Mehr’s Garage Doors has been helping St. George homeowners for more than four decades, so we know how important it is to choose the right garage door. The decision between steel and wood impacts your home’s energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, total value, and aesthetic considerations.
Over the years, we’ve installed thousands of doors, so we know how this climate choice affects homeowners in our unique desert climate. We’ll share our expertise in this guide to help you make this critical decision for your home.
Steel garage doors are a popular choice among St. George homeowners, and for good reason. These doors offer exceptional strength for your home and goods. They withstand our harsh desert sun, sporadic rains, and temperature changes without warping or cracking, which is remarkable resistance to the elements.
Aside from that, steel doors are a great deal because they usually cost less upfront than wood doors but last longer. Steel is a good choice for many of our customers in terms of longevity, security, and price.
Because they are made of steel, garage doors stand the test of time. We’ve seen steel doors maintain their quality year after year in the St. George’s climate, where summer temperatures can soar, and UV exposure is substantial. Steel, unlike wood, won’t rot, warp, or crack in heat or moisture.
Because it is strong, the door will need fewer fixes and replacements over its lifetime. We have customers whose steel doors have been used for 20 years or more with very little maintenance. This shows how long-lasting they are. This longevity saves money and gives you peace of mind.
Insulation is essential in our desert climate, and new steel doors provide excellent insulation. Mehr’s Garage Doors offers steel doors with various insulation options, including those with R-values as high as 18.
This level of insulation can make a big difference in how energy-efficient your home is. It will also help keep your garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This insulation can save a lot of energy in homes where the garage is attached or has living space above it. A well-sealed door can also help keep noise out, making your home quieter.
One of the best things about steel garage doors is their low maintenance. Steel doors can maintain their appearance with little work, unlike wood doors, which require regular painting or staining. Most steel doors only need a simple wash with soap and water once or twice a year to keep them looking great.
This low-maintenance character is beneficial in St. George, where our climate can be rough on outdoor surfaces. Steel doors require little maintenance, a big plus for busy homeowners or people who like to “set it and forget it.”
The days of choosing a steel door meant losing style are long gone. Modern steel garage door colors, finishes, and designs are incredibly diverse. At Mehr’s Garage Doors, we offer steel doors that can complement any architectural style, from sleek modern homes to traditional Southwest homes.
Many of our steel doors combine the low maintenance benefits of steel with the aesthetic draw of wood. They feature wood-grain textures and finishes that mimic the appearance of natural wood. You can choose from different colors, window options, and artistic hardware to make a steel door that makes your home look better from the street.
Many homeowners in St. George can’t say no to wood garage doors because they are time-tested beauties. Wood’s natural warmth and character can quickly improve your home’s appearance and add a bit of class and craftsmanship.
Custom cutting, different panel arrangements, and a vast selection of paint colors make wood doors flexible. They also keep the garage at a comfortable temperature naturally because they’re great at insulating. A wood garage door can be the right finishing touch for homes with a high-end or traditional aesthetic.
A natural wood garage door is a beautiful sight. Each door has different wood patterns, knots, and character marks, making it unique. Because of this, wood doors have a depth and beauty that is hard to get from other materials.
A beautiful wood door can perfectly complement the overall design in St. George’s areas, where many homes are inspired by rustic or Southwest homes. A sheen that many homeowners find appealing develops over time as wood ages and weathers, which can also add to its charm.
It’s impossible to beat wood garage doors when it comes to customization. Mehr’s Garage Doors can use wood to make almost any design. The options are endless, from intricately carved panels to different types of glass. For a unified look, we can match the kind of wood and finish to the furniture already in your home.
Wood is an excellent choice for homes with non-standard garage openings because it can easily be cut to the correct size. With this level of customization, you can make a truly unique garage door that fits your style and improves the look of your home.
Because wood naturally keeps heat in, wood garage doors are better at keeping the temperature inside. Thanks to wood’s cellular structure, your garage will be more remarkable in the summer and warmer in the winter, which helps slow heat movement. Adding extra layers to the door can make this natural insulation even better at Mehr’s Garage Doors.
Many homeowners find that wood doors provide adequate insulation, especially in St. George’s, where extreme cold is rare. However, the R-value of a wood door may sometimes match that of the highest-rated steel doors.
It is important to remember that steel garage doors require more maintenance than their wood versions. Maintaining their protective finish usually entails painting or restaining them every few years. Some homeowners might consider this a chance to give their house a new look, while others might consider it a job.
Proper maintenance is essential to avoid problems like warping, breaking, or rotting. However, a beautiful wood garage door can last many years with careful maintenance, natural aging, and keeping its charm.
Steel garage doors are usually cheaper upfront. Mehr’s Garage Doors has found that steel doors are often more affordable, and many options fit different price ranges. However, due to the cost of the materials and the craftsmanship required, wood doors, particularly custom designs, tend to be more expensive.
But it’s important to remember that both groups have many different things in them. More straightforward design options may be similar to mid-range steel doors, while high-end steel doors with premium finishes can cost as much as some wood doors. Although custom wood doors may require more time and expertise to install correctly, installation costs are usually similar for both doors.
Due to maintenance requirements, the cost difference between steel and wood doors can grow over time. Steel doors only cost a little to maintain; they usually just need to be cleaned, and the moving parts may need to be oiled occasionally. In contrast, wood doors require more frequent maintenance.
This includes regular painting or restaining, which has a cost for both the material and maybe even expert help if you don’t DIY. Wood doors may also need fixes more often, like removing rotten parts or fixing cracks. There are many years of these maintenance costs, but they are still an essential part of the total investment.
Although heated steel doors often have an edge in this area, steel and wood doors can help save energy. High-value steel doors can stop much heat from escaping, which could lower your cooling costs in St. George’s hot summers. Even though wood naturally keeps heat, it usually gets less of an R-value than high-quality insulated steel doors.
However, the actual effect on your energy bills will depend on several factors, such as where your garage is located in your living areas, how frequently you use the door, and the general level of home insulation. A steel door with a lot of insulation might save you enough energy costs that it pays for itself over time.
Because of St. George’s unique climate, weather defense is critical. In this case, steel doors are a big plus. They hold up well to our intense sun, not shrinking or warping. Steel is also rot-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it with wood doors.
Steel doors maintain their structure without absorbing moisture, even though our climate is usually dry. Beautiful as they are, wood doors are more susceptible to weather stresses. Extreme temperature changes can cause them to crack or warp, and moisture contact can cause them to swell. However, wood doors can still work well in our climate with the proper maintenance and protection finishes.
Both wood and security doors can be helpful for home security, but steel doors typically have an edge. Steel doors are naturally solid and hard to get through. Our steel door options include extra security features, like more substantial locks and hardware.
Wood doors can also be safe when made with solid cores and equipped with high-quality locking systems. However, they might be more susceptible to attempts at forced entry. We often suggest steel doors or, at the very least, wood doors with steel supports for homes where security is critical.
When you use your garage as a workspace or if it is attached to your home, noise reduction can be a big deal. Doors made of thick wood or heated steel can help block out outside noise. In this case, though, wood often has a slight edge because of its bulk and ability to block out noise naturally.
Steel doors and high-quality insulation can achieve excellent noise reduction. The effectiveness of either type will also depend on how the door is built, including any windows, and the quality of the weather sealing. We suggest doors with thick insulation and little glass to cut down on noise the most.
Both steel and wood garage doors have smooth, dependable systems that can be equipped. There are, however, some changes to think about. Steel doors are lighter than wood doors of the same size, which can make your garage door opener’s life easier and increase it. Also, lighter doors tend to open and close more quietly and with less stress on the hinges.
Despite being heavier, wood doors can still operate efficiently with properly sized openers and well-maintained hardware. When closed, wood doors can offer some benefits due to their weight. Both types can provide excellent usefulness with the proper installation and maintenance.
It is impossible to stress how much your garage door affects the look of your home from the street. Both steel and wood doors can significantly improve the appearance of your home but in different ways. Steel doors have a neat, contemporary appearance that can complement many different architectural types.
There are many color options and finishes that look like wood, so they can easily match the outside of your home. For luxury homes or those with a more traditional aesthetic, wood doors, with their natural warmth and character, frequently have a slight edge.
Many buyers like how they can add some craftsmanship and elegance. In terms of home worth, a well-chosen garage door made of either material can offer a good return on investment by improving the home’s public appeal.
St. George offers modern desert homes, more traditional Southwest designs, and a wide range of architectural styles. Steel doors are incredibly flexible and can be customized to match almost any style. For modern homes, smooth steel doors with few details can make a statement.
Steel doors with embossed designs and fancy handles can mimic the appearance of traditional carriage house doors for a more conventional look. Wood doors’ natural warmth and texture complement the general aesthetic of craftsman, rustic, or Mediterranean-style homes. We work closely with homeowners at Mehr’s Garage Doors to help them choose a door that works well and fits their home’s distinctive building character.
The color and finish of your garage door greatly influence its general appearance. Steel doors offer many color options, from neutral whites and gray to bright, eye-catching colors. Many of our steel doors also have wood-grain finishes that accurately mimic the appearance of different types of wood.
Homeowners who want the look of wood without maintenance may find these an excellent choice. Wood doors, however, can be painted or stained in any color to show off their natural beauty. You can change the appearance of wood doors over time by refinishing them. Both materials offer a wide range of choices to match the colors and finishes of your home’s exterior.
The sustainability of garage door materials is crucial as more St. George homeowners become environmentally aware. Wood doors are good because they are made from a resource that can be used repeatedly. We work with many makers who get their wood from forests and handle it in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.
However, the treatments and finishes applied to wood doors can change how they affect the surroundings. Steel doors can be recycled a lot but can’t be made again. Many steel doors have a lot of recovered material in them. Steel doors need to be changed less frequently than less durable doors, which adds to their sustainability.
Recyclability is a key consideration when analyzing the entire life cycle of a garage door. Steel doors have a clear edge because they can be recycled after their useful life. Steel is genuinely recyclable because it can be melted down and repurposed without losing quality.
Wood doors handled with certain chemicals or finishes might be more challenging to recycle. Untreated wood, however, can be discarded or repurposed. Mehr’s Garage Doors is committed to reusing and properly disposing of all the doors we replace. This helps reduce waste and damage to the environment.
Because of St. George’s unique climate, choosing a garage door is very important. Our hot, dry summers and mild winters make it hard for outdoor materials to do their jobs. Due to their resistance to heat, UV light, and moisture, steel doors often perform well in this setting. While beautiful, wood doors require more protection and maintenance to survive our climate.
When determining your budget, consider more than just the buying price. Steel doors are often a good choice for many homeowners on a budget due to their lower initial cost and low long-term maintenance costs.
Wood doors can add a lot of worth to your home, even though they are usually more expensive at first, especially in upscale areas. However, they require ongoing maintenance costs for finishing and possible fixes.
Thinking about when you want to sell your home in the future can help you choose the right door. If you want to sell soon, a wood door might be a better investment in terms of street appeal. The low maintenance of steel may be more alluring if you plan to stay for a while.
Your garage door choice should complement your home’s architectural style and be in keeping with the neighborhood’s general aesthetic. St. George has both new and old desert homes and homes in the traditional Southwest style. Steel doors can be an excellent choice for modern homes or those with a more basic aesthetic.
They also work well in areas that favor a clean, low-maintenance appearance. People who live in nice neighborhoods or like homes with a more traditional or rustic style often choose wood doors. You can see what styles work well in your area by going around your neighborhood and looking at the popular types of doors.
Mehr’s Garage Doors always advises hiring a professional installer for steel and wood garage doors. While doing it yourself to save money might be tempting, installing a garage door is complex and risky. Professional fitting ensures that the balance, tension, and alignment are correct, which is essential for safety and longevity.
Our skilled workers know how to correctly install steel and wood doors, including how to heat and seal them for the St. George’s climate. Professional installation usually comes with contracts and promises that protect your investment for added peace of mind.
It doesn’t matter if the new door is made of steel or wood; the structural stability of your garage is essential. We look at things like how intense the header beam is, how good the side jambs are, and how the garage opening is framed. Because steel doors are usually lighter, they may not stress existing buildings as much; heavier wood doors require extra support, especially for bigger spaces. Because of the way the ground is in St. George, some older homes may settle over time. We carefully check the garage construction to ensure it can safely hold the new door. This check helps prevent problems from happening in the future and ensures your new door works safely and smoothly.
A big part of installing a garage door is following all the local building rules and permit requirements. If you’re changing the size of the opening or making significant structural changes in St. George, some changes might require permits.
Both steel and wood doors must meet specific safety requirements, such as wind load strength and proper operation. Mehr’s Garage Doors handles all necessary permitting as part of our construction service because we know local laws. This ensures that your new garage door, whether made of steel or wood, is beautiful and valuable and meets all local safety and building rules.
Choosing between steel and wood garage doors is a big decision, and Mehr’s Garage Doors has been helping St. George homeowners make that decision for more than 40 years. Both materials have different benefits and downsides.
We’re committed to assisting you in making the best choice for your home at Mehr’s Garage Doors. We have a lot of steel and wood doors to choose from, and our experienced staff is always ready to help you with anything specific to your needs. We have options that will meet your needs, whether you care most about low maintenance, saving energy, customization, or classic beauty.
Purchasing a quality garage door, whether made of steel or wood, is a decision that will affect the functionality, efficiency, and appearance of your home for many years to come. Our decades of experience and dedication to customer happiness in the St. George neighborhood are here to help you confidently make that decision.
Compared to wood, steel garage doors are typically more durable. They are less susceptible to damage from weather and impacts and resist warping, cracking, and rot.
Insulated steel garage doors are usually more energy-efficient than wood ones. They have a higher R-value, which shows how well the door stops heat from moving through it. On the other hand, wood doors can also be sealed to make them more energy efficient.
Steel garage doors are typically more affordable than wood doors. Wood doors usually cost more than steel doors, but the price can vary greatly depending on the type of wood and the design.
Wood garage doors require more maintenance than steel doors. Wood must be painted or stained regularly to protect it from rot and maintain its appearance. Steel doors are low-maintenance; they only need to be cleaned occasionally and fixed if the finish gets broken.
Both steel and wood garage doors can be customized to complement the design and style of your home. Steel doors can mimic the appearance of wood with various colors, finishes, and designs.
Wood doors can be painted or stained to match your tastes and offer a classic, natural appearance. They may also offer more freedom in terms of unique designs and carvings.
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