As the garage door wears out and needs to be replaced, the first question that comes to a homeowner’s mind is which material is best. Steel and wood are two of the most popular options. Each has its set of qualities, but when determining the long-term value, steel garage doors most often balance strength, style, and efficiency.

We’ve helped families and businesses across Southern Oregon and Northern California find the right garage door for their needs since 1960. Here’s what you need to know before making your choice.

1. Maintenance: Low Effort vs High Care

• Wood Doors: The elegance of wood is indeed eternal, and this natural garage door is not an exception. But once again, that beauty comes at a price. Frequent repainting, sealing in the moisture, and even staining are typical chores to prevent warping and rot in the long rains of the Pacific Northwest.
• Steel Doors: Also include steel ones, which are generally constructed to last with minimal maintenance. Easy cleaning using soap and water a couple of times a year preserves their appealing look. With baked-on finishes and coatings that repel rust, they do not warp, crack, or require refinishing.

2. Energy Efficiency: Insulated Protection

• Wood Doors- While wood is a natural insulator, most wooden doors are constructed in such a way that they do not seal well against heat loss. If you want to make them efficient, it will cost you more money.
• Steel Doors- Most steel doors offer multi-layer construction and polyurethane or polystyrene insulation. This will drastically improve the energy efficiency of your garage and home by keeping them more comfortable year-round while reducing energy bills.

3. Design Versatility: Classic Looks, Modern Choices

• Wood Doors: They provide a very warm and authentic look, as well as high levels of customization. Designing wood doors to size is quite expensive, though.
• Steel Doors: Technological advances in manufacturing allow steel garage doors to have the appearance of wood, complete with a woodgrain finish, minus the maintenance. These come in quite a variety of panel designs and color choices, as well as windows, suited to any style of home.

4. Durability & Security: Built to Last

• Wood Doors: Sturdier but more susceptible to moisture and termites, as well as wear and tear due to various weather conditions over time.
• Steel Doors:  Generally sustain quite heavy usage, but they are designed to resist this wear and tear, along with extreme conditions. Tied in with the proper opener, these will actually offer quite a significant level of security against forced entry.

5. Warranty & Long-Term Value

• Wood Doors: Common issues such as warping or weather damage are not covered, though many manufacturers do offer a limited warranty.
• Steel Doors: Homeowners get added protection and much more confidence in their investment due to longer, more comprehensive warranties that usually cover steel garage doors.

True, wood garage doors can be a great addition to your home if you are one of those people who like keeping up with the classic beauty of real wood. In general, however, steel garage doors are the better option for most homeowners because of their durability and efficiency, and practically maintenance-free operation.

At American Industrial Door, we provide various steel and wood garage doors from well-known, respected manufacturers like Clopay, Amarr, and Wayne Dalton. Our professionals are there to go through the options with you, go over finishes, and find the perfect fit for your home.

Ready for an upgrade on that garage door? Contact American Industrial Door today for your free estimate and let our licensed crew help you pick the perfect door that’s built to last for your house.