Steel vs aluminium framed garage doors: Which should you choose?

A garage door is more than just an entrance to your home. It creates a first impression, acts as a line of defense against the elements, and is a key player in the functionality of your space. While colour and design often steal the spotlight, what really gives your garage door its strength is hidden in the frame.

That’s where the choice between steel and aluminium comes in. Both materials have their own strengths, weaknesses, and picking the right one can make all the difference in how your door performs over the years.

From durability and weather resistance to maintenance needs and overall cost, each option brings something different to the table. So, which frame should you trust to hold everything together? Let’s weigh up the pros and cons of steel vs aluminium garage doors so you can decide which one is the smarter fit for your home.

Why frame material matters for garage doors

The frame is the structural part of a garage door to which the door face is mounted. It needs to be strong and sturdy because it reinforces the door and anchors the tracks, rollers and hardware. The material for the frame is just as, if not more important, than the exterior garage door materials because it's responsible for supporting the weight and movement of the door and ensuring it stays in alignment.

Having a durable frame means that your garage door will open and close smoothly and look great for many years to come. The framing material also determines how much time you will need to spend maintaining your garage door.

Steel-framed garage doors

Steel garage door frames are the traditional choice for residential garage doors because they are strong and capable of supporting a wide range of common garage door materials. Sturdy steel frames are used in a wide range of garage door styles, from Tilt and Sectional Garage Doors to Roller Doors.

Advantages of steel garage door frames

Steel garage door frames offer superior strength. They can improve energy efficiency in the entire home because there is less heat transfer in this thicker material, yet they are a cost-effective option. Steel frames easily withstand everyday wear and tear and, unlike aluminium, are far less prone to dents, so once fitted, they require minimal upkeep.

Potential drawbacks of steel garage door frames

As steel is a heavier material than aluminium, it requires heavy-duty opening mechanisms and a garage door opener that can cope with its weight. It can also be prone to rust in humid or coastal areas if it's not galvanised or powder-coated, and therefore, isn't as low maintenance as aluminium because it may require extra upkeep to keep it free from corrosion.

Aluminium framed garage doors

Aluminium-framed garage doors are a popular pick for a modern aesthetic, especially in coastal settings where salt air is a problem. This is because they are rust and corrosion-resistant, and they complement modern architecture styles, particularly garage doors made of composite materials.

Advantages of aluminium frames

Aluminium frames are lightweight, which can often make garage door installation less complicated. This lighter material also means less wear and tear on garage door components and fewer repairs over time. Because they offer rust resistance, aluminium frames require minimal maintenance compared to steel.

Potential drawbacks of aluminium frames

Aluminium frames may be lightweight but they are also prone to dents. A garage door with an aluminium frame can also be more costly initially, and because steel frames can often accommodate thicker panels, they may not lead to as great energy savings for insulated garage doors.

Steel vs aluminium: Side-by-side comparison

How to choose the right frame for your needs

While the choice between aluminium and steel framing for your garage door may seem like it comes down only to material strength versus ease of handling and installation, this isn't necessarily the case. It also depends on what style of garage door you're seeking.

At Steel-Line, a large number of our Australian-made doors, like our Sectional range, begin with high-quality steel frames. However, we also offer aluminium frames in our Custom Collection and Inspirations range. These are architectural-style garage doors framed in aluminium. You simply choose your frame colour and pick your desired style of insert, whether that be the warmth of Western Red Cedar or a contemporary acrylic option.

These aluminium-framed doors feature an innovative and award-winning design called FingerProof™. This unique technology enhances the overall performance of your door by providing a clean, seamless finish while helping to seal out the elements.

If you're looking to tailor your garage door's appearance to your home's facade, an aluminium frame may be the option for you. If robust construction and superior weather resistance are required, steel-framed doors are a strong choice.

Need help choosing the right metal garage door frame?

At Steel-Line, we pride ourselves on offering not just the highest quality garage doors, but also a level of service that surpasses your expectations. If you need advice about a custom garage door, we're here to answer all of your questions. Want tips on how to choose the right material for your coastal home? Give us a call! Our garage door experts are always here to help.