How To Choose The Right Door For Your Garage Refurbishment

If you’re thinking of repurposing or refurbishing your garage, an important decision is what to do with the garage door. 

With 398,000 garage doors sold in the UK in 2024, and the market still growing, you can be sure there are plenty of options to choose from. Functionality, automation, finish and colour can all factor into the decision. 

Should you replace your garage door?

The answer to this question will largely depend on the following factors:

• Type of door currently installed

• The condition of the door

• If it is fit for purpose 

• Your budget

  
  

What types of garage doors are there?

Up and over doors

A traditional option involving a single panel that swings up to the inside of the roof. These can be automated or manual, and they will likely be the cheapest option. 

Roller shutters

Similar to commercial building roller shutters, the door retracts into a compact box when opened, which will save space. They can be automated and finished in a wide choice of colours. 

However, they are not always insulated and without proper maintenance, they can be noisy. They do have the advantage of being very secure. 

Sectional garage doors

These come in horizontal panels that slide up and along inside the garage ceiling, which saves space. They can be automated and insulated to make them more energy efficient. 

Round the corner doors

As the name suggests, these doors slide around the corner when opened rather than into the roof space. They are only suitable for certain spaces and will make an internal wall unusable for storage.

Bifold doors

Replacing an old garage door with a bifold door will allow lots of natural light into the space, making it great for work, hobbies, or just enjoying the sun. 

They are a type of double-glazed patio door and provide good insulation and easy access to outdoor space.

Side-hinged doors

Aluminium or timber side-hinged doors are possibly the most suitable option if you plan on using your garage for an office or gym space. 

These doors are in two sections that swing outwards and allow easy pedestrian access without needing to open the whole entrance. Security and robustness are key advantages of these doors.

They can also include window elements for additional natural light and provide good insulation.