Typical trim materials
Wood or composite
Wood is popular for its natural beauty. Just remember to treat wood regularly to protect from rot or warp. If you want something low maintenance that pairs well with a faux wood garage door, composite trims mimic the appearance of wood without the extra upkeep.
Aluminum
Aluminum is corrosion and weather resistant, making it a great choice if you live by the coast or in a hot, humid location. It’s also easy to clean, recyclable, and resistant to cracking and warping – preserving its sleek appearance for longer.
Vinyl or PVC
These are like aluminum in that they're harsh weather-resistant and require little maintenance. They’re also cost-effective and have noise dampening properties, which is helpful if you use power tools in your garage.
Rubber and brush
You’ll usually find seals made from rubber or brushes at the bottom or sides of the door for extra weather proofing, dust prevention, and pest control.
4 garage door trim ideas
1. Match your door color
For a seamless and subtle appearance, match the color of your trim to your garage door. This creates visual continuity and gives the illusion of extra space, as the frame blends with the door. Popular colors include:
- White – a crisp, classic choice that suits nearly every home style. As most houses have white fascias, soffits, and window frames, it easily blends in with other fixtures.
- Gray or black – a bold and contemporary pick. Gray garage doors and trims are great for industrial and modern designs, whereas black garage doors and trims are a sleek all-rounder.
- Wood – a rustic, charming selection that works incredibly well with traditional and modern homes for a warm, welcoming feel.
2. Contrast your colors
Stand out with a trim that contrasts against your garage door color. Try matching the trim with other exterior accent colors to maintain visual consistency across your palette. A contrasting trim will accentuate your door. This makes it ideal for more eye-catching or intricate doors such as overlay carriage house doors or ultra-modern full-view aluminum doors.
3. Use decorative moldings
If you want something more eye-catching, moldings might be for you. They’re like standard doorframes but with decorative elements for extra character. They add visual appeal to your exterior and draw attention to your door. Think standard coving versus ornate Victorian coving if you were decorating a room in your house.
4. Keep trims top of mind
Before you buy, consider more than just your garage door. Inspect your doorframe – what’s it made from? Is it rotten, broken, or damaged?
If you need a new frame, find a local dealer for advice on how to prepare for it and if they include the work in the installation process. You may also want to discuss seal options if you live in a particularly harsh climate or are prone to critters visiting your garage.
Asking these questions upfront helps you know what the job entails and what your options are.
A door isn’t complete without a trim
Hopefully, these garage door trim ideas will help you make the right decision. Trims aren’t glamorous, but they're important nonetheless. So, give it some thought, and make your door as functional as it is beautiful.
