How to Choose the Right Garage Door Material

A new garage door is a significant investment, so you’ll want to get it right first time and pick a product that lasts. When deciding on a garage door replacement, you’ll be faced with a number of choices: style, colour, finish and more. However, one of the most important decisions you can make is the material that you’d like your garage door to be constructed from.

But how do you choose the right garage door material? The team here at Access Garage Doors is here to help.

What are the different garage door materials?

Garage doors are commonly constructed from three different materials: wood, steel and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). These materials boast different properties, so it’s important you understand how they compare and what they offer:

Steel garage doors: Robust, lightweight and affordable, steel garage doors are the default choice for many homeowners.

Wooden garage doors: With their warm, natural look, timber garage doors offer an aesthetic boost to any exterior.

GRP garage doors: Otherwise known as fibreglass or composite garage doors, GRP provides extreme weather resistance, durability and naturally insulating properties.

But which is best for your needs? Let’s delve into these materials in a little more detail.

Which garage door material is best for energy efficiency?

Your garage door is already a potential weak point in the thermal envelope of your home, so with energy bills seemingly rising all the time, it’s important to choose a material that provides some much-needed insulation. Wood is a naturally insulating material, so you can rely on a wooden garage door to provide a good thermal performance without any additional insulation being installed. Similarly, GRP boasts low thermal conductivity, meaning minimal heat will be lost through your garage door.

By contrast, basic, older steel garage doors offer inferior insulation. However, as garage door technology evolves, many modern styles – such as roller garage doors and sectional garage doors – will typically be double-skinned and filled with insulating material that enhances energy efficiency.

Which garage door material is cheapest?

Although the price of your garage door is typically dependent on several factors – such as style, size and manufacturer – on average, steel garage doors are the cheapest option. This is because steel is quick and easy to mass produce, meaning it comes in at a lower price point. However, GRP garage doors aren’t far behind and offer a premium performance at an affordable price.

Wooden garage doors are usually custom made and require a high level of craftsmanship which, naturally, leads to a higher cost. However, you have to bear in mind that wooden garage doors are highly sought after and may even increase your property value, meaning you’ll likely make back the cost of your investment.

Which garage door material is most durable?

Steel is one of the strongest materials around, which means it makes for an incredibly robust garage door that can stand up to almost any attempt at forced entry. Similarly, GRP garage doors are a strong, durable option that is manufactured to withstand cracks, dents and rot. What’s more, GRP offers exceptional weather resistance and can endure salty air and changes in humidity without damage, making it a perfect solution for those who live by the coast.

While wooden garage doors are durable, it does take some extra effort to keep them looking in great shape. Constant exposure to the often rainy British weather can cause rot and warping, and regular sanding, repainting and restaining will likely be required to offer extra protection against the elements.

Which garage door material looks best?

The question of which garage door material looks best is entirely a matter of opinion. If you’re after something with a bit of traditional, rustic charm, a wooden garage door is a great solution that offers a unique aesthetic. However, with numerous colour, style and finish options available, GRP and steel garage doors are highly customisable, meaning they can be tailored to suit your preferences.

Whatever garage door material you choose, you can rest assured that any product from Access Garage Doors will be high-quality, stylish and durable. Operating throughout Huddersfield, Halifax and Leeds, we’re a trusted name across the West Yorkshire region and our friendly team is always on hand to discuss your needs in more depth.

For more information or to arrange a free consultation, get in touch with us today.

08008 595 238