Wooden vs Metal Garage Doors: Which is better?
Garage doors can be made from a variety of materials, but two are most common: metal and wood.
Metal has long been considered the default option for garage doors, used in both residential and commercial premises, but wood has become increasingly recognised for its beauty, security, and longevity. Still, many people wonder if a wooden garage door will really hold up as well as a metal door does.
In this guide, we discuss how wood compares to both steel and aluminium, assessing the pros and cons of each material.
1. Durability & Security
Wood: Wood has an inherent strength that makes it highly resistant to damage. It is very difficult to break through and will withstand dents, scratches, and attempts at tampering remarkably well; in the unlikely case there is damage, the natural grain of wood means that marks do not show up as much as they do on other materials. On the other hand, wood does require more maintenance to protect it from the weather, rot, and insects.
Steel: Steel is a very tough material and can withstand a fair amount of damage thrown at it. However, steel doors can buckle under enough pressure (such as from a car bumper). You may need to replace your door sooner if the damage can’t be fixed.
Aluminium: Because aluminium doors tend to be thin and lightweight, they are more at risk of denting if knocked into. They can be corroded by seawater, making them unsuitable for seaside locations. On the plus side, aluminium is resistant to freshwater and very low maintenance. It will also not rust or rot.
2. Insulation
Wood: Thanks to the makeup of fibres, there is very little airspace within the profile of wood. This thermally efficient construct means that your garage stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. If your garage opens up into your home, it will improve your house’s overall energy efficiency and lower your yearly heating bills.
Steel: Steel is a poor insulator and lets heat escape easily. If you opt for a steel door, you may need to pay extra for insulating materials to be added to it.
Aluminium: Much like steel, aluminium struggles to retain heat. Its slim structure also makes it susceptible to draughts from high winds.
3. Aesthetics
Wood: The natural beauty of wood is well known. Wooden garage doors blend into traditional-style homes much better than metal, giving your garage a charming, uncommon visage that helps increase your home’s curb appeal. They can be made with a variety of different wood types, allowing you to choose from plenty of colours and patterns.
Steel: Steel doors are available in a huge range of designs, making them a very versatile option. You can opt for virtually any colour, from pure white to reds, blues, and yellows. They often have a simple, understated appearance that adds a modern touch to a property. However, there is a risk of steel doors looking cold and industrial, especially when paired with a more classic house style.
Aluminium: Thanks to their clean-lined aesthetic, aluminium doors tend to be the first choice for contemporary homes. They often feature wide glass panes for a striking, ultra-modern appearance. The range of colours can be more limited, however, and they won’t necessarily fit in with all property styles.
Premium Wooden Doors, Unique to Your Garage
Now that you know the differences between wood, steel, and aluminium doors, you may have decided that wood is the right choice for you. If so, you’re in the right place.
From within our workshop in Dorset, we design and create beautiful wooden doors bespoke for your garage. Each of our doors is crafted by hand, combining premium wood and traditional craftsmanship for a truly breath-taking result.
Get a no-obligation quote on our wooden garage doors online or by calling us on 01202 670770!
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