The garage door is usually the biggest welcoming feature on a house’s front, so people judge it before they reach the front door. We started Prestige in 1992 as a family-run retailer, until architects asked us for a better-built door than the ones on the shelf. We began making our own in Penrose, and today our aluminium garage doors can be flat panel or cedar-look board, with custom designs built around your cladding, all powder-coated to handle coastal air. Below, we walk through the aluminium garage door designs we build and what sets each one apart.
Key takeaways
- An aluminium garage door does not rust, and a powder-coat finish needs only a wash with soap and water.
- Styles include Altec flat panels, board and batten, timber-look finishes and cladding-matched custom doors.
- Aluminum doors feature a welded box frame backed by a lifetime warranty.
Why Aluminium Garage Doors Hold Up in Salt Air
Aluminium garage doors do not rust like steel, so salt air leaves the frame and panels intact. The material is light, which puts less load on the opener and its motor. Powder-coat (a coating baked onto the metal) holds its colour and needs a wash with soap and water now and then. Our paint, stain, oil and powder-coat comparison guide sets out how each finish ages.
Aluminium Garage Door Designs We Build
We make aluminium doors for garage openings in four styles: Altec flat panel, board and batten, timber-look and fully custom. Each of these sits on a welded box frame (aluminium welded at every joint) with a lifetime warranty. (Note: Plexiglass doors feature non-welded frames and do not carry a lifetime warranty.)
Minimalist Flat Panel (Altec)
Altec is our flat panel door, with 10mm negative details (recessed gaps between panel sections) running vertically, horizontally, or staggered. It works on contemporary and architect-led homes, goes oversize for wide openings and takes plexiglass inserts or laser-cut patterns.
Board and Batten
Board and batten recreates the timber batten look in aluminium, so it will not warp or crack. Battens run vertically, horizontally or diagonally, and powder-coat warranties run 10 to 20 years depending on the finish. Windows come in plainlite (clear) or colonial (gridded); see our window options.
Timber-Look and Faux Cedar
Timber-look finishes give you cedar’s grain without the oiling and staining. Our timber-look aluminium garage doors come in TGV (tongue and groove), board-and-batten or flat panel, and copper and concrete-look finishes are also available. Metwood and Faux Cedar finishes carry up to 25 years of powder-coat warranty.
Aluminium vs Cedar Garage Door: Side by Side
| Factor | Timber-look aluminium | Real cedar |
|---|---|---|
| Upkeep | Occasional wash with soap and water | Regular oiling, staining or repainting |
| Weather | Resists warping, rot and fading | Can warp, shrink, crack or rot if neglected |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame; powder-coat 10 to 25 years | Lifetime frame |
See our real cedar doors, or read our post on aluminium cladding versus timber.
Custom Aluminium Garage Doors: Cladding Match, Laser-Cut and Ventilated
Our custom aluminium garage doors start from your plans. Options include:
- Cladding match: doors can be matched to any aluminium cladding, such as Nu-Wall, so the facade reads as one cohesive design.
- Laser-cut panels: patterns or logos backed with acrylic or LEDs, chosen from our existing designs or created as a unique custom design.
- Ventilated doors: mesh, louvre, or laser-cut panels for workshops and basement car parks.
- Flush mount: doors that sit level with the surrounding cladding.
Colour, Finish and Window Choices
Colour: match or contrast with the house, and keep to one colour for a clean look.
Windows: a top panel adds privacy, and full-height sections look contemporary.
Our guide explains how to choose the right garage door colour.
Cost Drivers for Aluminium Garage Doors in Auckland
Four factors set the price:
- Material and cladding: they set the base cost.
- Labour: windows, borders and battens add fabrication time.
- Door weight: it decides the hardware and motor.
- Add-ons: insulation and smart openers add further cost.
Every door is made to order, so a custom design can cost little more than a standard style. Read what drives custom garage door pricing before you ask for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are aluminium garage doors good for coastal areas?
Yes. Aluminium does not rust like steel, and a powder-coat finish holds its colour and structure in salt air.
Can an aluminium garage door look like timber?
Yes. Our timber-look and Faux Cedar finishes come in TGV, board-and-batten and flat panel styles. Metwood carries a 25-year powder-coat warranty, and cleaning is a wash with soap and water.
What warranty comes with an aluminium garage door?
The welded box frame carries a lifetime warranty. Powder-coat warranties run 10 to 20 years depending on the finish, and up to 25 years on Metwood and Faux Cedar. We confirm exact terms in your quote.
Talk to Us About Your Aluminium Garage Door
At Prestige Doors, we design, make and install every aluminium garage door in Auckland, so you deal with one team from sketch to final fit. For projects outside of Auckland, we’ll connect you to a local third-party installer and coordinate on your behalf.
We reply within 24 hours and quote within 24 to 48 hours, and fabrication runs 7 to 10 weeks. Visit our Penrose showroom to see aluminium garage doors in Auckland, or browse our projects for inspiration. Get a free quote and we will book your site measure.