Choosing a new garage door comes down to how much space you have, how you want the door to look and how you use the garage. The three most common types are roller doors, sectional (panel lift) doors and tilt doors, and each suits different situations.
This guide explains how each one works and what to think about before you decide.
How each type of door works
Roller doors
A roller door is made of a flexible curtain that coils up into a barrel above the opening as the door rises. Because it does not swing or slide into the garage, it needs very little space inside or out, which suits tight driveways and laneways. See our roller doors.
Sectional (panel lift) doors
A sectional door is made of horizontal panels joined by hinges. The panels roll along tracks and sit under the ceiling when the door is open. They come in a wide range of styles and colours, and the door moves straight up and down, so nothing swings out over the driveway. See our sectional or panel lift doors.
Tilt doors
A tilt door is a single large panel that tilts up and over, resting parallel to the ceiling when open. It has a simple mechanism and suits garages where a sectional door's track layout is not practical. Some tilt designs swing out as they open, so check the clearance you need at the front. See our tilt garage doors.
At a glance
| Door type | How it opens | Worth considering when |
|---|---|---|
| Roller | Curtain coils into a barrel above the opening | Space is tight, inside or outside |
| Sectional | Panels slide up along ceiling tracks | You want the widest choice of styles and colours |
| Tilt | Single panel tilts up and over | You want a simple single-panel door and have the clearance it needs |
Questions to ask before you choose
- How much headroom and side room do you have? The ceiling height and the space beside the opening affect which door will fit.
- How much space is outside the garage? Some doors need clearance at the front.
- How will you use the garage? A garage used as a workshop or living space may call for insulation or different security features.
- What style suits the house? Colour, panel profile and finish all change how the door looks from the street.
- Do you want an automatic opener? Most doors can be automated; see our guide to choosing a garage door opener.
What about custom doors?
If a standard door does not suit your opening or your house, a made-to-measure door may be an option. Our custom garage doors page explains the idea.
Key takeaway: there is no single best door. Match the door to your space and your use, and ask for a measure before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the type of garage door when I replace it?
Often yes, but it depends on the headroom, side room and structure around the opening. A measure on site will confirm what is possible.
Which garage door needs the least space?
Roller doors generally need the least room inside and outside, because the curtain coils above the opening.
Do I need an opener for every type of door?
No, but most people choose one for convenience. Most roller, sectional and tilt doors can be fitted with an opener.