When it comes to garage door materials, you have plenty of options to choose from. This can feel overwhelming, especially since the right garage door adds much to your home’s security and curb appeal. Let’s look at the pros and cons of some of the more popular garage door materials so you can make the right choice for which garage door to install for your Idaho home.
Steel Garage Doors
Steel is an excellent garage door material for those who value durability and versatility. At an average cost of $1,664, steel garage doors are relatively affordable and available in a variety of styles that go beyond a plain industrial look. They are also low-maintenance and durable enough to stand up to regular wear and tear. They can usually be cleaned with soap and water if they get dirty.
As for the cons of steel garage doors, they aren’t great natural insulators. If you don’t have a well-insulated garage, expect to lose a lot of heat through a steel door. They are also susceptible to minor dents and scratches that can rust if they aren’t fixed quickly.
Natural Wood Garage Doors
Wood is an excellent option for a more rustic or natural look to your garage door. Wood garage doors combine with any home style, providing exceptional design flexibility and versatility. You can even stain or paint your garage door to fit your home and give it the look you want.
Unfortunately, as beautiful as a natural wood garage door can be, it has some major downsides. For starters, wood garage doors are expensive. The average wood garage door cost is $3,500, and some doors can cost over $5,000. They are also much heavier than other garage doors, which makes them difficult to open and close manually. Finally, natural wood is not the most durable option for garage doors. It requires a lot of maintenance to retain its natural beauty and is highly susceptible to weather and moisture damage. In other words, be prepared to spend much more time and money if you opt for a wood garage door.
Aluminum Garage Doors
If you’re looking for something inexpensive, versatile, and durable, aluminum is an excellent material for a garage door. It’s among the most inexpensive options, costing an average of $1,575. It’s light enough that you can easily operate it manually, versatile enough to fit practically any style, and naturally resistant to rust and corrosion.
The only real downside of aluminum garage doors is that they conduct quite a bit of heat, making them poor insulators. Like steel garage doors, aluminum doors are also vulnerable to minor dents and scratches, although you won’t have to worry as much about rust.
Faux Wood Garage Doors
If you love the natural look of wood yet don’t want the hassle of a wood garage door, faux wood might be an excellent option. A faux wood garage door is made from a composite overlay that mimics the wood look yet is more durable and versatile. It’s more affordable than natural wood, with an average cost of $2,525, and it is far more resistant to moisture and weather damage. It’s also relatively low-maintenance, especially compared to real wood.
The only major con of a faux wood garage door is that it’s fairly complex to repair if damaged. Most faux wood doors are steel at their core, so significant dents may require you to replace one. It’s also not real wood. That may not be significant for everyone, but it’s something to consider if it matters to you.
Finding the Right Garage Door for Your Home
Looking at all the different types of garage doors, choosing the right material for your home garage can be difficult. Fortunately, Legacy Garage Doors can help you make the right choice. We offer residential and commercial garage door installation and repair services in Boise, ID, and the surrounding areas, and we offer garage doors in various styles and materials. Contact us in Boise or Emmett today for more information about our services.
