A garage door takes up a lot of your home’s exterior. Hence, it often plays a big role in first impressions.
Garage doors come in all sorts of materials, including natural wood. But many savvy homeowners are choosing faux wood as a stylish, low-fuss alternative. Faux wood doors are designed to look just like real wood—so much so that most people can’t tell the difference.
Of course, there are trade-offs to consider.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about faux wood garage doors. We’ll explore their construction, advantages, drawbacks, pricing, and who they’re best suited for. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether they’re the right fit for your home.
Table Of Content
What Are Faux Wood Garage Doors?Pros of Faux Wood Garage Doors
Cons of Faux Wood Garage Doors
How Much Do Faux Wood Garage Doors Cost?
Are Faux Wood Garage Doors Right for You?
Contact Thompson for the Best Faux Wood Garage Doors!
What Are Faux Wood Garage Doors?
For decades, wood was the standard choice for garage doors. The first patent for an overhead garage door dates back to 1921, and throughout the early 20th century, nearly all were made of solid wood.
By the 1970s, manufacturers began exploring alternative materials. To match increasingly sophisticated architectural designs, they molded and colored these materials to look like wood.
Modern faux wood garage doors are made from materials like steel, fiberglass, or composite, designed to mimic the appearance of real wood. Doors made with these are typically tinted with wood-tone colorants that extend through the material.
Pros of Faux Wood Garage Doors
Cost-Effective Alternative to Real Wood
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose faux wood garage doors is cost. Solid wood doors can be expensive, especially when factoring in maintenance costs over the years. A two-car wooden garage door costs $2,000 to $10,000 with installation, depending on the wood type and features.
Faux wood gives you the same upscale look for a fraction of the price. Not only is the upfront cost of faux wood garage doors lower than real wood, but you also skip the ongoing expenses of staining, sealing, and constant upkeep.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Wood garage doors in Reno require frequent upkeep, including sealing, staining, or repainting to protect against moisture and sun damage. Faux wood takes that stress off your plate.
These doors won’t warp, rot, or crack due to weather changes, and they keep looking great with barely any effort. A quick wipe-down now and then is pretty much all you need to keep them looking fresh.
Lighter and Easier to Handle
Solid wood doors are heavy. Over time, that weight can wear out your garage door opener.
The best faux wood garage doors, on the other hand, are much lighter. They’re easier to install and won’t put as much strain on your opener. If you ever have to lift it manually, you won’t be dealing with a back-breaking struggle.
Long-Lasting
Faux wood doors outlast real wood. While a solid wood door might come with a 20-year warranty, many faux wood doors made from plastic resin, fiberglass, or vinyl come with lifetime guarantees.
Variety of Styles and Finishes
Finally, faux wood garage doors come in a wide range of colors, stains, and textures. Whether you prefer a rich mahogany look, a rustic cedar style, or a sleek walnut finish, you’ll find an option to match your home’s aesthetic.
Find Out If Faux Wood Fits Your Home
Cons of Faux Wood Garage Doors
Not as Authentic as Real Wood
You can’t get around the fact faux wood isn’t wood. Some doors may look more realistic than others, but all look synthetic to some degree.
Initial Cost Higher than Standard Steel Doors
Faux wood exterior doors are more affordable than real wood, but they’re still pricier than standard steel or aluminum doors. If you’re working on a shoestring budget, you might find that a plain steel door better fits your needs.
Potential Fading Over Time
Exposure to direct sunlight for extended periods can cause some faux wood finishes to fade. While high-quality models come with UV-resistant coatings, no material is completely immune to long-term sun exposure.
If you live in a place with intense sunlight—like Reno—you may need to refinish or touch up your faux wood garage door occasionally.
Limited Repair Options
Another downside of faux wood garage doors is that they’re not as easy to repair as real wood. Minor scuffs can usually be covered with touch-up paint, but if the damage is more significant, you may need to replace an entire panel.
How Much Do Faux Wood Garage Doors Cost?
The cost of faux wood garage doors depends on the material, size, insulation, and brand. On average, here’s what you can expect:
- Basic Faux Wood (Steel with Woodgrain Finish): $1,000 – $3,000
- Mid-Range Faux Wood (Steel or Fiberglass with Premium Finish): $3,000 – $5,000
- High-End Faux Wood (Custom Composite or Insulated Doors): $5,000 – $10,000+
The exact cost of your faux wood garage door will depend on several factors. Larger doors, insulated models, and custom finishes will push the price higher.
Are Faux Wood Garage Doors Right for You?
A faux wood garage door is a good investment if:
- You want the beauty of wood without the hassle of regular staining and sealing.
- You live in a climate where real wood would be tough to maintain.
- You need a durable, weather-resistant door that will last for years with minimal upkeep.
That said, if you value the authenticity of natural wood and don’t mind the extra maintenance, a solid wood garage door might still be the better option for you.
Upgrade Your Garage With the Right Door
Contact Thompson for the Best Faux Wood Garage Doors!
Faux wood garage doors provide the beauty of real wood without the cost and maintenance. While they aren’t as authentic as solid wood and may cost more than standard steel doors, they offer a practical and stylish solution for many homeowners.
Thompson Garage Doors offers high-quality faux wood garage doors that combine the best of looks and durability. Whether you’re upgrading for style, efficiency, or convenience, we’ve got the perfect door for your home.
Contact us or visit our showroom to explore your options.