the life of your door
- Keep things running smoothly
- Reduce noise
- Improve safety
When in doubt, torsion springs are the better long-term choice. They’re more durable, safer, and require fewer repairs over time.
Not sure which type you have? We can inspect your current springs and recommend the best setup.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you remember:
- Six types of garage doors: Sectional, roll-up, slide-to-side, side-hinged, tilt-up canopy, tilt-up retractable
- Most popular: Sectional
- Most durable material: Steel
- Best spring type: Torsion (for safety and long-term use)
Faux garage doors: Look like wood or other materials without the hassle
What are the six types of garage doors?
The six types are sectional, roll-up, slide-to-the-side, side-hinged, tilt-up canopy, and tilt-up retractable garage doors.
What is a faux garage door?
A faux garage door looks like it’s made of wood or another material, but it’s actually made of something easier to care for like steel or fiberglass.
What is the most popular type of garage door?
Sectional garage doors are the most popular because they are strong, safe, and come in many styles.
What is the most durable material for a garage door?
Steel is the most durable garage door material because it’s tough and stands up well to weather and daily use.
Ready for a New Garage Door?
The right garage door makes your home safer, more stylish, and easier to use every day. Whether you’re looking for a sleek new look, more storage space, or just a quieter open-close routine, we’re here to help.
Call Overhead Door Company of Puget Sound today at (253) 400-3880.
We’ll help you find the perfect garage door—and install it with expert care.
Free estimates
Spring repair and replacement
Same-day service available
Trusted local professionals
Let’s get your garage looking (and working) better than ever. Ready to begin? Call now!
