Whether you’re having a garage door installation or planning to update your existing residential garage door, it helps to be familiar with the different materials used on garage doors. There are so many to choose from – and each has its own merits and drawbacks.
If you want to know all about garage door materials pros cons, we’re providing you with this guide to ensure that you get the best garage door material for your taste, functionality, and price point.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel is an alloy of the elements carbon and iron. It’s one of the most popular materials for garage doors because of several reasons. For one, it’s super durable – steel can handle daily heavy-duty use and still last for years. Also, it’s among the more affordable garage door options in the market. There are varying options in thickness that can fit every budget.
Third, steel is pretty low-maintenance. No need for anti-mold or rotting upkeep that you have to do with, say, wooden garage doors. Suppose you’re considering wood vs. steel garage doors; steel trumps wood in garage door maintenance. Lastly, steel can give that modern, industrial aesthetic that many homeowners are looking for right now.
But there are also disadvantages to steel garage doors. It lacks insulating capacity – which means you have to prioritize adding insulation if you’re in a colder area and want a cozy garage room. And while it requires less upkeep than other materials, you’ll still need to check for rust buildup every few months.
Steel is also susceptible to dents and dings. If you opt for low-cost steel garage options, these usually have thin panels of 27 to 28-gauge steel. These are sturdy enough but will likely dent if hit with a high-impact object (e.g., rock or ball). Keep in mind that the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. So for residential garage doors, you might want to get a midlevel door with 25 to 26-gauge steel for maximum durability.
Pros:
- Easy cleaning and overall upkeep
- Cheaper than other materials
- Lots of options style- and budget-wise
- Gives a modern appeal
Cons:
- Requires insulation
- Susceptible to dents
- Sensitive to rust
Wood Garage Doors
Wood is the first material to be used on residential garage doors. And while there are sturdier materials nowadays, wood is still among the best garage doors. It remains a popular go-to because of its warmth, versatility, and its ode to traditional styles.
Wood has many advantages. The main one is its visual and textural appeal. It’s a natural material, and most homeowners still prefer that luxurious and warm feel. In addition, if well-maintained, wood can adjust to temperatures and heavy-duty use without cracking, bending, or buckling.
Wood is a better insulator than steel, but the cold will no longer be an issue once you insulate steel doors. So when it comes to wood vs. steel garage doors, it comes down to personal taste.
As for its drawbacks, wood is generally more high maintenance than other options. You’ll need to prime, seal, and repaint your garage door regularly in order to keep them beautiful and long-lasting.
Aside from the upkeep, it’s also pricier than other residential garage doors. The cheapest option is painted plywood with flat hardboard paneling. Thick, stain-grade hardwood doors (e.g., cedar or redwood) will require more money, but you’ll be getting that impressive curb appeal.
Pros:
- Natural insulation
- Classic aesthetic appeal
- Durability against cracks and dents
- Versatility in shapes and designs
Cons:
- Expensive
- High maintenance
- Susceptible to moisture and insect damage
Wood Composite Garage Doors
Wood composite, or faux doors, are made with recycled wood fibers mixed with a binding agent that is usually plastic. When these materials are combined, the result is a material that is stronger, heavier, and more durable than wood alone.
Wood composite is among the best garage door materials because it can give you the best of both worlds – the durability of plastic with the look and texture of wood. They are, in fact, better than natural wood against rotting and splitting. And with faux wood, you get to have the look of wood without the cost. It’s always cheaper than solid wood options.
Along with the benefits are the downsides to this residential garage door. Faux wood is just that – faux wood! It will never look the same as natural wood. It just won’t match the appeal of a solid wood garage door. And it does not have the natural insulation that solid wood provides, so you’ll need to add a layer of insulation to your door. Lastly, while it’s rot and mold-resistant, your wood composite garage door can crack or chip in the long term, which will need maintenance.
Pros:
- Cost-effective option
- Durability
- Lightweight
- Resistant against molds and rust
- Easy cleaning and overall upkeep
Cons:
- Requires insulation
- Lacks natural aesthetic appeal
- Can crack over time
Aluminum Garage Doors
Aluminum is the most abundant metal, and it’s also a popular choice for residential garage doors. Like steel, aluminum garage doors tend to be more budget-friendly than wood and other materials.
It is also pretty low-maintenance. Just regular washing and a few paint touch-ups now and then can keep the garage door looking brand new. Since it is rust-resistant, you don’t have to worry about corrosion.
While it’s a popular option for residential garage doors, aluminum also has its disadvantages. The biggest one is that it is softer than steel. That means it’s very likely to form dents and dings if an object hits it! If you’re in a high-traffic neighborhood with a lot of kids playing outdoors, your aluminum garage door might get damaged. So, you have to think about garage door maintenance in the long run.
Pros:
- Among the cheapest garage door options
- Easy cleaning and overall upkeep
- Lightweight
- Resistant against molds and rust
- Customizable style
Cons:
- Susceptible to dents
- Requires insulation
- Cannot be painted
- Fewer thickness options compared to steel
Find the Best Garage Doors Here
So are you still stuck thinking about wood vs. steel garage doors? Well after reading this, hopefully not anymore! There are various options in deciding the best garage door material, and it all depends on whether you feel that the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
But garage door materials pros cons aside, you need to figure out what type of style and budget you have. Once you got that decided, check out our vast selection of quality garage doors in stock. Our garage door experts can guide and assist during garage door installation and garage door maintenance.
Call us to learn more about residential garage doors and find a suitable unit for your home! Get your free estimate today.