Wooden Garage Doors vs Steel Garage Doors

Replacing or installing a new garage door isn’t a regular occurrence, so it can be difficult to know what material will best suit your needs when the time comes to get a new one. Choosing the right garage door is dependent on a number of factors, such as the levels of maintenance required, aesthetics, and the purpose of the garage. With wooden and steel being the most popular materials, we will help you navigate through the features of both so you can decide which is best for your property. 

Steel Garage Doors

Durability

The watertight properties of steel garage doors means they can withstand exposure to the elements, keeping the contents of your garage safe and intact.

The metal is available in a range of grades and thicknesses, making it a very strong, secure material with impressive resistance against forced entry. 

Maintenance

As with all garage door materials, steel does require some upkeep, but is considered very low maintenance compared to its counterparts. Many modern designs have a specialist overlay or top coat that will reduce the impact of any damage, providing you with reliable service for many years to come. 

During operation, it’s worth keeping paying attention to any unusual sounds, such as scraping, as this may indicate the following:

• the nuts and bolts may need tightening
• a broken spring or hinge needs replacing
• the mechanism needs oiling
• the door needs lubrication

Insulation

By design, metal is a cold material, making it less energy efficient than some of its counterparts. Adding a layer of insulation to the door is a quick and easy way of improving warmth inside the garage so its contents stay fully protected – you can opt for single, double or triple layer insulation, depending on your requirements.

Designs and Styles

When it comes to steel garage doors, there is a wide range of colours and finishes afforded to you. Available in a variety of colours and finishes, you are guaranteed to find a design to suit your needs, taste and budget. 

For the door’s operation, there are several different types to choose from, including up and over, sectional, roller shutter and side hinged. Not sure which of these will be most suitable for you? A garage door professional will assess your property and listen closely to your requirements for the best fit.

Wooden Garage Doors

Durability

By nature, wooden garage doors are considered less resilient than steel – however, there are specialist coatings available to improve the durability of the wooden surface, protecting it against the elements and attempted intrusion. 

A flawless fit by an expert will also go a long way in making sure your garage door remains high performance for many years to come.

Maintenance

Exposure to the outdoor weather can cause the wood to warp and crack so it is important to stay on top of its maintenance, ensuring it is properly treated by a professional. Similar to steel doors, make sure you address anything out of the ordinary – such as a squeaking or grinding sound – as quickly as possible before it escalates into a bigger issue.

Insulation

The beauty of wood is that it’s a natural insulator, meaning that it will retain heat inside the garage as well as offering improved soundproofing. So, whether you decide to use your garage for storage, as a gym, or an extra room, a wooden garage door will ensure it is fit for use.

Designs and Styles

Wood is renowned for its elegant, traditional look, adding warmth and character to any property. It is available in a variety of colours, styles and finishes, such as cedar, oak and timber, so you’re guaranteed to find a design to complement the rest of your property. Up and over, side hinged, roller and sectional are just some of the options afforded to you, depending on your preference on how the door works during operation.  

For garage doors in Oxford, Thame, Aylesbury or the surrounding areas, look no further than Shutter Spec. All installations and products are fully compliant with current legislation, and our high standard of work is validated by our membership to Checkatrade. To find out more, get in touch with our experienced team today. Alternatively, we invite you to visit our showroom in Thame to view our products first-hand.