Wood Garage Doors vs Fiberglass
Wood garage doors, or fiberglass. Which is right for your home? In this article, we’re comparing two of the most popular materials on the market.
When looking to begin a home remodeling project, research is always a great first step. If you’re thinking of replacing your garage door, there are several options to choose from. We at Heritage have compiled comprehensive guides on the variety of materials and styles available.
Material & Performance – Wood vs Fiberglass
Photo by Kevin Wolf on Unsplash
Your garage door should not only look good but needs to perform. Garage doors play an important role in securing our homes. They also protect the interior from the elements and help to insulate heat and cold. That said, choosing the right material that will meet your home’s needs is of utmost importance.
Wood Garage Doors – To begin with, garage doors are available in a variety of wood species, both hardwoods, and softwoods.
Some of the most popular tree species used for garage doors are cedar (s), eucalyptus (h), hemlock (s), mahogany (h), oak (h), and redwood (h).
(s) = softwood; (h) = hardwood
It’s important to note that softwoods are not necessarily softer than hardwoods. Amongst the groups, there’s a lot of variation in wood hardness.
From a performance perspective, thick wood provides excellent insulation from heat and cold. Homeowners concerned about keeping their home’s temperature regulated will find that wood garage doors can take some of the stress off of their HVAC systems.
Wood doors offer a more secure boundary between your home and the outside world. Their weight and strength help make them more difficult for intruders to breach.
But wood is not without its challenges. It’s an organic material, which means that it can rot and suffer from termite and other insect damage. In wetter climates, there’s an opportunity for swelling and warping.
Also, wood’s weight makes for a more involved installation process and wood garage doors require regular maintenance. Again, wood is heavy and this means the door requires an automatic opener.
Heritage Door offers the below wood garage door options:
- Amarr by Design
- CLOPAY Reserve Wood Collection Custom Series
- CLOPAY Reserve Wood Collection Limited Edition Series
- CLOPAY Reserve Wood Collection Modern Series
Fiberglass Garage Doors – Fiberglass is a reinforced plastic material embedded in a resin matrix. Fiberglass is used in insulation, boats, pipes, auto body parts, and a number of other industries because it is an affordable and highly customizable material.
These doors are a lighter option than wood, which makes them easier to install. It should be noted that fiberglass is more brittle than lumber, and this makes the doors susceptible to damage from improper handling. Always have a professional install and service these doors. High winds or even high usage can lead to dents and cracking. When damaged, these doors will have to be replaced.
Photo by Jose Rago on Unsplash
Other than the more brittle nature of fiberglass, these garage doors are low maintenance and a good choice for homeowners that do not want to set aside time to regularly tend to their doors.
What about insulation? Fiberglass doors are constructed with layers of insulating material to help improve energy efficiency. Also, steel cores can help to increase the security of these doors.
Homes in wetter parts of the country can benefit from fiberglass’s resistance to salt and moisture.
Garage Door Style – Wood vs Fiberglass
CHI Overhead Raised Panel
Your garage door will take up a good amount of your home’s facade real estate. That’s why it’s important to consider the design profile of your home and how you’d like your garage door to compliment it.
Wood Garage Doors – Wood’s a popular material for garage doors because of its visual appeal and customization. A well-done wood door helps add an upscale air to your home. Hello, curb-appeal!
Since there are many options to choose from regarding wood species, these doors can be matched with a variety of home styles.
Because you can sand and patch wood, this material can look nicer longer.
For more insight on how customizable wood doors can be, take a look at our Amarr Wood Style Guide.
Photo by Michelle Rumney on Unsplash
Fiberglass Garage Doors – Fiberglass, because it’s so versatile can be made to look like a wide array of other materials, including wood.
This material is available in many colors and effects. Fiberglass doors are a popular choice for homeowners that want the luxurious look of wood minus the higher costs and maintenance.
Garge Door Pricing – Wood vs Fiberglass
So how much should you expect to pay for a wood garage door vs fiberglass?
As the old saying goes “you get what you pay for”. The premium benefits of a good wood door – insulation, beauty, and security will cost anywhere from around $2,000 to $5,000. Of course, other features such as panel style, glass lites, hardware, and the garage door opener will impact pricing.
Extra features like handles, glass lites, and panel intricacy will also influence the rates for fiberglass doors. Because the material is man-made, lighter, and less durable than wood, you’ll find fiberglass to be a more affordable material. You can expect a fiberglass garage door to cost anywhere between $1,000 and $2,000.
Want to learn more about garage door pricing? View Heritage Garage Door’s pricing information.
Which garage door material should I choose?
Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash
Your garage door is an important choice to ensure your home’s beauty and security are top-notch.
The choice between a wood garage door and a fiberglass door largely depends on homeowner preferences and budget considerations.
Start by narrowing down the most important features your home needs.
Are you willing to provide regular maintenance to your door in exchange for superior security, beauty, and longevity? Or, are you interested in the most economical options on the market?
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Would you like to learn more about your garage door options? We’re here to help whether you determine wood or fiberglass is right for your home.
Explore our door catalog, or schedule an appointment with our team!
