Understanding Garage Door Terminology

If you’re in the market for a new garage door in Neenah, Appleton, Oshkosh, or anywhere in the Fox Cities, it’s helpful to understand the key components that make up a garage door, and how your choices can impact everything from curb appeal to energy efficiency and security.

From the materials your door is made of to the decorative touches that tie it to your home’s character, this guide breaks it all down in plain English.

Common Garage Door Materials (And Why They Matter)

Your garage door isn’t just a panel that goes up and down, it’s one of the biggest and most visible parts of your home’s exterior. Choosing the right material affects appearance, durability, maintenance, and insulation. Here are the most popular options:

Steel

Strong, secure, and low-maintenance, steel garage doors are a top pick for Midwest homeowners. They’re available in many finishes and can be insulated to handle Wisconsin winters. They’re also paint-friendly and work well with modern, traditional, or industrial home styles.

Aluminum & Glass

Lightweight and contemporary, aluminum and glass doors give your home a sleek, modern feel. They let in tons of natural light and work great with minimalist designs. However, they’re less insulating than other options, so they’re ideal for garages that aren’t used as living or working spaces.

Faux Wood

Want the warm look of real wood without the maintenance? Faux wood garage doors (often made of polyurethane or composite materials) are designed to mimic real wood grains and textures. They resist rot, pests, and moisture, and hold up well in fluctuating temperatures.

Wood Composite

Made from recycled wood fibers and resins, this material gives you the richness of wood with added durability. It’s paintable, moisture-resistant, and a more eco-conscious choice than solid wood.

Essential Garage Door Terms You Should Know

If you’re working with a garage door installer (like us!), you’ll likely hear terms that refer to parts, styles, and design elements. But, we feel it’s important to educate our clients. So, here’s a glossary of the most common ones to help you make informed decisions:

Arched Top

A curved upper section of your garage door adds architectural flair and works well with Mediterranean, farmhouse, or custom homes. Arches can be real or simulated.

Astragal

A vertical strip that seals the gap between two swing-out doors, helping with insulation and security.

Casing

Trim that surrounds the garage door opening, providing a finished look. Think of it like crown molding for your garage door.

Clavos

Decorative nail heads used to give a carriage house or rustic appearance. Popular on swing-style doors.

Ellipse Top

More complex than a standard arch, ellipse tops use multiple curves for a softer, upscale look.

Face

The full visual area of the garage door, including panels, windows, and trim.

Faux Stain Finish

A painted finish that replicates the look of stained wood. Ideal for composite or vinyl doors and gives you that wood grain effect without ongoing upkeep.

Frame

The structural skeleton of the door, typically made of steel, aluminum, or engineered wood. Holds the panels and supports hardware.

Jamb

The vertical side pieces of the garage door opening, typically covered with finish trim for aesthetics and weather protection.

Lites

Individual window panes set into a garage door. Lites can be arranged in many layouts and divided with muntins or grilles.

Panels

The sections of your garage door face, either horizontal or vertical. Styles include raised, recessed, flush, V-groove, and tongue & groove.

Part (or Leaf)

One operational section of a garage door. Swing doors have one or two parts; sectional doors are made of multiple horizontal panels.

Pull Handles

Functional or decorative, these handles simulate the look of classic swing-out doors. Often paired with strap hinges for visual balance.

Ring Pulls

Usually centered for symmetry, these round hardware pieces add old-world charm and a carriage-house vibe.

Rollers

Attached to each panel, these allow the door to move smoothly along its track. Worn-out rollers often cause noisy or stuck doors.

Section

A full row of panels on a sectional door. Most overhead doors have 3 – 5 horizontal sections that bend as they roll up.

Sill & Sweep

The sill is the threshold at the bottom of the door frame. The sweep is the flexible strip attached to the bottom of the door, helping to keep water and cold air out.

Simulated Arches

Not true curves, these are square doors made to look arched using trim or overlays. A great visual upgrade without structural changes.

Springs

Torsion or extension springs help lift the heavy door. These are key to safety and should only be handled by professionals.

Strap Hinges

Decorative pieces that resemble functional barn door hinges. Available in various shapes and lengths to match the door’s theme.

Stop Molding

A trim piece installed inside the door frame that prevents swing doors from overextending. Also helps with sealing.

Specialty Glass

Seeded, frosted, hammered, or tinted windows that add style and privacy. Available in standard and custom patterns.

Trim Boards

Applied overlays that form decorative patterns like X or Z styles. Add character and mimic historical or farmhouse designs.

Weatherstripping

Flexible seals installed around the perimeter of the door to block drafts, moisture, dust, and insects. A must-have in our Wisconsin climate.

Are You Thinking About a New Door?

Whether you’re after a traditional carriage look or a sleek, modern profile, the details make all the difference. At Garage Door Specialists of Neenah, we walk you through every option including materials, finishes, hardware, glass, and more. We want to make sure your new door isn’t just functional, but fits the look and design of your home. We’re proud of our work and we think you will be too.

Need help choosing the right garage door?
Call us today for a free consultation or schedule a no-pressure estimate right from our website.