Choosing a new garage door can feel overwhelming. But fear not! Understanding the key differences between popular materials like wood and steel will empower you to make the best decision for your home.
Let’s go over the pros and cons of wood and steel garage doors, exploring factors like:
- Does a classic wooden garage door aesthetic or a sleek, modern steel finish suit your taste?
- Consider factors like insulation, durability, and overhead door maintenance requirements.
- Wooden garage doors tend to be pricier upfront, while steel doors offer long-term value.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to confidently select the perfect garage door material to enhance your home’s curb appeal and functionality for years to come. Your next garage door installation will be nothing short of flawless.
Budget Considerations
Budget can be one of the biggest factors in determining which material to use. As a rule, wooden doors tend to be more expensive. You could consider going for a wooden composite door, which has the same look and appeal as an all wooden door, but for about half the cost.
Steel doors, on the other hand, are practical, widely available, and very affordable. If you don’t go too cheap, you can get one that is highly durable and safe-guarded against burglars. They require less maintenance.
Maintenance Needs
In addition to having a higher price, wooden doors will also require more maintenance. They need to be sanded, sealed and painted every few years. You also have to safeguard the door against pests and rot.
The beauty of steel doors is they have very minimal maintenance needs. They are durable and tend to stand up against the weather. All they’ll need is a coat of paint every few years — like all garage doors.
Regular Preventative Garage Door Maintenance & Repair
Often overlooked, preventative maintenance and prompt repairs is the secret weapon for a long-lasting and reliable garage door. Just like regular car maintenance prevents breakdowns, taking proactive steps with your garage door can save you a lot. You’ll be thankful for time, money, and frustration you’ve avoided in the long run. Regular lubrication, track cleaning, and minor adjustments can prevent minor issues from turning into major emergencies that leave you stranded with a broken door. Furthermore, addressing potential problems early on significantly extends the lifespan of your garage door. You can save yourself from a costly overhead door replacement down the road. The benefits extend beyond just functionality – preventative maintenance also ensures smooth and quiet operation. It will help get rid of an annoying noisy or sluggish door. By investing a little time and effort upfront, you can enjoy a secure and reliable garage door for years to come.
The Faux Wooden Garage Door Alternative
Wood is beautiful — no doubt about it. It’s natural and down to earth. But as we explained, wooden doors can be expensive in addition to higher maintenance needs. An imitation wooden door offers the best of both worlds — the natural beauty of wood without the high costs or upkeep required. Faux doors are constructed from either steel, composite or fiberglass. They’re super strong, maintenance free. They don’t crack, warp or rot like their wood counterparts. And depending on the quality of the door and its construction, you can get an imitation wooden door that mimics the qualities of real wood, complete with grain simulation. The other advantage to these types of doors is the insulation available.