Category Archives: Purchasing Guide

10
Feb
Purchasing Guide

Best Garage Door Opener in 2026: Australia’s Top Motors Compared

Posted on by WGD Team

Choosing the right garage door opener matters more than most people realise. Once it’s installed, you’ll rely on it for years and the way it opens your door can even affect your garage door health and longevity.

At Wholesale Garage Doors, we sell thousands of garage door openers and garage doors every year. We field questions about motor power, cost, noise, door compatibility, ease of installation and what we would recommend for different homes. We also have qualified garage door installers on our team, so we understand what makes an install straightforward and what turns it into a painful job. You will find plenty of guides online, many written by resellers who have never installed a garage door themselves. We’ve decided to list pros and cons of each brand, cost effectiveness for ongoing use and what we would recommend.

A garage door opener is not a one size fits all product. The type of door you have plays a huge role in which motor will work properly, how smoothly it operates and how long it lasts.

This is a two part guide. One article covers roller door openers, the other covers sectional panel garage door openers.

  1. Determining Your Door Type
  2. Auto Openers
  3. Merlin
  4. Automatic Technology Australia
  5. B&D
  6. Conclusion
Wholesale Garage Door Panel Lift Door Display Home

Make sure this guide is right for your garage door

Before comparing models or features it is important to confirm that this guide matches the type of garage door you have. Roller doors and sectional panel doors use very different opener designs and they are not interchangeable.

This guide is written for sectional, panel and tilt garage door openers.

It is suitable if your garage door is made up of multiple horizontal panels or a single solid panel that slides up and back along tracks mounted to the ceiling. These doors rely on a rail system, with the opener mounted centrally above the door.

This guide is not suitable if your door rolls into a drum above the opening. If your door coils up rather than sliding back on tracks you are dealing with a roller door and should refer to our roller door opener guide instead.

Our top choice, Auto Openers

For most homes with a sectional or panel garage door, Auto Openers offer one of the strongest combinations of value, performance and long term ownership cost currently on the market. They have focused on building openers that are powerful enough for Australian doors without inflating prices or locking owners into expensive accessories. They’re also one of the only brands to warrant DIY installs, with a great range of installation videos to guide the Aussie homeowner through the job.

Auto Openers offers two units that suit the majority of residential installs.

The Panel Ace is rated at 1000 newtons for 16.5m² doors and is priced at $349.
The Panel Boss steps up to 1200 newtons for 18m² doors at $399.

Looking at value alone, the Panel Ace delivers roughly 2.86 newtons per dollar, while the Panel Boss delivers around 3.01 newtons per dollar. Both represent strong value compared with many competing units, with the Panel Boss offering slightly more power for the price difference.

In practical terms, the Panel Ace suits most standard sectional or panel doors, while the Panel Boss is better suited to heavier doors or older doors with sturdy steel construction.

Optional accessories and expandability

Auto Openers also stand out for the range of optional accessories available across both models. These allow the opener to be tailored to how the garage is actually used rather than forcing a one size setup.

Available accessories include:

All accessories are designed to integrate cleanly with the motor without complicated setup or compatibility issues.

Ongoing cost and remote replacements

Ongoing running costs for a garage door opener are relatively low, typically around $20 to $30 per year in electricity. This is broadly consistent across all of the brands covered in this guide.

One area that often gets overlooked is the cost of replacing remotes over time. Auto Openers genuine remotes are priced at $39, making them the most affordable genuine replacement remote available from a major brand.

They are also the only mainstream brand currently supplying remotes with a waterproof and impact resistant casing as standard. Auto Openers have demonstrated this durability in a short promotional video showing the casing being exposed to water and physical impact. It is an unusual inclusion, as replacement remotes are traditionally an area where manufacturers generate ongoing revenue long after the opener itself has been sold.

Who owns Auto Openers

Auto Openers is an Australian family owned business and is one of the last Australian owned garage door opener manufacturers.

For some buyers, supporting an Australian business is an important consideration alongside price and performance. Choosing a locally owned brand helps keep manufacturing, development and support decisions tied to the Australian market.

This does not take away from the quality or availability of other brands covered in this guide, many of which also offer excellent support and long term reliability.

Why Auto Openers take the top spot

Between sensible pricing, strong motor output, low cost genuine remotes, Australian ownership and a well thought out accessory range, Auto Openers offer a level of value that is hard to ignore. Both the Panel Ace and Panel Boss are easy to recommend depending on door weight and usage, without pushing buyers into unnecessary upgrades or expensive add ons.

Second place, Merlin

Merlin earns its place as our second choice based on range and long term reliability. Merlin garage door openers are widely installed across Australia and have a strong track record in everyday residential use. Where they stand out most is in the breadth of options available across different door types, sizes and installation scenarios.

The main drawback is cost. Compared with other openers offering similar power levels, Merlin units tend to sit at a higher price point. That premium largely reflects brand position and ecosystem rather than a clear performance advantage in most standard installations.

 

Merlin sectional opener options and pricing

For sectional and panel garage doors, Merlin’s commonly chosen models fall into three clear tiers.

The MS65MYQ is priced at $559 and rated at 600 newtons for 13.5m² doors, which works out to approximately 1.07 newtons per dollar. It is best suited to smaller, modern single doors.

The MS105MYQ sits at $599 with a 1000 newton rating for 13.5m² doors, delivering around 1.67 newtons per dollar. This is the most popular choice in the range and suits the majority of standard residential sectional doors.

The MS135MYQ is rated at 1300 newtons for 13.5m² doors and priced around $899, equating to roughly 1.45 newtons per dollar. It is designed for heavier or wider doors and situations where additional lifting capacity is required, including high wind prone areas.

Across the range, Merlin openers are known for consistent performance and quiet operation, particularly on belt driven models. Installation is generally straightforward, although DIY installation may require additional consideration due to warranty conditions.

Our preferred opened for single piece tilt doors is the MS105MYQ paired with a tilt rail. The short rail makes the job easier, as you’ll often come across headaches when trying to install other rail types on tilt doors.

Ongoing remote costs typically range from $50 to $70. Merlin does offer a waterproof remote, the E980, however it is sold as an optional accessory at the higher end of that price range.

 

Who owns Merlin

Merlin operates under the Chamberlain Group, an American garage door automation company with a global presence. Chamberlain Group owns and distributes several well known opener brands internationally, with Merlin positioned as its primary brand for Australia and New Zealand.

Chamberlain Group itself is majority owned by Blackstone, a large United States based investment group. Ownership and strategic direction are therefore based offshore, with product development and platform decisions set at a global level.

 

Why Merlin ranks second

Merlin ranks behind our top choice due to a combination of higher pricing, ownership structure and warranty terms, rather than any concern with reliability or performance.

Across comparable models, Merlin openers sit at a noticeably higher price point for the level of motor power offered. As the newton per dollar figures show, buyers generally pay more for the Merlin name than they do for equivalent lifting capacity from other brands.

Merlin is also American owned, operating under the global Chamberlain Group umbrella.

The most significant consideration is warranty. When purchased and installed through authorised dealer channels, Merlin openers can carry a long manufacturer warranty. When purchased online, the same products are supplied with a 1 year manufacturer warranty. Australian Consumer Law still applies, however with a shorter manufacturer warranty consumers may need to rely more heavily on statutory rights, which can involve additional steps and discussion with the retailer or manufacturer.

Third place, ATA

Automatic Technology Australia has been a familiar name in the Australian garage door market for many years. Their openers are widely installed and supported and they remain a dependable choice for a range of residential doors.

Where ATA sits in the current market is as a middle ground between value oriented openers and premium systems. Their products are reliable and well proven, but pricing and motor power allocations tend to place them behind the top two choices when compared side by side.

 

ATA sectional opener options and pricing

For sectional and panel garage doors, ATA’s garage door openers fall into three clear tiers.

Across their commonly chosen models for sectional doors the figures break down like this:

The ATS-1 is priced at $571 with a 700 newton rating for doors up to 15m², equating to roughly 1.23 newtons per dollar. This makes it suitable for lighter to standard sized doors where moderate power and smooth travel are priorities.

The ATS-2 Tempo sits at $719 with an 1100 newton rating for doors up to 18m², which works out to about 1.53 newtons per dollar. This model covers the majority of regular residential sectional doors and is a good all-round choice.

The ATS-3 Synchro is priced around $899 and is also rated at 1100 newtons for doors up to 18m², giving approximately 1.22 newtons per dollar. It is designed for doors where synchronised travel or specific feature sets are desired, though the power to price ratio edges lower than the Tempo model.

 

Who owns ATA

Automatic Technology Australia operates as part of the B&D and DuluxGroup portfolio. DuluxGroup is owned by Nippon Paint Holdings, a large Japanese multinational. As a result, ATA is no longer Australian owned.

This does not impact product availability or support in Australia, which remains strong. It does however place ATA alongside many other established brands that originated locally but are now part of larger international groups.

 

Why ATA ranks third

One consideration is ongoing accessory cost. Genuine ATA accessories and remotes tend to be priced higher than comparable options from other brands, which can increase the total cost of ownership over time, particularly where multiple remotes or add-ons are required. The ATA PTX6 garage door remotes are also close to $60 each for a new handset.

Another factor is the ATA accessory range. Auto Openers and Merlin generally offer a single accessory for each function, such as one PE beam or one smartphone kit that works across most of the range. ATA, by comparison, offers multiple versions of the same accessory type, each with specific model having it’s own compatibilities. It confusing for homeowners and installers alike, as it’s very easy to get the wrong accessory for your opener.

ATA does however offer more repair options for their remotes than many other brands, including the availability of replacement garage door remote cases.

Finally, ATA sits lower on a newton per dollar basis. When motor output is compared directly against price, ATA models generally offer less lifting capacity for the money than our top two ranked brands. While the difference is not dramatic in everyday use, it becomes more noticeable when comparing specifications side by side.

Taken together, these factors place ATA behind the leading options. It remains a capable and well supported choice, particularly for like for like replacements, but it is less competitive on value and simplicity when compared directly with the top two selections.

Fourth place, B&D

B&D is the most recognisable name in Australian garage doors and has been a mainstay in the market for decades. Their openers are widely used and generally regarded as reliable for everyday residential use.

The current B&D garage door opener range for sectional panel doors includes options covering a broad span of power levels, which makes them suitable for a variety of door sizes and use cases.

The SDO-6 Secure is priced at $869 with a 1000 newton rating for 18m² doors, which works out to about 1.15 newtons per dollar. It provides a solid baseline power level for standard doors.

The SDO-7 Smart sits at $1109 with an 1100 newton rating for 18m² doors, equating to roughly 0.99 newtons per dollar. This model adds smart features on top of core motor performance.

The SDO-8v3 Panel Max is priced at $619.95 with 700 newtons for 16.5m² doors, which equates to around 1.13 newtons per dollar. It covers lighter or less demanding installations where economy is a priority.

The SDO-9v3 Smart Pro comes in at $1399 with 1400 newtons for 18m² doors, working out to approximately 1.00 newtons per dollar. This is B&D’s highest capacity option in the range and suits heavier or larger sectional panel doors.

Pricing across the range sits significantly higher relative to the motor power delivered when compared with some of the other options covered earlier in this guide. While B&D’s higher tier openers offer good lifting capacity, the value on a newton per dollar basis is less competitive than the leading brands.

The ongoing cost of remotes is the highest in this guide, sitting at $77 per replacement B&D TB7 garage door remote.

 

Who owns B&D

B&D operates as part of the DuluxGroup portfolio, which is owned by Nippon Paint Holdings, a large Japanese multinational. As a result, B&D is no longer Australian owned.

This has not reduced B&D’s product availability or support network in Australia, which remains extensive. It does however place B&D in the same ownership category as ATA and many other long established brands that originated locally but are now part of global groups.

 

Why B&D ranks fourth

Across the range, B&D openers tend to sit at the higher end of the price spectrum for the level of motor power offered. When compared on a newton per dollar basis, most models deliver less lifting capacity for the price than the brands ranked above, particularly once you move into smart enabled or higher capacity models.

As B&D and ATA are quite intertwined, it does suffer from the same accessory compatibility issues to a lesser degree. Whilst it can be somwhat confusing to work out which accessory you need, there is thankfully less than ATA to work through.

While B&D remains the most recognisable garage door brand in Australia, paying a premium for brand recognition alone is harder to justify in today’s market. It’s hard to put B&D in the 4th position, especially given the brands history, performance and reputation. However, when compared side by side, similar levels of reliability and performance are available from other manufacturers at significantly lower cost.

The Round Up

There are well over 100 garage door opener brands available today, with that number continuing to grow. Some are long established manufacturers with proven track records, while others are short term imports, often generic openers that have been rebranded for quick resale.

We deliberately limit the brands we sell and install to the four covered in this guide. These are the openers we see performing reliably year after year, with consistent parts availability and support. We prefer to install products that do not create problems down the track, for us or for you.

Reliability, sensible design and long term support matter far more than an inflated feature list or a low upfront price.

 

Brand Model Price (AUD) Motor Power Door Size Rating Newtons per Dollar Notes
Auto Openers Panel Ace $349 1000N 16.5m² 2.86 Best value for standard residential doors
Auto Openers Panel Boss $399 1200N 18m² 3.01 Best value for heavy or large residential doors
Merlin MS65MYQ $559 600N 13.5m² 1.07 Entry level Merlin for light or single doors  
Merlin MS105MYQ $599 1000N 13.5m² 1.67 Most popular Merlin model
Merlin MS135MYQ $899 1300N 13.5m² 1.45 Designed for heavier or high wind doors
ATA ATS-1 $571 700N 15m² 1.23 Entry level ATA model
ATA ATS-2 Tempo $719 1100N 18m² 1.53  Most popular ATA model
ATA ATS-3 Synchro $899 1100N 18m² 1.22 Inbuilt smartphone kit
B&D SDO-6 Secure $869 1000N 18m² 1.15 Solid baseline performance
B&D SDO-7 Smart $1109 1100N 18m² 0.99 Higher cost driven by smart features
B&D SDO-8v3 Panel Max $619.95 700N 16.5m² 1.13 Budget option for lighter doors
B&D SDO-9v3 Smart Pro $1399 1400N 18m² 1.00 High capacity, premium pricing

 

Best overall value:
Auto Openers offer the strongest balance of price, motor output, low ongoing costs and simple accessory compatibility. They suit most homes and remain the easiest recommendation for the majority of sectional and panel doors.

Best range and long term reliability:
Merlin provides the widest range of options across door sizes and installation scenarios, with a long track record of reliability. Higher pricing and warranty structure are the main trade-offs.

Best for like for like replacements:
ATA is a sensible choice where an existing ATA system is already installed or where installer familiarity is important. It remains dependable but is less competitive on value and accessory simplicity.

Best known brand:
B&D remains the most recognisable name in Australian garage doors. While reliability is solid, brand recognition alone no longer represents strong value when compared with the alternatives available today.

Choosing the right garage door opener ultimately comes down to matching the motor to your door type, usage and budget. Understanding where each brand excels, and where compromises exist, makes it far easier to select an opener that will perform reliably for years rather than just looking good on a specification sheet.

Colorbond Colour Chart for Garage Doors
11
Nov
Purchasing Guide

Garage Door Colorbond Colours

Posted on by WGD Team

Colorbond colour guide

Garage Door Colorbond Colours

Every Colorbond colour in the core range, shown on a garage door and written for garage doors rather than roofing. There are 22 colours in the classic range plus 6 in the premium Matt finish, and all of them are available on Taurean roller and sectional doors.

Standard Colorbond colours cost no more than the base price of the door. Use the jump links below to go straight to a colour family, or get a price for your door once you have chosen.

Whites and creams Greys Browns, reds and earth tones Greens Blues and blacks Matt finish

3 colours

Colorbond whites and creams

Light Colorbond colours reflect heat and make a garage door recede into the facade rather than dominate it. They suit rendered walls, pale brick and anything coastal.

Colorbond Dover White

The brightest white in the Colorbond range, drawn from chalky sand, ghost gum bark and alpine snow. On a garage door it reads clean and crisp rather than stark. Dover White is the one to pick when you want the door to sit back quietly against a white or light rendered house, or to throw sharp contrast against a dark frame. It is a popular choice on new builds where the roof, gutters and door are all specified together.

Colorbond Surfmist

A soft, warm white and one of the most ordered garage door colours in Australia. Surfmist is gentler than Dover White, with just enough warmth to stop it looking clinical in bright sun. It works with pale brick, blonde timber, limestone and whitewashed weatherboard, and it is forgiving on a wide double door where a stark white can look like a blank wall.

Colorbond Classic Cream

A warm, yellow-toned cream with a heritage feel. Classic Cream suits older homes, federation and cottage styles, and anywhere a plain white would look too modern. On a shed or garage door it pairs naturally with red brick, terracotta roofing and cream render. It is also a common match for existing guttering on homes built through the eighties and nineties.

8 colours

Colorbond greys

Grey is the biggest seller in garage doors by a wide margin. The range runs from the palest silver through to near black, so the question is usually how dark to go and whether you want a warm or cool grey.

Colorbond Southerly

A pale, cool grey with a hint of blue, named after the change that comes through on a hot afternoon. Southerly is light enough to keep a facade feeling open while still hiding marks better than a white. It sits well against concrete, pale timber and grey brick, and gives a soft contrast against richer brickwork without the weight of a mid grey.

Colorbond Shale Grey

A light, warm grey inspired by silvered bark and granite. Shale Grey is one of the safest choices in the whole range because it works with almost anything: grey brick, dark timber, render, even sandstone. On a garage door it is quiet and elegant rather than a feature, which is exactly what most people want. Very common on inner city, suburban and coastal homes alike.

Colorbond Bluegum

A relaxed mid grey with a cool, slightly blue cast, named for the mountain gums. Bluegum is dark enough to anchor a facade but stops short of the drama of Basalt or Monument. It coordinates easily with dark timber and honed stone, and is a good middle option when Shale Grey feels too light and Monument feels too heavy.

Colorbond Windspray

A neutral mid grey with a coastal feel, evoking sea mist and summer breezes. Windspray is the most genuinely neutral grey in the range, which makes it useful when the house already has a lot going on. It sits comfortably with concrete, weathered timber and grey brick, and is a frequent pick for heritage renovations where a modern door needs to not shout.

Colorbond Wallaby

A muted grey with a brown undertone, taken from the soft grey-brown of native fauna. Wallaby is the warm alternative to a cool mid grey. It finds harmony alongside brown timbers, red-brown brick, concrete and blackened steel detailing, and is worth considering when a straight grey garage door looks cold against warm brickwork.

Colorbond Basalt

A deep, cool grey named for the ancient rock. Basalt gives a garage door real weight without going to black, and it is a common alternative to Monument for anyone who wants dark but slightly softer. It coordinates with greyed timber, recycled brick and concrete. If you are torn between Basalt and Woodland Grey, Basalt is the cooler and more urban of the two.

Colorbond Woodland Grey

A dark grey with a green cast, reminiscent of inland bush and coastal scrub. Woodland Grey is the chameleon of the range, reading as charcoal in some light and green-grey in others. It suits country and bush settings, sandstone, granite, slate and dark timber. A long-standing favourite for sheds and rural garage doors where a flat charcoal would look out of place.

Colorbond Monument

The most popular dark Colorbond colour in Australia and the default for modern facades. Monument is a deep charcoal grey, strong enough to read as near black from the street but with enough grey in it to stay soft up close. On a garage door it pairs with white render, black window frames, blonde timber and concrete. If you are matching a Monument roof, gutters or window frames, this is the one.

6 colours

Colorbond browns, reds and earth tones

These take their cue from the Australian landscape and suit homes with warm brick, timber or stone. They are less common on garage doors than the greys, which can be the point if you want something less expected.

Colorbond Paperbark

A pale, muted brown with hints of cream and grey, named for the tree. Paperbark is a warm neutral that sits between a cream and a light grey, which makes it very easy to live with. It works with light timber, contemporary brick and neutral render, and is a natural fit against greyed coastal foliage.

Colorbond Evening Haze

A subtle, earthy tone drawn from limestone coastlines and dry inland grasses. Evening Haze is calm and balanced, a touch warmer and greener than Paperbark. It coordinates with lime-washed timber, pale textured brick and muted metallics, and is well suited to contemporary and composite homes in rural and seaside settings.

Colorbond Dune

A warm, blush-toned neutral named for the sand formations. Dune is one of the most widely used colours in the range because it flatters mid-tone timber and limestone without ever competing with them. On a garage door it gives a soft, cohesive look in coastal and rural colour schemes.

Colorbond Gully

A grounded, earthy mid tone inspired by river clay, pebbles and stone. Gully is subtle but has more depth than Dune or Paperbark. It is versatile across composite contemporary homes and more traditional homestead and ranch styles, and complements limewashed brick, natural stone and render.

Colorbond Jasper

A warm reddish-brown taken from rocky outcrops and ageing eucalypt bark. Jasper is solid and grounding in earthy schemes with warm timber, bluestone and brick. On mid-century homes it sits in harmony with the original materials, and on newer composite builds it works as a warm contrast to concrete, blonde timber and feature stone.

Colorbond Manor Red

A deep red drawn from the earth and ancient rock of inland Australia. Manor Red is a heritage roofing staple, and on a garage door it delivers bold colour where a neutral would be forgettable. Use it alongside sandy stone, painted brick and weatherboard, or against black detailing and concrete for a warmer contemporary scheme.

2 colours

Colorbond greens

Only two greens remain in the core range, and both are long-standing. They suit bush, rural and older suburban settings where a grey door can look out of place.

Colorbond Pale Eucalypt

A gentle, muted green taken from native eucalypt foliage. Pale Eucalypt is calming rather than bright, and is enhanced by warm timber, mixed stone and pale neutral brick. On a shed or garage door in a regional setting it settles into the bushland around it. In suburban schemes it softens and freshens a palette that has gone too grey.

Colorbond Cottage Green

A deep, lush green with real saturation, recalling national parks and fertile hills. Cottage Green is one of the strongest accents in the range and suits traditional house styles. On garage doors and sheds it brings an outdoor space together and works particularly well with sandy or recycled brick.

3 colours

Colorbond blues and blacks

The darkest end of the range. These make a garage door a deliberate feature rather than a background element, so they reward a facade that can carry it.

Colorbond Ironstone

A deep, steely blue-grey drawn from stormy skies and wild coastal seas. Ironstone is sophisticated and reads darker than it looks on a swatch. It complements bluestone, terrazzo and glazed brick, and is a strong alternative to Monument for anyone who wants dark with a cooler, bluer cast. Use it with warm neutrals for a traditional effect, or across roof, walls and garage door for a bold contemporary result.

Colorbond Deep Ocean

An elegant, strong blue recalling ocean depths and distant ranges. Deep Ocean is more clearly blue than Ironstone and adapts to both traditional and modern designs. It works in coastal schemes with beige brick and pale concrete, and in industrial schemes with red brick and dark granite. A confident choice for a feature garage door.

Colorbond Night Sky

The true black of the range, pure and neutral, named for the vast Australian midnight sky. Night Sky is used to emphasise, highlight and contrast, creating drama and focus. It suits urban and inner city homes with linear, ultra-modern lines. Pair it with ebony timber and matt finishes for a monochrome scheme, or use it to sharpen the earthier colours in the range.

6 colours

Colorbond Matt finish colours

The Matt range is the same steel with the sheen taken out. It is a low-gloss, low-glare finish that has become the default on modern dark facades, particularly where the roof, gutters and garage door are all specified in the same colour. Six colours are available.

Surfmist Matt

A soft white with the sheen taken out. The most reflective option in the Matt range, which helps on a west-facing door.

Dune Matt

The warm blush neutral in a low-sheen finish, softer again than the standard Dune.

Shale Grey Matt

The light warm grey without the gloss. A popular pairing with Monument Matt on the same facade.

Bluegum Matt

The cool mid grey in Matt. Reads slightly deeper than the standard finish.

Basalt Matt

Deep cool grey with no reflection. A softer alternative to Monument Matt.

Monument Matt

The most requested Matt colour. All the depth of Monument with the glare removed, which is why it has become the default on modern dark facades.

Matt is a premium finish and is priced above a standard Colorbond door. Call us on 1300 456 356 for a Matt quote, or use the calculator on our roller door prices page for standard Colorbond pricing.

Older and discontinued Colorbond colours

The core range has changed over the years, so the colour on your existing roof or gutters may no longer be in the chart above. Names like Slate Grey, Heritage Red, Torres Blue and Bushland come up regularly and are not part of the current 22.

If you are matching a door to an existing roof, send us the colour name and we will tell you the closest current match before you order. It is a quick call and it avoids the one mistake that cannot be undone once a door is made.

Ask us about a colour match

Choosing a colour for your garage door

A garage door is usually the single largest flat surface on the front of a house, so the colour carries further than people expect from a small swatch.

Three things worth knowing. Match the roof or the window frames rather than the walls, because that is what reads as deliberate. Darker colours hide dust and marks but show dents more. And a colour that looks mid-grey on a chart will always read a shade darker across a full double door.

Order a physical sample from Colorbond if you are torn between two. Screens are not reliable for this.

Common questions

Colorbond colours, answered

How many Colorbond colours are there?

There are 22 colours in the Colorbond classic range, plus 6 of those colours also offered in a premium Matt finish. All 22 are available on Taurean garage doors.

What is the most popular Colorbond colour for garage doors?

Monument, by a wide margin. It is a deep charcoal that reads almost black from the street and matches the black window frames used on most modern builds. Surfmist, Shale Grey and Woodland Grey follow it.

Do Colorbond colours cost extra on a garage door?

Standard Colorbond colours cost no more than the base price of the door. Premium finishes are where the cost moves: the Timber Coat, Knotwood and Luxe Design Powdercoat ranges add roughly 10 to 20% depending on door size, and the Matt finish is also priced above standard.

What is the difference between Basalt and Woodland Grey?

Both are dark greys. Basalt is cooler and more urban with a blue-grey cast. Woodland Grey has a green undertone and shifts between charcoal and green-grey depending on the light, which suits bush and rural settings better.

What is the difference between Monument and Night Sky?

Monument is a very dark charcoal grey. Night Sky is a true neutral black. Monument stays softer up close and is the more common choice on garage doors. Night Sky is used when you want genuine black with no grey in it.

What is the Colorbond Matt finish?

The same steel with the sheen removed, giving a low-gloss, low-glare surface. Six colours are available: Surfmist, Dune, Shale Grey, Bluegum, Basalt and Monument. It is a premium finish and prices above standard Colorbond.

Can I match my garage door to my roof?

Yes. If your roof is a current Colorbond colour we can supply the door to match. If it is an older colour that has been discontinued, send us the name and we will confirm the nearest current match before anything is made.

Which Colorbond colours are best for hot climates?

Lighter colours reflect more heat. Dover White and Surfmist have the highest solar reflectance in the range, with Surfmist Matt higher again. Monument and Night Sky absorb the most, which matters more on a roof than on a vertical garage door.

Are all 22 colours available on every door?

The standard Colorbond range is available across Taurean roller and sectional doors, though availability can vary by range and size. Put your opening size into our calculator for pricing, and call us to confirm a specific colour on a specific door.

Timber Look Garage Door
29
Sep
Help Guide, Purchasing Guide

Should you choose a timber or timber-look garage door?

Posted on by WGD Team

If you have finally decided that you want a wooden look for your garage door, you will now face a difficult decision. You must decide whether to go with an actual timber door made out of solid wood or a timber-look garage door made out of synthetic materials and metal.

Timber Look Garage Door

There are pros and cons associated with each type of door, which can make the decision-making process difficult. Luckily, we are here to help you if you are faced with this type of decision. The following is a look at some of the pros and cons associated with both kinds of garage doors.

A Closer Look at Timber Garage Doors

Timber garage doors are completely made from 100% natural wood. As a result, this gives them an all-natural look. Just like with any garage door, there are pros and cons associated with a wood-style garage door.

Pros of wood-style garage doors include:
  • All-natural appearance
  • Eco-friendly as it is made from recyclable material
  • Ability to be re-stained in addition to being re-painted
  • Durable and solid
Cons of a wood look garage door include:
  • A lot of maintenance is involved to keep timber doors looking fresh and clean
  • Susceptible to rot and termites
  • In conclusion, it is a very expensive garage door option
 

A Closer Look at Timber-Look Garage Doors

Timber-look garage doors have the look and appearance of a wooden garage door, but they are made of steel and other synthetic materials such as COLORBOND. This garage door option is ideal for individuals who want the wooden door appearance, but who may be shopping on a budget or don’t fancy the idea of ongoing maintenance.

 

What are the Pros?

  • Low maintenance
  • Strong, secure, and durable
  • Termite and rot-resistant
  • Ability to customise your garage door colour and finish by choosing from a variety of colours
  • Affordable, budget-friendly garage door option

 

What are the Cons?

  • May not look exactly 100% like a wooden door
  • Replacing the colouring and finishing may be time-consuming and costly
  • Materials are normally not sustainable

 

Buy Your New Garage Door Online

Let Wholesale Garage Doors Help You Make a Decision Between Timber and Timber-Look Garage Doors Wholesale Garage Doors can help guide you through the decision-making process when it comes to picking a timber garage door or a timber-look garage door. We can help you explore your options and determine what timber or timber-look garage roller doors are best for your home.

We have many Taurean Door Systems roller doors or panel lift doors that are available in wood-look colours (known as Colorgrain). Made from Colorbond steel, the wood colours never fade.

Contact Wholesale Garage Doors today to learn more about these kinds of garage doors. We will be happy to discuss your options for roller and panel doors and help you select the best one for your home.

How Much Does A Garage Door Cost?
15
Sep
Garage doors archives, Purchasing Guide

How much does a garage door cost?

Posted on by WGD Team

If your garage door breaks down or you’ve decided to revamp the kerb appeal of your home, you may be facing the difficult decision of repair or replacement. Before that decision can be made, most homeowners wish to understand how much a new garage door will cost.

How Much Does A Garage Door Cost?

To help you understand the financial aspect of purchasing and installing a garage roller door or panel lift door, we have broken down how to determine your garage door cost. This information can help you make an informed decision regarding whether to repair the garage door or simply replace it.

Garage Door Cost Factors

The price of a new garage door can vary dramatically. A single garage roller door price can be as little as $775. The price increases depending upon the size, materials used, and even the model of the garage door. The most expensive garage doors can cost as much as $5,200. The cost of your new garage door will include all hardware, brackets and tracks needed to be able to install your new garage door. Some factors that will influence the cost of your garage door include:

  • Materials used – All doors that Wholesale Garage sells are Australian COLORBOND® steel, in a variety of finishes. This includes some garage doors that offer an additional cost finish that replicates the look and feel of timber but with the strength and durability of steel
  • Size – The larger you go, the more it will cost. A common misconception is that there is a ‘Standard Garage Door Size’. There is no standard size, as the door is solely dependent on the size of your opening.
  • Insulated or Un-Insulated – Insulated garage roller doors cost more because of the extra material used to insulate the door.
  • Style – Various makes and models of garage doors come with additional features, such as safety sensors and extra panelling along the bottom to prevent dirt, debris, or water from getting into the garage.
  • Colour – Neutral garage door colours are often the least expensive. However, many doors can be customised in various colours to match your home’s exterior décor at little or no additional expense.
  • Automation – Why would you manually open your brand new garage door? The cost of an automatic garage door opener that works with a remote is just $300. We highly recommend the Australian-owned Auto Openers, as their openers come with a fantastic 10 Year Warranty.

If you would like to get a quote on your garage door, please visit our easy-to-use garage door price calculator!

 

Professional Installation Fee Vs DIY

In addition to factoring in the price of the actual garage door, you need to include the fee for installation and removal. That is if you not going to install it yourself.

Most of the garage doors from Wholesale Garage Doors can be installed by homeowners who are comfortable with the technical side of the installation. However, not everyone is comfortable installing a garage door themselves. Therefore, you may need to include the extra fee of having a professional install the garage door.

Installation costs will vary, but it will typically cost approximately $250 to install the garage door. There may also be a fee to remove the old garage door, which is normally around $160.

Deciding whether to replace a garage door or repair it is a personal decision. Very often, you will need to decide based on your budget and how long you have had your garage door. After learning about how much it costs to buy a new garage door, if you are going to replace your existing garage door let us help you.

Wholesale Garage Doors has a wide variety of Taurean and other brands of garage doors. We offer garage doors that you can purchase at wholesale prices, with fast shipping Australia-wide! Contact Wholesale Garage Doors today to request a quote for your new garage door.

Taurean Sectional Panel Lift TIlt 4
25
Jul
Garage door opener archives, Purchasing Guide

How to choose the right roller door motor

Posted on by WGD Team

Technology has certainly changed the way we see garage door openers. No longer are they used just to open and close your garage door. With such a wide variety of roller door motor’s on todays market, it can be hard to decide which to choose. We’ve written this blog today with our entire staff, with over 200 years of combined garage door experience!

Wholesale Garage Door Panel Lift Door Display Home

Choosing the right garage door opener is almost just as important as choosing the right garage door for your home. Below we compare the Merlin and Auto Opener brands of roller door openers, with our recommendations and thoughts. Taking these things into consideration will help you find the right roller door motor.

Merlin – SilentDrive Elite MR855MYQ

The SilentDrive Elite is from another well-known automation brand, Chamberlain Merlin. The SilentDrive Elite (MR855MYQ for short) also includes two remote controls for your keyring, as well as a dedicated wall button. The MR855MYQ also has LED lighting, with the ability to suit slightly larger doors up to 18m². This works out to 6m wide x 3m high.

The MR855MYQ also has some optional accessories available, including a battery backup, MYQ Connectivity Kit and PE Safety Beams. No camera is available for this opener at the time of writing, however, you can get one with the iSmartGate kit which is compatible with the MR855MYQ.

View in Online Store

 

The Fine Print

For your warranty, Merlin also offers a 7-year warranty, or 15,000 cycles.

As far as keeping your warranty valid, Merlin requires the opener to be installed by a Professional Dealer authorised by Merlin and serviced in the third year of operation. Whilst Merlin only requires one service, there are a few hidden points. Your door cannot exceed 20kg of lifting weight at any time, cannot stick or bind at any point and must always be balanced. If it is not balanced or is sticking, you cannot use the door until it is serviced. No definition for what is ‘In Balance’ is given in the warranty manual.

Staff Thoughts on the MR8855MYQ Roller Door Motor

Warranty oddness aside, the MR855MYQ is a solid opener. The remotes look and feel good and we haven’t had an issue with one of the SilentDrive openers for a few years. Would recommend it if you are getting the motor installed for you and you are not wanting to DIY install it.

Auto Openers – Door Master

Finishing the round-up is the Auto Openers Door Master. Auto Openers is the only Australian-owned company here today, as Merlin is American-owned.

The Auto Openers Door Master (AODM for short) has three remote controls for your keyring, as well as an included wall holder/visor clip. This little clip has pre-fixed holes, so you can easily mount the holder to the wall. You can then use it as a wall button, or take it out of the holder for visitors to have a keyring remote. You can also it on your car visor in case you want to avoid something else on your keyring. It comes with a metal clip that slips over the visor to hold it in place.

The AODM also has very bright LED lighting and is also able to suit slightly larger doors of 18m². This works out to 6m wide x 3m high.

The AODM also has some optional accessories available, including a battery backup, Smartphone Kit, Smart Camera and PE Safety Beams. If you’re wanting to wire something into the opener, the green wiring terminal plug can be removed from the opener. You can then safely wire up your alarm or accessory on the ground, rather than being on a ladder!

View in Online Store

 

The Fine Print

Auto Openers offers a 5 or 10-year warranty, with no cycle limitations.

For your 10-year warranty, Auto Openers requires the opener to be installed by an Auto Openers Accredited Dealer. The motor then needs to be serviced yearly by an Accredited Dealer.

If you are planning on a DIY installation, Auto Openers also offers a 5-year warranty. This is the only DIY-supported warranty roller door motor that we sell. Your door just needs to be in good working condition, freely moving without sticking or binding before installation. There is only one required service, again in year 3.

 

Staff Thoughts on the AODM Roller Door Motor

As far as DIY solutions go, it’s the only one but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Auto Openers released a video showing the AODM installation with one of their techs. The motor’s price point is also much cheaper than Merlin, but it’s got all the same features and specs.

Highly recommended for both Professional and DIY installations.

Conclusion

Professional Installation: Merlin MR855MYQ or Auto Openers Door Master
DIY Installation: Auto Openers Door Master

It’s a bit of a read, but hopefully, you have a greater understanding of what roller door motor you want to purchase. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer them.