Timber garage doors - the pros and cons

We're often asked if a timber garage door is a good option. To help you decide, here are the pros and cons:

Timber doors - the advantages
Many people believe that the elegant look of a timber door simply cannot be beaten. A timber door gives a timeless feel, and, if you have wooden window frames, it will undoubtedly suit the style of your home. Timber garage doors are available in a variety of woods and finishes to suit your taste. Another benefit is that they can sometimes be made to measure and can easily be adjusted to solve problems such as a non level floor. Wood is also extremely durable, and, unlike steel and particularly aluminium, it should not dent if hit by something such as a football! Overall, timber doors tend to be stronger, more robust, naturally insulated and less prone to need repairs than metal doors.

Timber doors - the disadvantages
Timber doors are usually more expensive than metal doors, and are also heavier. However, the main disadvantage is that wood requires significantly more maintenance than aluminium and steel. If you don't protect wood from the elements, it could dry out and crack, or start to rot. You will need to apply protective coatings and repaint the door on a regular basis. If you live in an area which receives lots of driving rain, or near the coast, it may be best to consider a metal door. However - both timber and metal doors can last up to twenty years if properly cared for, so as long as you put in the time and the effort you should go for your preferred choice.

Can you fake it?
If you have decided that a metal door is best, but would still like it to look like timber, there are a number of manufacturers, such as Garador, that produce metal doors with a variety of wood effects. Yes, they may not look exactly like the real thing, but they're close!

Up and Over Doors, a garage door supplier in Bristol, has a huge range of aluminium, steel and timber garage doors on its website. Find out more at www.upandoverdoorsltd.co.uk.