Comparing Different Garage Door Materials

If you’re in the process of looking for a new garage door for your home or building, there are several important factors to be considering here. One of the first and most notable in nearly every such situation: The primary material your new garage door is made from.

At Price’s Guaranteed Doors, we’re here to provide a full range of garage door installation and replacement services for clients in Salt Lake City, Boise and other nearby parts of Utah and Idaho – and these are just part of our broad exterior door services that include entry doors and many other types as well. Here are all of the most common materials used for new garage doors today, plus their pros, cons and considerations if you’re thinking about utilizing them for your new door.

Natural Wood

The oldest and most traditional material used for garage doors, natural wood is known for a few key qualities. The first and perhaps most notable is aesthetics – wood is attractive and can be stained or painted to match the rest of your home’s exterior. Wood is also strong and has a good estimated lifespan, plus it’s relatively easy for professionals to customize in terms of shape and size.

On the other hand, wood does require more maintenance than most other materials – you’ll need to regularly treat up with protective coatings to keep your door looking great and functioning properly. In many cases, wood also has a higher price tag than other materials as well. But for those looking for a timeless, classic look, natural wood is an excellent choice.

Steel

In recent years, by far the most popular material for residential garage doors is steel. It’s strong, durable and often cost-effective – plus it can be customized to look like wood if desired. Steel is also typically much easier to maintain than wood, with only occasional cleaning necessary. It’s also very easy to insulate steel garage doors, which is a major consideration for some clients.

Now, there are some potential drawbacks to consider here. Steel garage doors can dent more easily than, say, aluminum – and they may also require some additional work during installation, such as welding or extra support brackets. And like wood doors, some steel varieties may cost a bit more up front – though they bring excellent value down the line.

Still, if you’re looking for affordability and durability in one package, steel is an excellent option.

Vinyl

Another modern material that’s gaining steam as an option for garage doors is vinyl. This material is lightweight and easy to install, plus it comes in a variety of colors and styles to match your home’s exterior look. And while it has some premium options, on the whole it tends to be one of the most affordable materials you can use – making it great for those looking for a budget-friendly solution. It’s also the best option if you’ve had rust or corrosion issues in the past that you’re looking to avoid this time around, as it’s fully resistant to these risks.

The key downside to vinyl is that it doesn’t provide quite the same level of durability or strength as steel or aluminum. It’s also more prone to dings, dents and other wear – though you can counter some of this by opting for a thicker variety if desired.

Aluminum

Another metal option in the mix today, aluminum is strong and light – plus it’s highly resistant to corrosion or rust. It also tends to be more affordable than steel – and you won’t need any additional welding or support required during installation either.

Aluminum does offer some downsides too, however. For one, it can dent relatively easily – so if that’s a major concern of yours, aluminum may not be the best option. And while it can be insulated and come in a range of colors, its aesthetic appeal isn’t quite as strong as some other materials.

Fiberglass

Finally, you should also consider fiberglass if applicable. This material offers many of the same benefits as aluminum – plus it’s highly impact-resistant and doesn’t corrode or rust. It’s also relatively light, making it easy to install – and as an added bonus, fiberglass is far less prone to denting than steel or aluminum.

The major downside of fiberglass is that its aesthetic appeal isn’t quite up to par with wood or steel. Plus, it tends to be one of the priciest materials you can use for a garage door – though it does bring some added value in terms of strength, durability and low maintenance requirements.

Ultimately, there’s no clear “right” answer when it comes to choosing a material for your new garage door. Each option has its own unique pros and cons that must be weighed against your budget, aesthetic preferences and other factors. Working with a qualified garage door specialist can help you make the best decision for your home or building.

For more here, or to learn about any of our garage door or exterior door options for SLC or Boise clients, speak to our team at Price’s Guaranteed Doors today.