Not only do garage doors keep your cars safe from the elements, but they also provide an extra layer of security and provide your home with increased curb appeal. In order to reap all of these benefits of a garage door, it is important to choose the correct garage door material. While there are many different materials on the market, there are two materials that have always been and continue to be very popular and effective. In this article, we will discuss wood and steel garage doors. We will also explore how you can get the best of both worlds with these materials.
Wood vs Steel Garage Doors
When installing a new garage door it can be difficult to decide between wood and steel. Wood is known to provide a classic and elegant look and feel to the exterior of a home. However, there are some practical elements that make steel a better option.
- Durability: Steel is more durable than wood and will therefore last longer. Wood has a tendency to swell and warp with moisture. Therefore, one will have to consistently perform maintenance on the garage door, especially if you live in an area that experiences a lot of dampness and rain. While steel can be susceptible to rust, it requires less frequent maintenance. All that one needs to do is sand it down and repaint it every few years with a protective paint that is rust-resistant.
- Strength: Steel is known to be a stronger material than wood and will definitely experience less damage than that of a wood garage door. For example, it will fair better in extreme weather conditions such as hail, strong winds, and extremely hot or cold temperatures.
- Cost: Steel garage doors are cheaper than wood garage doors. Not only are wood garage doors more expensive to install, but they also tend to require more maintenance and are known to require replacement more often than their steel counterpart. Therefore, steel has a cheaper initial cost and is a better long-term investment.
Steel Garage Doors That Look Like Wood
If you are someone that understands all of the practical benefits of steel garage doors, but still crave the aesthetic appeal of wood, there might be an alternative that could meet both of your needs. Steel garage doors can be made to look like wood. The process used to do this is known as woodgrain embossing. Typically, the steel door is coated with a layer of vinyl or polyester. A wood grain is then printed onto its surface and made to look like wood.
While this might give you the look and feel of wood, it is an extra cost. It is also advisable to browse the variety of different styles and colours of steel available. Perhaps you find something that you had never even considered but that will also give you the aesthetic appeal that you desire.
Contact us at Adams Doors to find out more about the variety of steel garage door options available to you!
