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Garage Doors

Roller, Sectional or Tilt: Choosing the Right Garage Door

White sectional garage door on a brick home

Choosing a new garage door is about more than how it looks. The type of door you pick affects how much space you need, how easy it is to use and how well it suits your home.

This guide compares the main types of garage door, roller, sectional (panel lift), tilt and custom, so you can work out which one fits your garage.

Roller doors

Roller doors are one of the most common garage doors used in Australia. The door rolls up into a compact barrel above the opening, which makes it a good fit for narrow driveways and laneways, where it can act as an easy and compact substitute for a gate.

They can provide solid security for both residential and commercial garages, and features such as a windlock system are designed to make it difficult for anyone to push the curtain in. See our roller doors for more detail.

Sectional (panel lift) doors

Sectional doors, also called panel lift doors, are made from a number of rigid panels that move along the ceiling as the door opens. They are a popular choice if you want a door that saves space without compromising on safety.

There is a wide variety of colours and finishes available, which makes sectional doors easy to match to the style of a home. Browse our sectional and panel lift doors.

Tilt doors

Tilt, or counterweight, garage doors typically open by moving a single panel up and over the head. When open, the door sits parallel to and underneath the ceiling.

Tilt doors take up less space than some other types, which can make them a good solution for a smaller home with limited room, or where a roller door or sectional door will not fit. They are also simple to use, as you only need to push the door up to open it. Read more about our tilt garage doors.

Custom garage doors

Every home is different, and a standard door does not suit every garage. A custom door is designed, manufactured and installed to your specifications, so you can choose the design, style, colour and size to suit your home.

If you cannot find the right option in the standard range, a custom door is worth a conversation. See our custom garage doors.

How the main types compare

TypeHow it opensOften suits
RollerRolls up into a barrel above the openingNarrow driveways, laneways, residential and commercial garages
Sectional (panel lift)Rigid panels move up along the ceilingHomes that want a wide choice of colours and finishes
TiltA single panel swings up and overSmaller homes with limited space
CustomDesigned to your specificationHomes where a standard door does not fit or suit

How to choose the right door

Start with the space you have. Look at the width and height of the opening, how much room there is above and beside it, and how far your driveway extends. These measurements help narrow down which types will work.

Think about how you use the garage

Consider who uses the door and how often, whether it is the main entrance to your home, and whether you plan to add a motor and remotes. Our guide to garage door motors and remotes covers that side of the decision.

Match the door to your home

The door is a large part of the front of many houses. Colour, panel style and finish all make a difference, so it is worth looking at your options before deciding.

Frequently asked questions

Which garage door is best for a small garage?

Tilt doors and sectional doors are often considered for smaller spaces because of how they open, but the right choice depends on your opening and the room around it. A free measure will confirm what fits.

Can I get a garage door in a custom size or style?

Yes. A custom door can be designed, manufactured and installed to your specifications if the standard range does not suit.

Do I need a motor with every type of door?

No. Most types can be operated manually or fitted with a motor and remotes. It comes down to convenience and how you use the garage.

Free measure & quote

Not sure which door suits your home?

Ask for a free measure and quote and we will talk you through the options.