Garages are more than just functional spaces; they also play a significant role in the aesthetic appeal of your home. Garage doors account for up to 30% to 40% of a home’s façade, making them an important factor in total curb appeal. Therefore, it is necessary to select a garage door that complements the exterior of your home.
Garage doors must be replaced when they become old or creaky; this is an opportunity to change the appearance of your home. A well-chosen garage door can enhance the appearance of your home, while a poorly chosen garage door can be an eyesore.
However, all garage doors are not the same, and not all models look appealing once installed. It must be the right door, with the right style. It is where garage door panels play a role. Garage door panels are versatile in their design. Panels can enhance the aesthetics of a garage door.
What are Garage Door Panels?
Garage door panels are sections of the garage door visible from the outside when the garage door is closed. That is, they are intermediate sections of the garage door. Some door panels are controlled from below the window, while some more complex models are controlled from above.
Garage door panels are interlocked. Hence, replacing them is easy if one section is damaged. Therefore, it is more practical for homeowners to repair the damaged section rather than the entire door, saving them a lot of money in the long run.
Types of Garage Door Panel Styles
Garage panels, like doors, come in different forms and cover patterns. It implies that the one that suits your requirements will not apply to others. However, today’s options are practically limitless, and deciding on the proper garage door panel style can be difficult. Hence, we have created a guide to garage door panel styles to streamline your selection process.
- Traditional Garage Door Panel Styles
They are popular garage door panel styles available easily in the market. Traditional garage doors appeal to homeowners who want a cleaner, classical design. They are suitable for most homes because of their exquisite symmetry. These doors often have elevated rectangular panels with a range of panel styles. Their structure is raised to perfection and comes in different color patterns.
Furthermore, traditional panels are easier to match with other design elements. One of the most popular classic panels is colonial style, giving your home a historic feel.
- Raised Garage Door Panel Styles
The next style of panels in our guide to garage door panel styles is raised garage door panels. These garage door panels are popular and found in most houses. These panels are differentiated by their slightly raised panels which ensure proper symmetry. Raised garage door panels are easy to clean, maintain, and install.
They are available in different materials. However, one of the most common materials is aluminum or steel. There are two types of raised panels: long raised panels and short raised panels. Long-raised panels are more rectangular than short-raised panels, giving the garage door depth and uniqueness. Long raised panels match with different home styles, making them versatile.
Short-raised panels, in contrast to long-raised panels, are square, giving the door the appropriate depth. These panel styles are ideal for colonial or Victorian-style homes, and they also enhance the appearance of Tudor-style homes.
- Contemporary Garage Door Panel Styles
Contemporary garage door panels are stylish, sleek, and perfect for the ultra-contemporary look, complimenting any modern-day home. Most of them match the existing exteriors, therefore, you do not have to worry about replacing them very soon. Whether it is contemporary or mid-century modern, these elegant and durable garage door panels will add curb appeal to a home’s exterior.
They have a conventional appearance but with a unique touch. Contemporary garage door panels are available in different materials, including wood, metal, and fiberglass.
- Carriage Garage Door Panel Styles
Carriage panels are an excellent choice for individuals who want to maintain their home’s rural charm. You will be able to keep your personal space’s vintage style regardless of which option you choose. That is why we have included it in our guide to garage door panel styles.
Carriage-type garage doors look great on classic and historic homes, but they also look great on modern and traditional homes. Most homeowners now consider having a garage door that opens outward from the sides to be cumbersome. Today, everyone is concerned with efficiency and ergonomics.
Carriage-style garage doors have undergone a makeover to meet the lifestyles of today’s homeowners. Carriage garage doors opening like a regular sectional garage door are now available.
Final Thoughts
The opening style of the door has a direct impact on the minimal number of panels you will need. However, adding windows or trim components to the garage door will not increase the number of door panels. While any garage door can have narrow panels, the number of panels should be a multiple of the opening style of the door.
Consider how the panels will align with the garage door windows (if applicable) when deciding on the number of panels you require. Choosing a garage door panel style is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
Hence, make sure you make the best decision possible. Also, while appearances can improve the aesthetics of a home, things like comfort, safety, and durability are more important in the long term!
Author Bio: Rebecca G is a full-time content marketing specialist. She has been closely studying the travel industry trends for quite some time. She has worked for various domains before coming to the travel industry. When she is not working, Rebecca likes to work out, try new foods, and play with her dog. Currently, she is modifying her garage door and getting her garage repaired by Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair Team.