Introduction

Garage doors may be made of a number of materials, ranging from traditional timber to less traditional Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), which is more commonly used to make car bumpers.

Steel

• Cheapest material available
• Available with a range of moulded designs
• Strong and durable
• Often available with factory ‘baked on’ paint
• or in plastic-coated steel
• Doesn’t require regular maintenance

• Arguably least attractive option

Timber

• Attractive aesthetic effect
• Can be stained or painted

• Around twice the price of steel alternatives
• Requires regular maintenance to protect from decay and warping

GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester)

• Can be produced with timber-effect grain
• Can be stained
• Doesn’t require regular maintenance
• Resistant to knocks and dents

• Around twice the price of steel alternatives
• Ensure panels are UV-resistant to avoid
• Colour fading

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Made from the same material as car bumpers

• Tough and flexible
• Resistant to dents
• Doesn’t require regular maintenance

• Expensive

Further information and useful links

• Garage door opening mechanisms
• Introduction to garage doors
• Introduction to painting doors
• Full list of windows & doors topics

• Find a Garage Door supplier near you