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Wood Garage Doors

Nothing looks quite like a real wood garage door, and nothing asks as much of you either. Durham Garage Door Repair Pros connects homeowners with installers who handle wood.

Here's an honest look at both sides.

Call (919) 555-0136or use the form for a call back

Lower corner of a stained cedar garage door with a fresh clear finish, brush and finish can on a drop cloth

Why People Choose Real Wood

Wood has depth and grain that a printed finish can't quite copy up close. On a craftsman, a restored older home or a custom build, it can be the detail that pulls the front of the house together.

Wood doors are also made in almost any size and design, so they're a common pick for custom openings.

Common Wood Types

  • Cedar is light for a wood, resists rot better than most, and takes stain well.
  • Hemlock and fir are straight grained and often used for stain grade doors.
  • Mahogany and other hardwoods are the top of the line, with weight and price to match.
  • Paint grade wood or wood composite is the budget route for a painted wood door.

What Our Weather Does to Wood

Humid summers, heavy rain and the odd ice storm are hard on wood. The bottom of the door and the lower panels take the most water. Sun on a south or west face breaks down the finish fastest.

Expect to refinish a stained wood door every few years, sometimes more often on the sunny side. Skipping it lets water in, and that leads to warping, cracking and rot. Most wood door warranties require regular finish care.

Weight and Hardware

A wood door is heavy. That means bigger springs, sometimes four instead of two, plus heavier hinges and rollers. Never try to swap in smaller springs to save money. They're sized to the door's weight, as the spring page explains.

A heavy door also works an opener harder. Plan on an opener rated for it, especially if yours is getting old.

Wood Look Doors

Composite and fiberglass doors copy wood grain on a lighter, steel backed door. They don't rot, warp or need refinishing, and they're easier on springs and the opener. From the street, many people can't tell the difference.

For most Durham homeowners who want the look without the upkeep, that's the practical pick. The carriage house doors page compares the two in that style.

Restoring an Old Wood Door

If you already have a solid wood door that's sound, it may be worth keeping. A refinish, new seals and fresh moving parts can give it years more. Rot through the lower panels or a badly warped section is usually the sign to replace.

Price

Real wood usually costs more than steel or composite of the same size and design, and hardwood more than cedar. Add the spring and hardware upgrades and the long term finish care. The new door cost guide has typical ranges for standard doors.

To compare wood and wood look doors for your house, request a call back or call (919) 555-0136.

Call (919) 555-0136