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If you’re planning to upgrade your garage, deciding between solid wood doors and composite wood garage doors can be a tough call to make. There are several factors to consider during any home improvement project, from cost and ease of use to aesthetics and style. This guide breaks down the pros and cons between composite and solid wood doors so you can make an informed choice that works best for your unique needs.
What is a Solid Wood vs. a Composite Garage Door?
Solid Wood Garage Door
Solid wood doors are crafted purely out of fine wood, without the use of any other materials. They offer an earthy aesthetic, along with a touch of luxury and charm. While natural wood grain can be appealing, solid wood doors do require regular upkeep and might be susceptible to moisture or weather fluctuations.
This makes it necessary to use weather-proof wood finishes and coatings for longevity and durability. When well-maintained, solid wood doors work well if you want to enhance your home’s facade and boost curbside appeal.
Composite Garage Door
By contrast, composite wood garage doors are more resistant to weather damage and are a popular choice since they don’t require as much maintenance as solid wood doors. They are made of a combination of different materials.
Typically such doors have a solid timber core that’s surrounded by other parts. The core could even be composed of laminate, uPVC, or glass reinforced plastic (GRP). Composite doors also come with plastic skins and can include foam cores which offer insulation in colder climates.
Making the Choice: Pros and Cons of a Solid Wood and a Composite Garage Door
Pros of Solid Wood Garage Doors
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Versatile Design
If you’re looking for a customizable option, wooden doors are highly versatile, with a range of finishes and shapes to choose from. You can add custom moldings and carvings or change the stain color if you ever want to switch things up in the future.
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Long-Lasting
With attentive care and regular maintenance, wooden doors can have a long life, lasting from 20 to 30 years. Regularly wiping your doors free of dust and applying weather-resistant coats are a few ways to prolong the life of your doors.
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Easy to Repair
In case damage does occur, it’s easy to repair wooden doors with wood filler or replacement panels.
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Affordable
A solid wood door is a more suitable option compared to a composite garage door, since it can be more pocket-friendly in the long run owing to the lowered cost of repairs in case of damage.
Cons of Solid Wood Garage Doors
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High Maintenance
The only drawback of getting solid wooden doors for your garage is that they’ll require regular maintenance. Regular refinishing is a necessary part of the upkeep and it’s something you’ll need to do every year if your garage doors are exposed to direct sunlight.
Pros of Composite Wood Garage Doors
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Resistant to Damage
Since composite doors don’t involve exposed natural materials, they are more resistant to damage from weather conditions like snow, rain, etc.
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Easy Maintenance
Their artificial materials make a compositegarage door a viable option since they’re easier to maintain than wooden doors.
Cons of Composite Wood Garage Doors
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Swelling
Like wood, even composite doors tend to swell in response to conditions like high temperature and humidity. Since external doors are exposed to the elements, it may be wise to forgo a composite garage door for your home, if you’re living in a wet climate.
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Difficult to Mend
Composite doors with common issues and repairs like misalignment or sticking locks can be repaired with basic maintenance. However, the problem arises when you’re facing more serious issues like cracks or any major damage to the outer skin. These problems often require professional repair and may even be enough cause for complete door replacement due to the complex construction of composite doors with multiple materials and components.
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Short Lifespan
Although composite garage door materials are pretty durable, they may not last as long as solid wood. So if you’re looking for a permanent upgrade to your garage, solid wood doors are a better bet.
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Tarnishes
While composite doors can stain or get discolored over time—unlike wood, composite doors can’t be refinished to look new again.
Understanding their features and benefits can help you make an informed decision between these two materials. Factors such as budgetary constraints, weather conditions, maintenance, and longevity are crucial to consider when choosing between solid wood and composite materials for your garage doors. Browse our blog for other informative guides that can help you as you upgrade your home. Contact us to get started on your new door project.
