Garage Door Types
Choosing the right garage door depends on how you use the garage, how much space you have on the drive, and whether you want extra warmth, security and convenience. Each main type has its own strengths, and Samson Doors supply all of them made to measure across the UK.
Use the quick guide below to see which door type is likely to suit you best, then explore the detailed sections and our online shop categories for prices and options.
| Door type | Best for | Insulation | Security | Space needed in front of garage | Typical price band | Key benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up & Over | Simple replacements and traditional looks | Low (non‑insulated, or basic foam‑backed options) | Standard – suitable for most driveways | Needs space for the door to swing out | £ (most cost‑effective option) | Simple, proven design, wide choice of designs and colours, easy manual operation. |
| Sectional | Integrated and large garages, improving warmth and security | High (fully insulated panels and good sealing) | Very High – strong panels, good locking and track system | No extra space needed in front of the garage | £££ | Excellent insulation, very secure, opens vertically, maximises drive‑through height and width, ideal for automation. |
| Roller | Short driveways and tight spaces, where ceiling space is needed | Medium (depends on single‑skin or insulated double‑skin slats) | High with quality locking and anti‑lift features | No swing‑out; door rolls straight up above the opening | ££–£££ | Compact, neat design, great where space is limited, usually supplied automated, wide colour range. |
| Side Hinged | Garages used as rooms (gyms, workshops, stores) and frequent walk‑in access | Medium to high (especially with insulated double‑skin steel) | Low to High – robust leaves and multi‑point locking options | Some – doors open outwards like a normal door | ££–£££ | Very easy daily access, no internal tracks, ideal when you rarely park a car inside, good for accessibility. |
| Round the Corner | Wide or awkward openings, and situations where the ceiling must be kept clear | Medium to high (panel or insulated slat construction, depending on model) | High – strong panels and tracking with secure locking | No swing‑out; leaves or slats slide around the internal wall | £££ | Ideal for very wide openings and low headroom, keeps the ceiling clear, can be partially opened for pedestrian or one‑side access. |
| Personnel | Side or rear access into garage or garden | Depends on model (double skin steel versions offer good insulation) | Low to High with steel security doors | Only a pedestrian opening required | ££ | Convenient access without opening the main door, can match garage and entrance doors for a co‑ordinated look. |
| Front Entrance | Upgrading the main front door alongside a new garage door | High (modern thermal performance) | Very high – multi‑point locking and security options | Standard door footprint only | £££ | Transforms kerb appeal, improves security and energy efficiency, can be matched to garage door designs and colours. |
Up & Over Garage Doors
Up and over garage doors are one of the most common garage door types in the UK, and they’re often the most cost‑effective option when you’re replacing an older door. They are available in single and double widths, with many designs offered in standard sizes or made to measure to suit your opening.
Most up and over doors are made from steel, timber or GRP (glass‑reinforced polyester), so you can choose between low‑maintenance finishes, classic timber styles, and realistic timber‑effect GRP designs.
Up and Over Garage Door Basics
An up and over door is a single, one‑piece panel that lifts up and tilts back into the garage when opened. This simple design is easy to use, straightforward to install and a good fit for many typical UK homes and driveways.
Common panel choices include:
- Steel doors for durability, security and low maintenance.
- GRP doors for timber‑effect looks without regular painting.
- Timber doors for a traditional appearance that can be stained or painted.
Up and over doors use one of two main operating mechanisms: canopy gear or retractable gear.
Canopy Gear
Canopy gear is the simplest mechanism and is most commonly used on single up and over doors.
- The door panel is supported on pivot arms and side guides fixed to the frame.
- When opened, roughly one‑third of the door projects out in front of the opening, forming a small “canopy” over the drive.
- There are no horizontal tracks running back into the garage, so you keep excellent drive‑through width and a clear ceiling space.
Canopy doors can be automated, but they usually need a conversion kit (often called a canopy bow arm converter) to work with a standard boom‑type operator.
Retractable Gear
Retractable gear is a heavier‑duty mechanism that guides the door panel back on horizontal tracks so it retracts inside the garage when opened.
- The door runs on rollers in tracks fixed to the frame and garage interior.
- When fully open, the door sits almost completely inside the garage, with no panel protruding out beyond the front of the opening.
- Because it’s more robust, retractable gear is commonly used for wider and heavier doors, including many doors above around 8ft wide and most double doors.
Retractable gear is also the preferred choice if you want an electric up and over door, as it automates smoothly without additional conversion equipment.
In summary, canopy gear suits lighter single doors where you want maximum drive‑through width, while retractable gear is typically best for wider doors, heavier panels and straightforward electric operation.
Sectional Garage Doors
Sectional Garage Doors (Insulated)
Sectional garage doors are a popular choice in the UK because they combine high insulation, strong security and a clean, modern finish. Made from multiple horizontal sections, the door rises vertically and then runs back under the ceiling on tracks, so it doesn’t swing out onto the driveway. That means you can park close to the garage and still open the door with ease.
Ideal for wider double and triple garages
If you have a larger opening—especially around 4.5 m wide or more—a sectional door is often the best all‑round option. The multi‑section design and rigid, double‑skinned panels give excellent stability and strength across wider spans, helping the door stay secure, smooth and well aligned in daily use. For double and triple garages, sectional doors also make it easier to achieve a wide, clear opening without compromising on insulation or weather protection.
High insulation and weather sealing
Most insulated sectional doors use double‑skinned steel panels filled with high‑density foam insulation (commonly around 40–42 mm thick, with thicker options available on some ranges). Combined with continuous seals around the frame, between sections and along the bottom edge, this creates a strong barrier against draughts, rain, dust and leaves—ideal for integral garages or garages used as workshops, gyms or storage.
Space-saving operation (inside and out)
Because the door opens vertically, there’s no swing‑out at any point during operation. Inside, the door sits neatly under the ceiling when open, keeping the sides of the garage clearer for shelving, bikes and storage while maintaining a generous drive‑through opening.
Smooth automation and everyday convenience
Sectional doors are well suited to electric operation, with balanced springs and smooth-running rollers designed for reliable daily use. With the right operator, you get easy remote access, controlled opening/closing and a quieter, more refined feel than many older one‑piece doors.
Teckentrup / CarTeck insulated sectional doors
Samson Doors supply Teckentrup / CarTeck insulated sectional garage doors online, offering high-performance insulated construction, strong weather sealing and a wide choice of finishes to suit both modern and traditional UK homes.
Roller Shutter Garage Doors
Roller shutter garage doors are a popular choice in the UK because they combine compact, vertical operation with a clean finish and easy day‑to‑day use. At Samson Doors you can choose from single‑skin steel roller doors for value, or insulated double‑skinned aluminium roller doors for improved comfort and a more premium feel.
Compact, vertical opening
A roller garage door opens straight up and rolls into a neat box above the opening, so there’s no swing‑out onto the driveway. That makes roller doors ideal for short driveways, tight spaces and situations where you want to park close to the garage. Because the door curtain rolls away rather than tracking deep into the garage, you also keep more usable roof space inside.
Most roller doors are made to measure, with a wide choice of factory‑finished colours and laminate effects available across different brands.
Insulated roller doors for better comfort
If your garage is attached to the house, or you use it as a workshop, gym or store room, an insulated aluminium roller door is usually the best all‑round option. The foam‑filled, double‑skinned slats help reduce draughts and heat loss compared with older single‑skin doors, and they tend to feel quieter and more solid in operation.
Samson Doors supply insulated roller doors from a range of leading manufacturers, with strong guide rails, weather seals and secure locking options depending on the model.
Control options and Somfy automation
Modern electric roller garage doors can be specified with several control methods, so you can choose what suits your property and how you access the garage:
- Remote control handsets for opening and closing from your vehicle
- Wireless internal wall switches for simple, everyday use
- Hard‑wired wall buttons where preferred (or where you want a fixed control point)
- External key switches for detached garages or shared access
- Keypads on selected systems for code entry without a handset
- Smart control options on compatible systems, including smartphone app control and (where supported) voice control and home automation integration
For many homeowners, an insulated roller door with a Somfy motor and controls is a great upgrade. Somfy systems are well known for smooth, quiet operation and flexible control choices, and they can be paired with modern safety features such as obstacle detection safety edges and optional photocell beams for extra peace of mind.
Choosing an insulated roller door with Somfy automation gives you a made‑to‑measure door that’s compact, comfortable and easy to live with every day.
Side Hinged Garage Doors
Side-hinged garage doors have become a popular choice again in the UK, especially where the garage is used more like a room than a place to park a car. Modern double‑skinned steel side‑hinged doors take this a step further, offering improved insulation, stronger security and long-lasting performance in a traditional, easy-to-use format.
Modern insulated steel side-hinged doors
Today’s insulated double‑skinned steel side‑hinged doors are a big step up from older sheet‑metal designs. The door leaves use rigid, double‑skinned steel panels with an insulated core, helping to keep the garage warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This is a real benefit if your garage is attached to the house or used as a workshop, office, gym or hobby space.
Because the panels are stronger and more rigid, they tend to resist knocks and everyday wear better, and they can also provide improved protection against attempted forced entry compared with older doors, depending on the locking specification.
Easy, everyday access and more usable space
Side-hinged doors are all about convenience. Open one leaf for quick access on foot, or open both leaves when you need to bring larger items in and out. This makes them ideal for bikes, garden equipment, tools and general storage.
With no overhead tracks, you keep the ceiling clear and avoid issues with low beams or obstructions. Doors are most commonly set to open outwards, but inward opening is possible where the site allows. Many ranges also offer a 1/3–2/3 split as well as equal leaves, so you can create a wider “everyday access” door on one side.
Faster installation with factory-assembled doorsets
Modern steel side-hinged garage doors are typically supplied as a complete factory-assembled doorset, delivered ready to fit with the hinges, locking and fixing frame already assembled and aligned. This reduces on-site fitting time, removes the need to “hang” the door leaves manually, and helps ensure consistent gaps, smooth operation and reliable sealing from day one.
Depending on the model, the fixing sub-frame may be supplied in steel or aluminium, with both options designed to provide a strong, secure base for the doors and hardware.
Better weather protection, security and longevity
Double‑rebated edges and built‑in rubber seals around the leaves and frame improve weather protection, helping to keep out draughts, rain and debris. With a strong steel leaf, robust frame and modern locking options, an insulated double‑skinned side‑hinged door is a great all-round choice for customers who want easy pedestrian access, better comfort and dependable long‑term performance.
Round the Corner Garage Doors
Round the corner garage doors are an excellent option when you want a wide, flexible opening and clear ceiling space inside the garage. Instead of lifting up and over, the door slides horizontally around the inside wall, following a track so the curtain or panels “park” neatly along the side of the garage.
Insulated, double-skinned steel construction
All round the corner doors offered by Samson Doors are insulated, double‑skinned steel models, designed to provide warmth, strength and long service life. The multi‑section construction with an insulated core helps to reduce heat loss and draughts, which is especially useful on larger double or triple garages and garages attached to the house.
The strong steel panels and robust tracking also give excellent stability across wide openings, making these doors a great choice where a standard up and over or roller door would be under more strain.
Space and access benefits
Because the door moves sideways rather than swinging out or rolling up, you can park close to the front of the garage and still operate it. Inside, the ceiling remains clear for lighting, storage or overhead equipment, and the opening can often be part‑opened on one side for easy pedestrian access without moving the full width.
Round the corner doors are particularly useful for:
- Very wide or unusually shaped openings
- Garages with limited headroom
- Situations where you want a large, clear opening for vehicles or machinery but also frequent walk‑in access
Leading brands: Hörmann, Ryterna and Rundum Meir
Samson Doors supply round the corner garage doors from leading European manufacturers including Hörmann, Ryterna and Rundum Meir. These systems combine insulated double‑skinned steel or, on some models, aluminium construction with high‑quality hardware and a wide choice of finishes, so you can match the door to both modern and traditional properties.
With made‑to‑measure sizing, electric operation options and strong thermal and security performance, round the corner garage doors offer a premium, highly practical solution for many larger or more demanding garage layouts.
Garage personnel doors
Pedestrian doors are a simple way to add convenient everyday access to a garage or outbuilding without opening the main garage door. They are ideal for getting in and out on foot, moving tools or bikes, or accessing plant and storage areas quickly.
Modern steel pedestrian doors from Samson Doors are supplied with a pre‑fitted steel or aluminium fixing sub‑frame, so the complete doorset arrives factory‑assembled and ready for straightforward on‑site installation. This helps ensure the door is square, correctly aligned and operating smoothly from day one.
Single and double-skinned steel constructions
Our steel pedestrian doors are available in:
- Single‑skin steel for basic access where insulation is less critical.
- Double‑skinned insulated steel for improved comfort, security and long‑term durability.
Double‑skinned insulated steel pedestrian doors offer the greatest benefits. The door leaf is formed from two steel skins with an insulated core, helping to reduce heat loss and draughts between the garage or outbuilding and the outside. This is especially useful on attached garages or where the pedestrian door is used frequently throughout the day.
The rigid, insulated construction also provides a stronger barrier against impact and attempted forced entry than many lightweight alternatives, particularly when combined with modern locking systems and robust frames.
Made to measure for optimum access
Many of our steel pedestrian doors are available in both standard and made‑to‑measure sizes, so the opening can be optimised for the widest possible clear passage width and height. With the frame supplied and assembled at the factory, hinges and hardware are already fitted and adjusted, reducing installation time and ensuring a clean, professional finish on site.
Click here to find out more about glazing options.
Front Entrance doors
Make an Entrance
Complete your garage door upgrade with a new front entrance door to match. Samson Doors supply the latest Hörmann entrance door ranges, available in aluminium or steel, including ThermoSafe, ThermoCarbon and Thermo doorsets.
These high‑performance doors combine excellent security, very low U‑values and modern multi‑point locking with a wide choice of designs, colours and glazing options. Whether your home is contemporary or traditional, you can choose a front entrance door that complements your new garage door and lifts the overall look of the property.
