A garage door is a long-term investment — you see and use it every day and need to be confident that you can rely on it to protect your vehicle, home and family. Some of the most popular materials used to manufacture garage doors are wood and steel. The material you choose depends on your budget, style preferences and more. Whether you are considering extending a single garage to fit another car, want a detached garage, or need to replace or upgrade your current door, the selection process requires some thought and research.
There are a few factors to consider when choosing between steel vs. wood garages. We’ll walk you through these different factors and the associated pros and cons of wood garages and steel garages to help you determine which is ideal for your needs.
Table of Contents
- Cost
- Curb Appeal
- Insulation Needs
- Durability
- Security
- Eco-Friendliness
- AAA Garage Door Has Every Garage Door Solution You Need
Cost
Cost is likely one of the first things you’ll consider — do you want to get the best value for your money, are you able to splurge on quality, or are you willing to spend more to achieve a certain look? Here are some pros and cons of steel garages vs. wood garages related to costs:
- Wood garage doors: Wood garage doors are generally more expensive than steel garage doors. Different factors will affect the cost of wood garage doors, including the type of wood and the size of your door. For example, hardwood is heavier and will cost more to install. However, if you love the look of wood doors, you have some options, including faux wood garage doors made from steel with a wood finish. These doors are more affordable and give the look of a wooden door.
- Steel garage doors: Steel garage doors can vary in price, depending on the size of your door, the number of steel layers, the type of insulation and the design style. Customization can add to the overall cost.
Another cost you’ll want to consider is the cost of acquiring a permit to install a new or replacement door. Permit laws will vary by state and municipality but are in place whether you are installing a wood or steel garage door.
Curb Appeal
Your garage door is a major part of your home, and you want it to be eye-catching. The great thing about both steel and wood garage doors is that they come in various colors and styles. You can experiment with colors and customize your doors to your taste and liking. Here’s how wood and steel garage doors can impact your home’s curb appeal:
- Wood garage doors: Wood garage doors are an elegant addition to any home. The natural grains and texture of wood can’t be replicated so you won’t find any other door like yours.
- Steel garagedoors: Steel doors offer a more modern look, though it depends on the finishing you choose. White and grey garage doors complement the other colors in your home, black garage doors look sleek and sophisticated, and bold colors like red could attract more attention to your home.
Insulation Needs
If you’re considering building a detached garage, your priority might be space and size rather than insulation and energy savings. However, you may want to consider insulation if your garage is attached to your home. Insulated garage doors can help reduce energy bills by keeping your home cool during the summer and warm during the winter. Compare wood and steel garage doors in terms of insulation:
- Wood garagedoors: Wood is organic and a great natural insulator. Wood garage doors can keep your internal temperature regulated during the summer and winter months. This is ideal for garages that are attached to the home.
- Steel garage doors: A detached garage may not necessarily need insulation if it’s being used primarily for storage. Installing an uninsulated steel garage door could save you money. However, if you’re looking for a steel door for your attached garage, you’ll likely want to choose an insulated option. The two main types of insulation used in steel garage doors are polystyrene and polyurethane. Polystyrene is the more affordable option but is also less effective. You can customize the level of insulation based on your home’s needs.
Durability
An important factor in choosing a garage door is its durability. You want peace of mind knowing it can protect you from hazards like fire, storms and wind. Consider the durability of wood vs. steel doors:
- Wood garagedoors: Many types of wood are naturally durable, so your door will likely withstand most weather conditions. However, wood is somewhat susceptible to damage or rot from fire, water and insects if it is not properly maintained. You can help prevent damage, chips and cracks through maintenance tasks like applying waterproof paint to your door, but doing so may be time-consuming.
- Steel garage doors: Steel is extremely durable. It is fire-proof and resistant to warping, severe weather and cracking, making steel garage doors an excellent choice for many homeowners. Steel doors also require much less maintenance to maintain their effectiveness.
Security
Your family’s safety and security are nonnegotiable, so you need to be sure that the garage door you install will effectively protect your home and family. Both wood and steel garage doors can provide the security you need:
- Wood garagedoors: Many people perceive wood garage doors as being less secure since wood is less resilient than other materials. While they may not be as secure as materials like steel, wooden garage doors are very heavy, which adds to their protectiveness.
- Steel garage doors: Security is a major pro of steel garages. Steel garage doors are strong and difficult to force open, offering better protection for your home.
Eco-Friendliness
Many consumers are mindful of their carbon footprint and want to contribute to a more sustainable environment. If eco-friendliness is important to you, you may want to install a garage door that’s made of natural materials and can be recycled. Here are the pros and cons of steel garages and wood garages in terms of environmental friendliness:
- Wood garagedoors: One of the pros of wood garages is that their organic composition makes them ideal for recycling at the end of their life span. Wood is also a sustainable building material.
- Steel garage doors: Steel garage doors can be a sustainable choice if they are made of recycled materials. Plus, insulated steel garage doors are energy-efficient, increasing their eco-friendliness.
AAA Garage Door Has Every Garage Door Solution You Need
If you’re still trying to decide which garage door to choose, AAA Garage Door has a solution for you. With a huge selection of garage doors, we will help you find the perfect fit.
Request an estimate or enquire about our garage door services for more information!
Felipe Pinales
Reviewed By: Felipe Pinales - Felipe is Nebraska’s first IDEA-certified Master Technician. He has been employed by AAA Garage Door for 6+ years, and has had the Master Technician Certification in his sights since he began. Felipe has also passed four written examinations including Residential Installer Certification, Commercial Sectional Door Systems Technician Certification, Commercial Rolling Door Systems Technician Certification, and Rolling Steel Fire Door Technician Certification. Felipe is constantly looking for ways to improve his abilities within our industry. His goal is to become the best garage door technician possible to best assist his customers and fellow co-workers.