Steel or wood garage doors for your home?
By Jim Hatley, July 8, 2021
Many people ask whether to choose steel or wood garage doors. There is no easy answer to the question, but once you have considered the pros
and cons, you can make an informed choice based on your preferences and budget.
Everybody loves the look of genuine wood, but, of course, steel is hardier and lower maintenance. Nobody can blame you for choosing a wooden door - in something like cedar or walnut. You just can’t beat that aesthetic. Steel, with all its practical benefits, can never offer you that. So how do you make the choice, and what do you need to consider?
Pros and cons of wood vs. metal garage doors
As you weigh up the options for your new garage door, think about the following five factors:
1. Price
Wood is the pricier option of the two because it takes longer and is more costly to produce. Steel can be fabricated in a relatively short period,
comparatively speaking, and is thus the less expensive option.
2. Appearance
As we said before, wood offers an unbeatable appearance, an elegance and style that is hard to replicate. Having said that, wood is not necessarily
the clear winner in this category - it depends on the look you are trying to achieve. A country or traditional look would benefit from wood, while steel could work perfectly for a modern or contemporary aesthetic.
3. Lifespan
Wooden garage doors have the potential to last a lifetime, provided they are well cared for. The material is naturally strong and is usually reinforced with a sturdy frame and hardboard panels for extra durability. The natural pattern and grain help to prevent scratches and scuff marks from showing up on the surface. However, wood does require regular maintenance, including occasional refinishing, to keep it in good shape. Stainless steel is also incredibly durable and less susceptible to the elements. Its only weakness is its potential to show scratches and scrapes that wood might more easily conceal.
4. Maintenance
One of the pros of steel is that it is very low maintenance. Wood, on the other hand, requires a lot of care and attention to maintain its strength and beauty. If you live in an area with a hot, dry climate, you may want to avoid wood because it is very susceptible to sun damage.
5. Insulation
Steel garage doors are generally better at providing insulation than wooden ones. If this is an important factor for your garage, you may want to go with steel.
The good news is that you may not necessarily have to choose between wood and steel. If you want the wood aesthetic without all the maintenance, then you can opt for a wood-look door. It is better to get a custom garage door that looks like genuine wood but is actually made of steel and offers all its structural and functional benefits. Even if you decide to have real wood as a component of your door, you can go with the Wood Overlay option - doors with a steel core and a genuine wooden facade. Tri-Lakes Garage Doors can give you the best of both worlds.
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