Where to Buy Garage Doors

Where To Buy Garage Doors: How To Choose, Best Options, & Amarr Collections

Buying a garage door is a big decision. The garage door is probably the largest moving object in your home. And residential garage doors are important; the right door can improve your home’s curb appeal, increase security, and even help reduce energy bills if it’s insulated.

But buying a garage door isn’t like other purchases, and it’s a purchase that people rarely make. So, if you are unsure about how to buy a door for your garage, don’t worry. This article will be your guide to help you figure out how and where to buy the perfect garage door for your house.

Where To Buy Garage Doors

In general, bigger purchases often have the most complex processes. Buying a house, for example, can be a stressful and confusing experience. Buying a vehicle requires its own unique process, too. 

Garage doors aren’t particularly expensive, but they are big purchases that make a large impact on your home, so it can’t be an impulse buy at a hardware store. It requires careful planning and consideration to make the right choice that complements your design style and lifestyle. 

Big-Box Stores vs. Online vs. Local Dealers

The first thing to consider is where to buy your garage door: online, from a local dealer, or at a big-box store.

Buying from Big-Box Stores

Big-box retailers offer a convenient one-stop experience where you can see physical samples before committing. They may also run sales that make doors more affordable. However, it’s important to know these stores typically outsource the installation to third-party subcontractors, which can sometimes lead to communication gaps or split warranties on the product and the labor. Furthermore, their selections often center on high-volume, standard sizes, so if your garage has unique dimensions, you might want to consider a different source.

Buying Online

Looking at garage doors online makes perfect sense. Doing so enables you to do some research and decide what style of door and material is best for your home. However, making the final purchase online comes with some caveats. If you’re an experienced and confident DIY-er or have a trusted contractor already lined up for the garage door installation, this can be a fine option.

Online platforms often provide extensive selections of styles and materials, so you can compare glass garage doors to traditional steel doors or the carriage house style to more modern looks. However, when you click that “Buy Now” button, the burden of precision is on you. If your measurements are off by even half an inch, you may be stuck with a heavy, expensive return. Most online retailers ship garage doors in sections, so you’ll need to handle the heavy lifting and disposal of your old door yourself. And even if all measurements are correct, you’ll still be responsible for installing infrastructure, such as garage door springs and door opener components.

Buying From Local Dealers

Local dealers are usually a great option. They typically provide a full-service experience that includes a professional evaluation, delivery, and expert installation. Local dealers rely on local reputations, so they may offer comprehensive warranties that cover both the door and the labor. While the upfront quote might look higher than a website's price tag, it could also include the removal of your old door and a specialized technician who understands local building and wind-load codes. 

At Amarr, we display our extensive collection of garage doors on our website, so you can peruse all the possible options. We even offer a Design Your Garage Door tool you can use to test how a door will look on your home. But we sell our doors through local dealers across the country, so our customers can get the guidance and installation support they need.

Why Selection, Quality, and Support Matter

Everyone has unique style, function, and lifestyle needs that are unique to your specific needs. The best garage door for your home may not be the best option for the next person. This is why a manufacturer offers many garage door options, so you can be sure to find the right garage door to suit your home and needs.

Quality is also key. This does not mean that you have to break the bank, but the cheaper options, like vinyl garage doors, may sacrifice durability or longevity. You could end up spending more on garage door repair and replacement in the long run than if you went with a higher-quality material, such as an aluminum, wood, or steel garage door. 

Additionally, support is important. Support provides guidance, care information, and long-term professional garage door installation, calibration, and troubleshooting. Handy people with experience and expertise may need less support, but in most cases, it’s wise to schedule installation from a professional. 

Benefits of Replacing Your Garage Door

There’s a lot to know about buying a new garage door. One of the most important is understanding why it’s a great home improvement option. Some key benefits of upgrading your garage door include:

Improved Curb Appeal and Home Value

Installing a new garage door is one of the most cost-effective and simplest forms of exterior home improvement. The garage and garage door are the most prominent features on the majority of houses, so they factor heavily into curb appeal. High curb appeal can mean a higher home valuation, which can come in very handy when you sell your home.

Better Insulation and Energy Efficiency

For an attached garage, an insulated garage door is a wise investment. The garage door is a critical point for thermal transfer. This means they allow hot or cold air in from outside, potentially straining your HVAC system to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. However, with an insulated steel door, for example, your garage and home can better maintain your preferred temperature, increase energy efficiency, and reduce your energy costs.

Enhanced Security

A new, sturdy garage door can add security. Dilapidated doors can look inviting to criminals and animals who may want to get inside your home, but a new garage door can help keep them out.

Quieter Operation

Professionally installed and calibrated modern garage doors are much smoother and quieter than older models. Paired with the right garage door opener, this is great for families that value peace and quiet. Modern door openers also have sophisticated features and integrations with smart devices. 

How To Choose the Right Garage Door

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a garage door:

Budget

It’s important to evaluate cost vs. value. A new garage door may be a stylish purchase, but it’s also an investment. The value new garage doors add to homes often exceeds their cost. This makes installing a new door one of the most valuable home renovations you can do. 

Climate and Insulation Needs

Where you live should factor into your decision-making. First, many Americans live in a region with cold winters, hot summers, or both, so insulated doors can provide serious energy and comfort benefits. Furthermore, if tornadoes, hurricanes, or other storms are a concern where you live, wind-rated garage doors with impact-resistant windows offer added protection.

Style Compatibility With the Home

With modern garage doors, it’s not necessary to sacrifice style for practicality. The best garage door manufacturers have extensive product lines to accommodate many aesthetic styles, dimensions, and materials.

Maintenance Expectations

Certain materials, such as wood, may require more maintenance than others, such as steel and aluminum. While other options, such as vinyl, are likely to require earlier replacement or repairs. Talk to an expert before making your purchase to learn what forms of maintenance may be necessary.

Explore Amarr’s Garage Door Collections

Amarr offers many collections and product lines to suit a myriad of different tastes. Explore our website to discover the right style and materials for your garage. And when you’ve made your choice, find a dealer to make your purchase and schedule installation. It’s easy, and Amarr is happy to provide guidance with anything you may need.

FAQs About Buying a New Garage Door

Here are some frequently asked questions about where and how to buy the right garage door for your home:

How Much Should I Spend on a Garage Door?

People are often curious about garage door prices. The average price is about $2,500. However, it’s important to note that costs vary widely on both sides of this average. Cheaply made doors with low-quality materials may cost less. However, doors made of high-end wood can cost upwards of $6,000.

Geography also plays a role. Where you live can affect how expensive it is to ship a garage door. Furthermore, labor rates are often regional, so installation costs more or less depending on the typical wage where you live.

What Are Common Types of Garage Doors?

There are many types and models of garage doors. There are single- and double-garage doors for different garage layouts. As for style, there are many options, from classy Carriage House doors to timeless Traditional garage doors to bold Modern door options.

What Are the Most Popular Colors and Finishes for Garage Doors?

When looking for inspiration, you’ll find many pastel colors for more homey looks, grays and light blues for sleek modern styles, and plenty of two-tone options. For finishes, faux-wood is popular because it allows for the look of a beautiful wooden door with the practicalities of a steel or aluminum door.

What’s Good Garage Door Maintenance? 

Regular maintenance should involve cleaning, tightening hardware, and lubricating moving parts. It’s wise to clean your door at least once a season and lubricate parts once or twice a year.