Your choice is important, as the garage door needs to operate with ease, withstand the elements, and hopefully enhance the curb appeal of your home. Click through to find out more about the many options available on the market.

This wood carraige-style garage door offers the look, as well as the swing-open functionality, of the original. Real Carriage Doors offers a variety of styles for both sliding and bi-folding models, all constructed of solid wood members and embellished with Craftsman details.

This raised panel model from Anaheim Door is made of an Excel composite material that won't rust or dent. The traditional panel design is decoratively enhanced by the wood-like texture. 

For a contemporary look, consider a garage door that features clean lines and translucent glass panels. Without sacrificing security, a glass-paneled door admits light during the day and when backlit at night, radiates like a jewel.

The natural beauty of solid wood is undeniable, even in garage doors. This raised-panel model from GDI offers the added beauty of windows along the top panel. 

Material does not determine style, a fact evidenced by these classic carriage house garage doors in steel. The best are made of two layers of galvanized steel, either primed and painted with a top coat or clad with a composite material.

This fiberglass door from PolDoor is made of impact-resistant molded fiberglass with 2"-thick sections and 25-gauge flush steel interior skin. It comes in six designer colors with optional wood tones (oak, mahogany and walnut).

If you live in a coastal area, vinyl is a good choice; it will not rust, fade, dent or crack. This door from Wayne Dalton features twin 20-gauge steel C-channel construction, full PVC color throughout, and R-10 polyurethane insulation bonded to the vinyl skin.

Classic style and wood construction make this door from Clopay a good match for many homes. Short or long panels are available, with optional windows, and either stain- or paint-grade wood. 

If you are looking to make a statement, consider this Dynasty garage door from Amarr. This heavy-duty steel raised-panel design comes in different scrollwork patterns with different door panel options, and is enhanced with a faux bronze finish. For more in-depth information, consult Garage Doors 101.