Understanding Garage Door Materials: Choosing the Best Fit for Your Home

Having worked with homeowners for decades, the team at Thompson Garage Doors has heard just about every question there is about choosing a garage door in Reno. 

One thing we always recommend focusing on first is the garage door material.

It’s easy to get caught up in colors, windows, and hardware. But the material you choose will impact far more important things, like: 

• Will the door stand up to Reno’s wind, sun, hail, and sudden temperature swings? 
• Will it dent the first time a basketball hits it? 
• Will it need constant repainting or repairs? 

If you’re planning to replace your garage door, we’re here to help you make a lasting choice. Here’s what you need to know about finding the best material for garage doors.   

Table Of Content

Common Garage Door Materials Compared
Wood Garage Doors: Timeless & Elegant
Steel vs. Aluminum Garage Doors
Other Considerations: Insulation, Climate, and Maintenance
Trending Garage Door Materials for 2025
Make the Right Choice for Your Home

Common Garage Door Materials Compared  

Let’s start with a quick breakdown of the most popular garage door materials available today. 

1) Steel 

Steel is incredibly durable and comes in a wide range of styles and insulation options. However, steel garage doors can dent or rust over time if not properly maintained.

2) Aluminum 

Aluminum is lightweight, rust-resistant, and a great choice for modern homes. The trade-off is that aluminum garage doors are more prone to dents and provide less insulation compared to other materials. 

3) Wood / Faux Wood  

Wood and faux wood garage doors are highly customizable and have timeless appeal. Faux wood, in particular, offers the beauty of real wood with much lower maintenance.

4) Fiberglass / Composite 

Composite and fiberglass garage doors are known for resisting dents, rot, and corrosion. However, they can fade or crack after prolonged exposure to sunlight and extreme weather conditions. 

Wood Garage Doors: Timeless & Elegant 

There’s no substitute for the real thing if you want a warm, classic look. Wooden garage doors in Reno, NV, offer unmatched natural beauty and are a top choice for historic homes, custom builds, and homeowners looking to add lasting character. 

Pros of Wood Doors: 

• Beautiful, timeless appearance 
• Highly customizable 
• Can be very strong and sturdy 
• Adds character to historic or upscale homes 

Cons of Wood Doors: 

• Needs regular maintenance (staining, sealing, painting) 
• Prone to warping or cracking without proper care 
• Typically higher costs upfront and over time 

It’s important to choose the best wood for garage doors. We typically recommend woods like cedar, redwood, and mahogany because they resist moisture and insects better than cheaper woods. 

If you love the look of wood but prefer something easier to maintain, faux wood garage doors offer the same visual appeal without the heavy maintenance. 

Steel vs. Aluminum Garage Doors 

Any homeowner looking for a metal garage door will naturally gravitate toward either aluminum or steel. While both are strong, stylish, and reliable, they perform very differently in certain areas. 

Here’s how aluminum vs steel garage doors compare: 

1) Durability 

Steel is stronger and better at resisting dents and impacts. Aluminum is lighter but can dent more easily if hit by sports equipment, bikes, or heavy tools. 

2) Insulation 

Steel garage doors can accommodate stronger insulation options, making them a better choice for enhanced energy efficiency. Aluminum doors can be insulated, too, but not as effectively as steel. 

3) Appearance 

Both materials come in multiple styles and finishes. Aluminum is often chosen for sleek, modern designs, while steel works well for both classic and contemporary homes. 

4) Affordability 

Standard steel garage doors are usually more budget-friendly upfront. Aluminum doors, especially custom or glass-integrated models, can be more expensive. 

5) Weight and Ease of Use 

Aluminum is lighter, which can put less strain on garage door openers and hardware. Steel is heavier but sturdier. 

6) Corrosion and Coastal Climates 

Aluminum is suitable for homeowners who want low-maintenance protection against moisture. Steel doors, if not properly coated or maintained, can rust over time. 

Other Considerations: Insulation, Climate, and Maintenance 

Choosing the right garage door material is a big step, but other factors can heavily influence what will work best for your home, especially in a climate like Reno’s. 

Weather-Resistant Finishes 

Reno’s dry summers, cold winters, and occasional storms can wear down exterior materials quickly. A high-quality, weather-resistant finish will help protect your garage door against fading, cracking, and moisture damage. 

Insulated Backing for Energy Efficiency 

An insulated garage door can make a big difference in year-round comfort and energy costs. Steel doors usually offer the highest insulation ratings, but many aluminum doors can also be upgraded with insulation.

Maintenance Commitments 

Each garage door material comes with different maintenance needs. Wood garage doors are the most labor-intensive, while aluminum garage doors are the easiest to maintain. Steel doors fall somewhere in the middle. Make sure your choice matches the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. 

Matching Reno’s Style and Climate 

Modern architectural styles around Reno favor lightweight materials like aluminum and glass. Traditional and custom homes, meanwhile, may look better with wood or insulated steel doors that offer more substance and classic appeal.  At Thompson Garage Doors, we help you find a material that complements both your home’s style and Reno’s climate.

Trending Garage Door Materials for 2025 

Garage door manufacturing is shifting quickly to meet the needs of today’s homeowners. As we head through 2025, people want stylish, durable, easy-to-maintain doors that offer the best in performance. 

Keep an eye out for: 

• Hybrid composites that combine strength and beauty with lower maintenance. 
• Smart finishes that resist weather, UV rays, and scratches. 
• Custom textures for a more personalized, modern look. 
• Eco-friendly options made from recycled materials or built for energy efficiency. 

Want to learn more? Explore more garage door trends for 2025 to stay ahead of the curve. 

Make the Right Choice for Your Home 

Your choice of residential garage door material can mean the difference between ongoing frustrations and a smart, lasting investment.

We hope this guide gives you a clearer understanding of what to look for and how to match the right material to your home’s needs. Whether you’re ready to upgrade or still considering your options, we’re here to help.If you’re ready to find the best material for garage doors for your home, reach out to us today. We’re proud to be Reno’s trusted experts for garage door repair, installation, and everything in between.