When buying a new garage door, it’s important that you choose the product that’s not only right for your home but that also aligns with your climate and budget. You’ll need to select the style and features that you want but, more importantly, you’ll have to choose the material the door is made of and, our experienced sales team can help with this decision! Although there are endless options available, two of the most common materials used in garage door construction are steel and wood. In this article, the team at Creative Door Services shares how these materials compare with one another and highlights some important key differences.
Appearance and Aesthetic
Your garage door plays a major role in the overall appearance and curb appeal of your home. When you choose a door that complements your home’s features and design aesthetic, you’ll enjoy your house and property that much more. Plus, a beautiful garage door increases your home’s value when it comes time to sell.
If you prefer a rustic and rich, warm look to your home, then a wood garage door may be right for you. The luxurious beauty and craftsmanship you find with wood can’t be matched by any other other type of garage door. Natural texture, authentic wood grain, and intricate design patterns are a few of the major draws. Wood complements home facades of nearly every material and is especially stunning when paired with stone.
Steel garage doors have a remarkable allure too, and they go well with all home materials. From wood, brick, vinyl, stone—you name it! And, there are even steel garage doors that can mimic the look of a wooden door.
Maintenance and Durability
Your garage door faces the elements on a daily basis, so it’s important that you consider factors such as climate, upkeep, and durability when deciding which material is appropriate.
If you want a super low-maintenance and robust garage door, then a steel garage door is the best option. It’s extremely easy to clean (you can usually just hose it down) and it’s resistant to warping, splitting, and other effects caused by harsh weather conditions.
Wood garage doors require more upkeep and need to be repainted and/or re-stained every so often. They’re also more vulnerable to intense heat and humidity. Note, however, that you can often solve this problem by choosing a wood type that’s well adapted to your regional climate and that wood has the advantage of concealing imperfections. Because of the natural grain, scratches, scuffs, and other blemishes (and even warping and cracking) tend to blend in with the material.
Level of Insulation
If your garage is attached to your home, you have a room above your garage, or you intend to use your garage as a living space, a well-insulated garage door is a must-have to reduce your heating and cooling costs.
Steel garage doors generally insulate better than wood garage doors. They have several layers of built-in foam insulation that help your garage stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. However, it is important to note that modern wood garage doors do contain similar insulation.
Long-term Costs
Steel garage doors usually have the lower price tag. In addition, they typically require less in the way of maintenance costs.. However, wood garage doors make up some of this lost ground by enhancing the beauty of your home. If you have a garage door that perfectly finishes your home, this will translate to a big boost for your home’s resale value.
Browse Our Selection of Wood and Steel Garage Doors Available in Western Canada
At Creative Door Services, we offer Western Canada’s largest selection of high-quality wood and steel garage doors of every style and for every budget. Take some time to browse our residential catalogue or check out some of our highlighted products to find the unit that’s right for you:
- Wayne Dalton 100 series garage door: a simple and elegant colonial-style wood garage door made from kiln-dried wood.
- Contemporary Rockwood Landmark Series garage door: a robust carriage house wood garage door with a sleek modern design.
- Wayne Dalton's 9100-9605 model garage door: a stylish steel garage door with high thermal efficiency.
- Cornerstone garage door: a sturdy steel garage door with a charming wood grain finish and many options for customization.
If you’re ready for some expert advice, we’d be thrilled to help you choose and guide you through the design process. Reach out to us today to find out more information or get help finding the perfect garage door for your home!