Stamped vs. Overlay Garage Doors: How Do They Compare?

What are Stamped Garage Doors?

Stamped garage doors are made of steel and have had a decorative pattern stamped into their surface during production. Although the panels themselves are steel most homeowners will opt for those steel panels to have some sort of wood grain pattern stamped into the surface to provide that timeless aura we mentioned earlier.

Stamped garage doors typically outlast their overlay counterparts as the metal is rustproofed at the factory, ensuring long life. Stamped garage doors are also more affordable than overlay doors and very easy to maintain. So with a stamped door on your home, you should not need to call for garage door repair as often.

If there is a downside to stamped garage doors it is that they typically offer fewer design options than overlay doors. Whether that is an issue for you only you can decide.

Stamped Carriage House Doors

What are Overlay Garage Doors?

With overlay garage doors decorative wood or metal panels are added to the face of your existing door to give it more depth and a more sophisticated air.

Overlay garage doors have a lot going for them. First of all the number and variety of design options far outpace what you will have with stamped garage doors. Secondly, from an aesthetic standpoint, genuine wood panels cannot be beaten by metal panels that have a woodgrain stamped into them. You can also paint or stain your wood panels to achieve whatever look you're after.

Everything has a downside and overlay garage doors are no exception. First, they're more expensive than stamped doors. Second, they're more susceptible to damage than stamped doors and they also tend to require more maintenance than stamped garage doors. And finally, they'll cost you more than stamped garage doors.

How Do Stamped and Overlay Garage Doors Compare?

When choosing between stamped and overlay garage doors, it's essential to consider their differences in terms of cost, durability, aesthetics, and maintenance. Both styles can significantly enhance the curb appeal of your home, but each has distinct advantages depending on your budget and design preferences.

Stamped garage doors are typically made of steel with patterns pressed directly into the material. They offer durability, lower maintenance requirements, and a cost-effective solution for homeowners looking for a stylish yet practical option. On the other hand, overlay garage doors consist of a base door with decorative wood or composite panels applied to the surface, providing a more customized and high-end appearance.

To help you decide which type of door best suits your needs, the table below compares key attributes of stamped and overlay garage doors.

Both stamped and overlay garage doors provide unique benefits depending on what you prioritize. Ultimately, your choice should align with your aesthetic preferences, long-term maintenance expectations, and budget. No matter which option you choose, upgrading to either a stamped or overlay garage door can dramatically improve your home's curb appeal and value.

What Are Carriage House Doors?

Both stamped and overlay doors are types of carriage house doors. But what exactly are carriage house doors? Let's take a look.

Carriage house doors can trace their roots to medieval Europe at a time when feudalism was at its peak. Feudal lords lived on vast estates and needed safe and comfortable ways to get around. Enter the horse and carriage. With the advent of the horse and carriage came the need to protect the carriage - and the horses - from the elements when not in use, which led to the creation of the carriage house.

This structure was separate from the main house, mostly so that lords and ladies would not have to endure the smells generated by the horses. Some of them were larger than today's average home. Quite a bit larger. These structures used hinged doors that opened out from the center; a style of door that would, in time, be known as both carriage house doors and barn doors.

Automobiles: The Game Changer

Around the turn of the 20^th century, over the span of only about 20 - 25 years, an entire way of life disappeared. Automobiles became the new status symbol and the horse and carriage was sent unceremoniously to the dustbin of history. Replacing horses with cars (short for "carriages") meant there was no longer any reason to separate the carriage house from the main house, and a new word entered the lexicon: the garage.

Watch the video below to learn more about the end of the horse and carriage.

In time a new type of door also entered the scene. The overhead door was easy to use and very reliable and did not require that you clear a big area in front of the garage to open the door. In spite of this convenience, however, carriage house doors endured, mostly for aesthetic reasons. Even many homeowners with overhead doors will admit that carriage house doors are the more attractive option.

Stamping and overlaying were introduced as methods of increasing the already formidable visual appeal of carriage house doors. They provide the homeowner with a relatively simple and affordable way to alter the look of their home in a positive way, though as we've seen each has its pros and cons.

Conclusion

Many folks believe the garage door just magically appeared in step with the automobile. In fact, there was quite a lengthy evolutionary process involved with the carriage house door playing a major role.

We hope the above information makes it easier for you to decide whether to install stamped or overlay garage doors on your home. Either one is bound to provide many years of useful service and satisfaction.

Contact Us For Stamped and Overlay Garage Door Installations

If you would like to know more about overlay and stamped garage doors, or if you need garage door repair at any time of the day or night, get in touch with the team at A Better Garage Door by calling 303 920 2267.