Steel garage doors with wood-like finishes perfectly combine aesthetics and practicality. The steel construction means the garage door is low-maintenance, while the woodgrain finish delivers natural wood’s warm, charming appearance.
As wood garage door manufacturers, we have an affinity for real wood garage doors, but we also realize that not everyone wants natural material that requires recurring maintenance. Our job is to share information so you feel confident and comfortable when choosing a new garage door.
This article explores the costs, pros, and cons of wood-look steel garage doors while showcasing a few of our favorite installations.
Benefits of Steel Garage Doors That Look Like Wood
We’re fans of pro-con lists. While wood-look steel garage doors have many advantages, there are a few downsides to be aware of.
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Low Maintenance
A metal garage door with a wood-grain pattern never needs refinishing. We recommend annual maintenance and a light exterior wash with mild soap and water every few months. Steel garage doors are easy to maintain, don’t weather in the sun as fast as real wood, and can take overspray from your sprinkler system without fading.
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Energy Efficiency
Wood-look metal garage doors have various insulation options that can deliver year-round comfort. Polystyrene with vinyl backing inside the garage door is the most basic insulation option, and polyurethane with steel backing is the most efficient.
If energy efficiency is not a concern, most wood-look steel garage doors are also available without insulation.
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Transformative
Garage doors are usually the most significant single element for any home style, so upgrading to woodgrain metal garage doors will drastically change your home’s exterior. If you have a steel garage door in a solid color, an upgrade to a woodgrain garage door can make a significant impact.
We believe a distinct garage door is the most impactful and easiest home improvement upgrade available. According to the Journal of Light Construction, garage doors deliver the highest increase in resale value relative to the project price. The average garage door replacement nets a 193.9% cost-recouped value, outpacing kitchen and bath remodels and outdoor living projects.
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Versatile
Woodgrain metal garage doors come in different styles and finishes. So, whether your home is a modern farmhouse or a more contemporary design, you’ll have plenty of style options. You can opt for new garage doors with a wide array of highly durable wood finishes.
Drawbacks of Steel Garage Doors That Look Like Wood
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Affordability
Wood grain steel garage doors cost more than standard solid-color garage doors. While this isn’t always a dealbreaker, the finish does increase the price.
Metal garage doors are typically less expensive than the real thing, while cedar and Douglas fir garage doors are typically more expensive.
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Extreme Visibility
Wood-look garage sections will likely contrast with the rest of your home. A large wood opening will stand out whether you have brick, stucco, or siding. If you want a garage door to blend in, we recommend choosing a finish that closely matches your siding or window color.
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Fixed Finish
Changing a metal garage door with a woodgrain finish is nearly impossible once you select and install it. We say almost because we don’t recommend it, nor have we seen anyone paint over a steel garage door that looks like wood. Unlike hardwood floors or natural wood garage doors, you can not sand off the top layer and stain it to reflect the latest trending color.
Cost of Wood Look Steel Garage Doors
“How much are steel garage doors that look like wood?” is probably the first question we get from homeowners. It makes sense to us; we also want to know how to budget when making home improvements. Generally, wood-grain metal garage doors made from cost between $6,000 and $15,000+, depending on size, glass, and decorative hardware. Some carriage house styles may be more expensive than basic designs.
Closing thoughts
If you still have questions about metal garage doors with wood finishes or general garage door questions, let us know. We’ve spent years helping homeowners and builders pick the perfect garage door, so we’re well-suited to guide you. Call us at 817-500-5988 or contact us here. Thanks for stopping by.
