Shopping for a garage door can be overwhelming if you aren’t sure what to look for. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for garage doors to receive the same amount of attention as the front door of your home.
Some great questions to ask when considering which material to use:
- How long will it last?
- How much use can it handle?
- How much annual maintenance will be required?
In the ring today, we’re matching up steel vs. wood. Let's see how they compare.
STEEL GARAGE DOORS
Steel garage doors offer the most variety in terms of price, insulation, and design. These doors stand the test of time. We’re talking energy efficient, economical, and durable. Plus, they’re quiet. Painting a steel garage door to match your home is very common, creating a cohesive exterior design.
Non-insulated and insulated options are a plenty with the construction of steel doors. Premium doors with polyurethane (foam injected) or polystyrene insulation (styrene is cut to fit panels) not only regulate temperature for seasonal weather, but also make steel doors quieter, lighter, and easier to operate. This option also keeps them less likely to sag over time.
Steel garage doors are lighter and more efficient than wood garage doors and much easier to maintain. They also won’t crack, warp or fall apart due to weather conditions.
Pros: weather resistant, efficient, and low-maintenance
Cons: denting and fading
WOOD GARAGE DOORS
The craftsmanship and beauty of a real wood garage door is hard to resist. Wood garage doors are preferred for their natural look, adding warmth and beauty. This style of door is a great accent to compliment the architectural style of a home. If you’re looking for customization, charm, detail, and curb appeal, this style has it. Paint or stain grade options are available in most wood garage door styles.
Wood doors are thick, solid, and heavy. They have a tremendous amount of natural strength. Most wood doors are constructed with a hemlock frame and hardboard panels. With the proper maintenance and finishing, a wood door can last a long time.
Temperature fluctuations cause the wood to contract and swell, breaking down the finish. I don’t recommend wood doors for sunny, dry, or hot climates. These conditions just aren’t gentle on wood doors.
Wood garage doors are typically more expensive than steel. In the long run, the durability of a wood door will stand up well to bumps and scratches. Classic swing-open functionality can be achieved with wood doors.
Pros: strength, security, and durability
Cons: warping, cracking, regular maintenance, and rotting
SELECTING A GARAGE DOOR
Our showroom is a great place to start. See the designs, materials, colors, and options up close and personal. Accessories like handles, knockers, and hinges are ways to kick up the decorative design on any garage door style. Windows are additional design elements to consider as well. With options galore, let us help guide you to the perfect match.
Choose a style
Choose a material
Choose a collection
Not sure where to start or what’s for you? We’re here to help