What Colorado Homeowners Should Know About Garage Door Accessories
By Jim Hatley, December 5, 2025
A lot of homes in the Colorado Springs and Monument area have a garage door front and center. That’s why garage door accessories can do more work than people think. A good handle, a sturdy piece of hardware, or a well-placed light can change how your home looks near the street. These simple add-ons help your door look finished and more in line with the rest of your place. If you’ve been looking at your home’s exterior, thinking it needs a little attention, this is a practical way to take it up a notch without a big project.
Why Garage Door Accessories Matter
Garage door accessories help your home look more polished and inviting. They can:
- Highlight your home’s architectural style
- Improve appearance without replacing the entire door
- Increase resale value and curb appeal
- Add personality and visual interest to your entryway
Even simple upgrades can make a noticeable impact.
Garage Door Decorative Hardware and Design Details
Handles
Adding door handles to your garage can improve your home’s overall visual appeal and market value if done right.
Decorative door handles are a great accessory to add to your carriage-style garage door. However, these accessories also work well with other
garage door styles. When placing handles, ensure that they’re placed securely.
Some decorative door handles can be highly functional if placed and installed correctly. However, other handles can’t lift the garage door – they serve aesthetic purposes only.
Side Arrows (Decorative Hinges)
Decorative hardware like side arrows can add rustic elegance to your home’s exterior. These decorative hinges should be placed on your garage door’s sides (where the regular hinges usually are). The position and size of your hinges can determine how effective your investment is. As a result, you need to place them in a spot that makes it look realistic – as if the doors could swing open.
Side arrows work well with carriage house garage doors and barn-style doors, as these accessories can further accentuate the traditional and timeless appearance of those types of garage doors.
Windows
Adding windows to your garage door can bring natural daylight and add a sleek charm to your home that’ll also improve your home’s curb appeal.
If your garage door takes up a considerable amount of your home’s front facade, installing windows can help make the front of your house look more attractive and exciting. The windows you choose should complement your home’s windows and front door. This way, your garage will match your home’s overall style. Additionally, you can purchase impact-resistant windows so there’s no need to worry about safety concerns.
Installing windows in an existing garage door can be incredibly complex, so every homeowner should hire a professional to get the job done.
Panel Designs and Patterns
A well-designed garage door will definitely catch the eye of potential buyers. You can enhance your garage’s appearance by adding beautiful patterns:
- Vertical lines: Vertical patterns can make your garage door look more attractive. You can add vertical beams, ridges, or designs to ensure your garage door stands out.
- Horizontal relief designs: Opting for box and hexagon patterns across your garage door can give the door a classy, timeless look.
Popular Garage Color Combinations
Popular garage color pairings that work well:
- Black + White: a simple, timeless match
- Red + Cream: a friendly, traditional look
- Green + White: crisp and clean, especially around trees
- Blue + White: calm and reliable, depending on the shade
- Brown + Cream: warm and rustic
- Tan + White: blends in well with the surrounding landscape
- Gray + White: flexible pairing for both modern and classic homes
- Natural Wood: relaxed look that doesn’t need paint
A good rule of thumb is to pick your main color first, then bring in accent colors that tie into the rest of your home so everything feels like it belongs.
How to Decide on Your Garage Door Material
Choosing the right garage door material affects a home’s look, security, energy use, and long-term maintenance needs. Homeowners should consider durability, climate, cost, and how well the material fits their home’s style before making a selection.
Homeowners in Colorado should weigh how each material handles weather, upkeep requirements, insulation, noise, and long-term costs to ensure they’re choosing something that performs well over time.
Common garage door material choices for homeowners in Colorado
- Steel: Durable and affordable, but needs protection against rust
- Wood: High-end look, more upkeep, more expensive
- Aluminum: Lightweight and rust-resistant, dents more easily
- Fiberglass: Looks like wood and resists moisture, but can get brittle in cold climates
- Vinyl: Tough and low-maintenance, fewer style options
- Wood Composite: Wood-like appearance with less maintenance
Best Materials for Harsh Weather in Colorado
For cold and snowy climates, insulated steel is the strongest choice due to its durability and thermal performance. In humid or coastal areas, aluminum and fiberglass help prevent corrosion.
Greenery and Landscaping Around the Garage
A little bit of greenery can help the garage blend in with the rest of the house instead of feeling bare. You don’t need much; even two planters by the door can make the space feel more finished. In Colorado, drought-friendly shrubs and low-maintenance plants like ornamental grasses or evergreens work well since they stay looking good through changing weather. Rock borders or edging can also help define the area without adding extra watering or upkeep. The goal is to frame the door in a clean, natural way that fits the home and doesn’t get in the way of the driveway or garage sensors.
Installation Tips for Garage Door Accessories
Even the best accessories can cause issues if installed incorrectly. Read our step-by-step garage door installation guide to help you place hardware properly and keep your door working smoothly.
Tip 1: Mark and measure before drilling
Use painter’s tape or light pencil marks to place each piece where you want it. Check alignment twice before making holes.
Tip 2: Choose the correct fasteners for the door material
Steel, wood, and composite doors each need different screws. Using the wrong ones can loosen over time or damage the panel.
Tip 3: Keep hardware away from moving parts
Do not mount accessories over hinges, panel seams, or near the track. They can block the door or cause early wear.
Tip 4: Protect the insulation
On insulated doors, do not overtighten screws. They should sit snug without piercing the inside layer.
Tip 5: Test the door before tightening everything
Open and close the door slowly by hand. Make sure nothing rubs, rattles, or gets in the way, then tighten the hardware fully.
Choosing Which Accessory Materials Work Best in Colorado
Colorado weather can be tough on garage doors. Accessories should look good and hold up to sun, snow, hail, and temperature swings. Here is a quick guide to help you choose the right materials.
| Material | Why Homeowners Pick It | Best Use in Colorado | Maintenance Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel hardware | Strong, clean look that works with most homes | Handles big temperature swings and high-use doors | Check for chips or scratches to prevent rust |
| Composite / ABS | Lightweight pieces with more design options | Good match for insulated steel doors in newer neighborhoods | Wipe clean when dusty or dirty |
| Powder-coated metal | CanKeeps its color longer in strong sunlightdice | Great for south-facing garages exposed to sun and heat | Little to no upkeep needed |
| Decorative wood accents | Warm mountain feel, fits rustic homes | Best under covered entries or shaded elevations | Seal or stain when finished looks tired |
| Aluminum accents | Won’t rust and helps reduce door weight | Works well on modern designs with glass | Can dent easily, so avoid heavy impact areas |
| Faux wrought-iron | Classic, bold look without the weight | Ideal for carriage-style doors in the Tri-Lakes area | Simple cleaning keeps it looking fresh |
In Colorado, steel and powder-coated metal offer the longest life with the least hassle. Wood and decorative pieces work great too, as long as they are protected from direct weather.
Garage Door Accessory FAQs
Do accessories affect the warranty on my garage door?
Some manufacturers require approved hardware or professional installation, especially on insulated or wind-rated doors. It’s best to check your door paperwork before drilling into the panels.
Can accessories be added to any type of garage door?
Most hardware works well on steel and composite doors. Real wood and aluminum can take accessories too, but the mounting hardware may differ. A quick check with your installer can save headaches later.
Are there accessories that help with security, not just looks?
Yes. Motion-sensor lighting, keypad locks, and reinforced handle sets can discourage break-ins and make entry safer at night.
How do I know when it’s better to upgrade the whole door instead of adding accessories?
If the door is older, damaged, or doesn’t seal well, accessories may only mask bigger issues. A pro can let you know if a tune-up or replacement will give better long-term value.
Contact Your Local Garage Door Company in Colorado Springs
Updating your garage door accessories is a simple way to refresh your home’s style and improve curb appeal without a complete replacement. Colorado homeowners have plenty of options that both look great and hold up to local weather. If you’d like help choosing the right upgrades, Tri-Lakes Garage Doors can guide you through the best choices for your home. Contact us today to get expert support and a quote.
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