Is a Timber Garage Door right for you? Pros and cons to consider

The rich, organic texture of wooden garage doors adds a luxurious touch to the façade of both modern and traditional architectural styles. They are warm, elegant and timeless. But with so many timber-look doors on the market, is it worth investing time and money in real Timber Garage Doors for your home's exterior?

Let's weigh the pros and cons of a range of Timber Garage Doors so that you can decide if real timber is the best option for your new garage door, or if a low-maintenance alternative would better suit your needs.

Understanding Timber Garage Doors

Timber Garage Doors have evolved considerably since their early use in carriage houses. Originally built as barn-style swing doors, they later adapted to meet the needs of modern garages. Today, natural timber can be applied to a variety of styles, including Sectional and Tilt doors.

Although timber was once the only option, advances in technology have made alternative materials, such as steel and timber-look finishes, more popular for contemporary homes. These options offer the appearance of natural wood with the added benefits of durability and minimal maintenance.

For those who prefer genuine timber, Western Red Cedar is the most popular timber species because it's relatively lightweight yet durable and is naturally resistant to rot. It's also resistant to insects such as termites and borers and is better able to withstand harsh weather conditions than alternative timbers.

Pros of Timber Garage Doors

Timber Garage Doors have their advantages and disadvantages, but for some homeowners, nothing compares to the real deal. Here's why some people love the natural warmth of real Timber Garage Doors.

• Aesthetic appeal. The natural, eco-friendly look of real Timber Garage Doors can complement the overall aesthetic of a home in a way that other materials can not. This is particularly true for homeowners who have designed their homes to match their natural surroundings.
• Easily personalised. Choosing timber allows homeowners to customise their garage doors as they wish. Various stains can be applied to highlight the natural grain of the timber, or they can be painted or even carved for a unique aesthetic.
• Value adding. Just as a marble benchtop in a kitchen shows dedication to standout finishes, choosing a premium natural material for your home's exterior indicates the home is of the highest quality. This helps add value and enhances street appeal.

Cons of Timber Garage Doors

Many homeowners find that the desired look of timber can be achieved with timber-look options. These doors require less ongoing care, offer greater weather resistance, and still provide a 'real timber' appearance. Here are a few of the main reasons homeowners choose synthetic materials over real Timber Garage Doors.

• Maintenance requirements. Real timber options require regular maintenance, which some homeowners find time-consuming. This regular upkeep includes re-staining every 1-5 years, depending on the climate in which you live.

• Price. A natural material like timber isn't the most cost-effective option for a garage door. This is due in part to the craftsmanship required to construct them, but also the cost of the timber itself. As solid timber is heavy, it can also strain garage door motors and components, meaning that heavy-duty options are required or that more frequent servicing is necessary.
• Environmental factors. In humid climates or coastal regions, real timber won't last as long as alternative materials because it's more prone to moisture and salt damage, which can cause it to swell or rot. Sun exposure can also cause stains and sealants to fade faster, and areas of high wind can compromise its structural integrity.

Timber vs. other garage door materials

Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision about the perfect garage door for your home.

Maintenance and care tips

Wooden garage doors offer a bespoke, timeless finish for your home. However, real Timber Garage Doors require regular maintenance to keep them looking in premium condition for as long as possible. This regular upkeep should be one of the key factors in deciding if real timber is the best material for you, because without it, doors can warp, crack or rot. If you're looking for a low-maintenance option, timber-look garage doors offer a realistic wood finish without the strict maintenance requirements.

To keep your Timber Garage Doors looking their best, you will need to clean them with warm, soapy water 3-4 times a year to remove dirt, salt and pollutants that can ruin their finish. They also need to be inspected at the same frequency for signs of pests and damage to the wood, such as swelling or cracking.

Every two years (or more frequently, depending on exposure to environmental factors like UV rays), Timber Garage Doors require staining or oiling to prevent the wood from drying out. You also need to ensure the door is protected from moisture by maintaining seals around the frame and having it serviced annually to ensure it remains balanced.

Is a Timber Garage Door right for you?

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide if a real timber door is right for you.

• Can I afford real wood, or are timber-look garage doors a suitable alternative? Keep in mind that timber-look garage doors don't involve ongoing costs for refinishing.
• Am I prepared to restain or oil the garage door each year? Would a low-maintenance alternative like a timber-look garage door be a better option?
• Will I be happy with the look of real timber as it ages? Timber-look garage doors retain their finish for many years.
• What style of garage door do I require? Remember, Timber Garage Doors are less commonly available in styles like Roller Doors.
• What timber species does my garage door manufacturer offer? Does it suit my climate? Is it sourced responsibly?
• Does my garage door installer offer motors capable of lifting a solid timber door? Would a lighter timber-look garage door reduce servicing costs?
• Does a real-timber look suit the architectural style of my home?

Why you should consider a Timber Look Garage Door

Timber Garage Doors have their benefits, but one thing is for sure - they require more commitment to keep them looking good than other materials.

If you have your heart set on the look of timber, why not consider a Timber Look Garage Door? Advances in technology mean that timber-look doors now closely resemble the real thing, but they come without the hassle of regular upkeep to maintain their appearance.

At Steel-Line, we have an enormous range of Timber Look Garage Doors to suit all types of homes. From Sectional COLORBOND® to UniCote® LUX Roller Doors, you're sure to find the right style, grain finish and tone to match your façade. Visit our website to view our full range or to book your free measure and quote today.