6 Materials for Modern Garage Doors 

Garage doors, like entry doors, are available in steel, aluminum, wood, wood composites, fiberglass, vinyl, or glass. The wood look, whether real or fake, is the most popular. 

1. Steel Garage Doors
   
   The best steel garage doors are constructed of two layers of galvanized steel, with the surface primed and painted with a strong topcoat finish or clad with a composite material. Steel doors are available with or without insulation and can be painted to fit your property. The disadvantage of steel doors is that they might be dented and corroded, especially in coastal areas.
    

2. Wood Garage Doors
   
   To prevent warping, wood garage doors are constructed with layers, or plies. Cedar, redwood, fir, and meranti are among the woods used (luan). Wood doors can be stained, painted, or finished on-site. 
   
   

3. Wood Composite Garage Doors
   
   A wood frame is generally coated with sheets of fiberboard in composite garage doors. Better models have higher-density fiberboard coverings and realistic elements like overlays and grooves to mimic actual wood doors. Polystyrene insulation is used to fill the cores.  
   
   

4. Aluminum Frame Garage Doors
   
   Garage doors with aluminum panels minimize rust but are more easily dented. They are available in a variety of hues and contemporary brushed finishes. (Translucent glass panels can be used in place of aluminum panels to allow light in while maintaining privacy and security.) 
   
   

5. Fiberglass Garage Doors
   
   Fiberglass garage doors are less prone to denting and cracking. They do not rust, but they can break when struck. Typically, two layers of fiberglass are connected to a steel frame and filled with polyurethane insulation. Steel end caps contribute to increased stiffness. 
   
   

6. Vinyl Garage Doors
   
   Because they are difficult to dent or break, vinyl garage doors are marketed as ‘kid-proof.’ These, too, are often built on steel frames and filled with polyurethane insulation. Vinyl doors have a similar appearance to fiberglass doors but come in fewer colors. They are quite durable and require minimal maintenance other than hosing on periodically.