What is the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Garage Doors?
When most people think about garage doors, they picture the one on their home, but garage doors aren’t one-size-fits-all. Commercial and residential garage doors serve different purposes, are built differently, and have unique features to meet the needs of homeowners and businesses alike.
At Doors By Mike, we specialize in both residential and commercial garage door installation, and we know that choosing the right type of door makes all the difference. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between commercial and residential garage doors so you can better understand which option fits your needs.
Design and Aesthetic
Residential garage doors are designed with curb appeal in mind. They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and finishes to complement your home’s exterior. From carriage house doors to sleek modern designs, homeowners often choose a garage door as both a functional and aesthetic upgrade.
Commercial garage doors, on the other hand, are built more for function than style. While customization is possible, most commercial doors prioritize practicality, durability, and visibility (such as full-view glass doors for showrooms).
Size and Dimensions
One of the most obvious differences is size.
- Residential garage doors are typically 7–8 feet tall and 8–16 feet wide, which is perfect for cars, SUVs, and small trucks.
- Commercial garage doors can be much larger, often designed to accommodate delivery trucks, forklifts, or industrial equipment. Their sizes can vary greatly depending on the type of business and its operational needs.
Materials and Durability
Because they’re used differently, residential and commercial doors are built with different priorities.
- Residential doors are commonly made from steel, wood, aluminum, or fiberglass, often with insulation for energy efficiency. While strong and secure, they don’t usually face the same level of heavy use as commercial doors.
- Commercial doors are typically made from heavy-duty steel or aluminum, built to withstand constant daily operation, frequent impacts, and harsh working environments. They’re designed to last under more demanding conditions.
Operation and Usage
- Residential garage doors are opened just a few times a day: when leaving for work, coming home, or running errands. Their openers are built for light to moderate use and quieter operation to fit seamlessly into a neighborhood setting.
- Commercial garage doors are often opened and closed dozens of times daily. That’s why their openers are much more powerful and built for high-cycle usage, ensuring they can handle the demands of a busy business.
Security and Safety Features
Security looks different depending on where the garage door is installed.
- Residential garage doors focus on keeping your family and belongings safe. Features often include smart garage door openers, rolling security codes, and strong locks.
- Commercial garage doors emphasize business security. They are often reinforced with heavier materials, industrial-grade locks, and advanced safety systems to protect valuable equipment, inventory, and staff.
Cost Differences
Generally, residential garage doors are more affordable, since they’re smaller, lighter, and less complex. Costs vary depending on materials, style, and added features like insulation or windows.
Commercial garage doors, however, are an investment. Their higher cost reflects their larger size, heavy-duty construction, and the advanced openers required to handle high-volume use.
Why Choose Doors By Mike?
Whether you need a stylish garage door for your home or a durable, high-performance garage door for your business, Doors By Mike has you covered. Our experienced team provides professional installation, reliable repair services, and expert guidance to ensure you get the right door for your needs.
Here’s why customers trust us for both residential and commercial garage door installation:
- Expert Installation: We handle all types of doors with precision and care.
- Comprehensive Service: From design consultation to ongoing maintenance, we’ve got you covered.
- Customized Solutions: We help you find the perfect balance of style, function, and budget.
- Reliable Support: Fast, dependable service whenever you need it.
Conclusion
While residential and commercial garage doors may look similar at first glance, their design, durability, and functionality are tailored to very different needs. Homeowners benefit from stylish, insulated doors that improve curb appeal, while businesses rely on heavy-duty doors built for performance and security.
If you’re looking for a new garage door, whether for your home or business, Doors By Mike is here to help. Call us at (770) 922-5207 or book online by clicking the Book Now! button and select “Service” to schedule a commercial garage door installation and we’ll find the perfect garage door solution for you.









