Wood Garage Doors vs. Steel Garage Doors: Which Is Better for Your Home?

Wood and steel are two of the best materials for a new garage door. They’re long-lasting and stylish and can elevate your home’s exterior. If you’re planning to upgrade your home’s garage door, you might have questions about which material is the right option.

Both choices have pros and cons, but ultimately, the best decision comes down to your personal preferences and priorities. Regardless of which material you choose, upgrading your garage doors can protect your home and increase its curb appeal.

A new garage door is a great investment, and you can enjoy the benefits for years. Use this guide to compare wood vs. steel garage doors so you can make an informed decision.

Pros and Cons of Wood Garage Doors

Many people prefer wooden garage doors because of their high-quality look. They’re beautiful, have a classic style and can elevate your home’s curb appeal. Here are some common pros to choosing a wooden door:

Traditional style
Customizable
Long-lasting
Insulating properties
Easy to repair

When you choose a wooden door, the custom options are endless. You can specify window shape and size, panel style, stylistic overlays, hardware and stain color. This product can be designed to complement your home and get the exact look you want.

Wood has low thermal conductivity and does have some natural insulating properties, but is not as insulating as some other materials like steel. When properly maintained, a wooden garage door can last for many years. The longevity of a wood garage door can vary depending on factors such as the type of wood, climate conditions, and proper care and maintenance.

Because they’re such high quality, however, wooden doors do require some upkeep. Here are some of the cons that come with investing in a wooden garage door:

High comparative cost
Maintenance needs
Aging from weather

Wood slightly expands and contracts with changes in weather temperature and humidity. Over time, the finish on wood garage doors may wear off, and you’ll need to reseal them. Because they’re so customizable, wooden garage doors also have a much higher price than steel options.

Depending on your goals, wooden garage doors may be the perfect choice for you.

Pros and Cons of Steel Garage Doors

Steel garage doors have many benefits, but people choose this option mainly for its cost and durability. Here’s a quick list of the top pros for choosing a steel garage door for your home:

Sleek finish
Insulation options
Affordability
Low maintenance
Range of colors
Pattern options

Pros and Cons of Wood Garage Doors

The two winning factors for steel garage doors are their affordability and low maintenance requirements. Steel doors can last a long time with minimal care, and they have a wide range of finish and pattern options.

Some homeowners choose a faux wood overlay so their steel doors have the appearance of a wood finish. This kind of door’s wide range of colors and finishes means you can easily match it to your home and exterior aesthetic.

For all their benefits, however, there are a few cons to selecting a steel garage door. Some of these cons include:

Low insulation quality (when the door is only one-layer steel)
Potential for dents
Possible rust damage

If the finish on your steel doors gets damaged, you’ll need to fix it before rust can set in. Steel might also not be the best option if you have kids who play in your driveway since it does dent. A steel garage door alone can easily conduct cold and heat. Steel garage doors are available with a range of insulation options like polystyrene and polyurethane which can help insulate your garage extremely well.

How to Choose Which Garage Doors Are Best for Your Home

At this point, deciding between metal vs. wood garage doors may be easy for you. However, if you like both options and aren’t sure which one is best, keep reading. We’ll go into a detailed comparison between wood and steel garage doors so you can choose the best option for your home.

Cost

Steel is the best choice if you’d like to buy a garage door on a budget. Steel garage doors can cost less than $1,000, while wood garage doors typically cost several thousand. For a highly customized wood garage door, the total cost could be much higher — $4,000 or more, depending on your location, preferences and the size of your garage. However, custom doors are more expensive for both wood and steel options.

Before deciding against wood garage doors based on cost, talk to a local representative to determine specific pricing for your area. You might also be able to opt for a wood composite that’s more affordable but has the kind of style you prefer.

Style

Which style appeals most to you? Which one would work best with your home? Wood garage doors often work well with traditional houses. You can also consider your home’s exterior and whether a wood garage door would work well with existing decor.

Although many people prefer the look of wood garage doors, steel doors come with a wide range of options and can also elevate your home. Modern homes may be a better fit for steel doors, but they can also be aesthetically pleasing for farmhouse-style homes.

To decide which option would work best with your home’s style, look at examples of different homes. Think about what style your home already promotes and how a new garage door could change or enhance that look.

Maintenance

Both wood and steel garage doors can last for a long time. However, wood garage doors typically take more maintenance — they may need to be resealed several times over the years, and they don’t handle weather changes as well as steel doors.

When you invest in steel garage doors, there’s very little you have to do to maintain them. However, they can be dented with enough force and may develop a rust problem if the finish gets damaged. On the whole, steel garage doors require minimal maintenance.

While part of your investment is financial, another part has to do with time. Long-term maintenance is the responsibility you’re committing to when you purchase a new garage door. Think through how much time you want to spend maintaining this part of your home.

Talk to Garage Door Specialists, Inc. Today!

At Garage Door Specialists, we offer competitive pricing for residential garage doors. Our technicians are trained to repair old garage doors and install new ones.

We carry many Clopay® garage doors, including wood, steel and composite options. Reach out to one of our representatives today for a free estimate or to discuss the best garage door style option for your home. We’re excited to work with you!

How Do New Garage Doors Increase Security for Your Business?

A new garage door can provide a strong, durable defense to help you increase security on your commercial property. New garage doors offer several benefits that make protecting your assets, employees and customers easy, all while streamlining your workflow and boosting your revenue.

Why You Need New Commercial Garage Doors for Your Business

Installing a new garage door on your commercial property allows you to create a safe and comfortable place for your employees and customers, as well as your equipment, inventory and vehicles. New garage doors also offer benefits such as increased productivity, smoother workflows, lower expenses, reduced injury and product damage risks, and boosted property values.

New doors come with features such as:

Strong, durable and flame-resistant materials that can withstand the weather and frequent use
Insulation for soundproofing, indoor temperature control and reduced energy expenses
Attractive appearances that improve customer perceptions, your reputation, your competitive edge and your revenue stream

Other Things You Can Do to Boost Business Security

A few other ways you can increase security on your commercial property include:

Installing a video surveillance system: Modern surveillance systems allow you to monitor your entire property from anywhere and at any time on your mobile device.
Improving lighting: Create a secure environment that discourages criminal activity and helps customers and employees feel safe with adequate lighting throughout your commercial property.
Implementing access control: Access control systems such as keypads, card readers and biometric scanners enable you to better control who enters your commercial space.

How to Boost Garage Door Security

Your garage door helps you safeguard your assets, employees and customers, especially when you choose a strong, durable and reinforced door material. Proper installation will also boost garage door security by ensuring your door can offer long-lasting performance.

Try securing your garage door by:

Combining traditional and modern security techniques: Supplement traditional locks with access control systems to fortify your security. Connecting your door with smart technology, such as motion detectors and automatic lock systems, can also help increase your door’s security.
Performing regular maintenance: Keeping your door in good condition is one of the best ways to ensure its longevity and security. Conduct frequent safety inspections to identify and promptly address issues before they escalate into expensive and risky problems.
Educating employees: Keep your employees up to date about safe operation and maintenance practices so they can help ensure security and safety on your commercial property. The better informed your workforce is, the better you can secure your business.
Maintaining privacy: You can boost garage door security by using window treatments or frosted glass to minimize sightlines into your commercial space. As you increase privacy, you can enhance security.

Improve Commercial Garage Door Safety With Help From Garage Door Specialists, Inc.

Create a secure commercial space with assistance from Garage Door Specialists, Inc. We can help you find the right door for your security needs. Contact us today to learn more about our commercial garage doors.

10 Tips to Keep Your Garage Cool

Check out these tips for keeping your garage cool in the summer!

1. Use Your Garage Wisely

Going in and out of your garage all day can trap hot air inside. Try to use your garage in the cooler hours of the day, like early morning. Limiting how often you open and close your door throughout the day can help keep temperatures cool.

2. Park Your Vehicle Outside to Cool Off

An efficient way to cool a garage is to park vehicles in the driveway or a shady spot after using them. Cars can take several hours to cool down, so parking them inside your garage can raise the temperature. Once your car has cooled off, park it inside to keep it secure and protected from outside elements.

3. Open Doors and Windows for Airflow

Open the garage door in the early morning or late evening to let in fresh, cool air. If you have windows, open them too to get a cross breeze that cools your garage. Be sure to close your garage door and windows during the hottest parts of the day. Using window treatments on your windows can also block heat.

4. Place Fans Throughout Your Garage

Installing a ceiling fan is a great way to cool off, as long as your garage is tall enough. Floor fans will work, too. If you have multiple fans, place one at an open door or window to blow hot air out, and set up another directed at you. The fans won’t decrease the temperature, but the flowing air will feel nice.

5. Declutter the Space

Bulky items can block airflow and retain heat. Place equipment, boxes and other large items along walls or on shelves. With these items out of the way, you can improve the efficiency of other cooling methods and better use your space.

6. Try a Dehumidifier

Humidity can make your garage feel hotter than it actually is. Run a dehumidifier with a ventilation system to cool off your garage. A dehumidifier will also help your garage feel less sticky and more comfortable.

7. Set up a Ventilation System

A well-ventilated garage will be a cooler garage. A few garage ventilation ideas include:

Adding roof vents
Installing exhaust and ventilation fans
Using window fans

8. Insulation Ideas

Your garage is exposed to the sun all day, so without proper insulation, heat can penetrate your space. Insulate your garage’s walls and attic to prevent heat transfer and keep the area cool. Upgrade your garage door from a non-insulated door to one with insulation to improve the energy efficiency of your garage.

9. Pick Lighter Colors for Your Garage

Dark colors absorb more heat, so choosing lighter colors for your garage can help it feel cooler. Pay attention to the colors of your roof, exterior walls and garage door. Choose a door with a higher Light Reflective Value (LRV) to help reflect more light and not absorb as much heat.

10. Purchase an Air Conditioner

While it is more expensive than other cooling options, an air conditioner is the best way to cool down a garage. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your garage in the summer, a ductless air conditioner or a portable one may be a valuable investment.

Keep Cool This Summer With Help From Garage Door Specialists, Inc.

Aluminum vs. Steel Garage Doors

Your garage door is one of the first things people see when they drive up to your home or business. A warped, faded or damaged garage door with rusted or broken parts can pose a safety risk and negatively affect the visual appeal of your property.

If you’re looking for a replacement garage door and wondering what type offers the best performance and longevity, consider an aluminum or steel door from Garage Door Specialists, Inc. We offer custom options for insulation, paint, windows and paneling to fit your unique needs and preferences.

Differences Between Aluminum Garage Doors and Steel Garage Doors

Here’s a comparison of aluminum and steel materials to give you a better idea of these two options:

Appearance: Steel and aluminum are both popular choices for garage door installations. Both materials can be customized with various panels, finishes and woodgrain designs to suit the look of your home or business.
Composition: Aluminum garage doors are lightweight, easy to install and corrosion-resistant. At the same time, they may be less effective when it comes to keeping outdoor temperatures outside. Steel doors are heavy, durable and more secure against weather conditions. Both types of doors are made of recyclable, environmentally friendly materials.
Longevity: Both materials are relatively low maintenance. Aluminum is easy to clean, and you don’t have to worry about rust or rot. Steel garage doors require a pre-painted treatment to prevent rust and corrosion, but they can typically withstand more wear and tear than aluminum.
Cost: Steel garage doors provide a long-lasting investment at an affordable cost, and aluminum can be even less expensive. While the price of these materials often changes depending on current supply and demand, both options are generally within many budgets.

Which Type Is Better?

As you weigh the pros and cons of steel vs. aluminum doors, it’s important to determine your specific requirements for your new garage door. You may want to consider what kind of design elements you’re looking for as well as identify your ideal price point. You can also weigh whether security is your top priority, or if you’re more concerned with budget and performance.

The team at Garage Door Specialists, Inc. can help you decide between steel and aluminum garage doors to ensure you select the option that best suits your unique requirements.

Let Garage Door Specialists, Inc. Install or Repair Your Garage Door

At Garage Door Specialists, Inc., we know you have many choices when it comes to selecting a new overhead door. That’s why we offer many durable, aesthetically appealing and high-quality residential garage doors and commercial doors so you can find exactly what you’re looking for.

Our knowledgeable, experienced technicians will be glad to discuss your performance and functionality expectations and help you determine the right product and customization options. Contact our team today to learn more about our installation and repair services or request an estimate to get started.

Wood Garage Doors vs. Steel Garage Doors: Which Is Better for Your Home?