Choosing a new garage door is an important decision. There are a number of factors to consider to ensure your garage door ticks the boxes of your practical needs whilst integrating seamlessly with the aesthetics of your property. And then, of course there’s the fundamental choices of garage door type and material. Do you plump for the timeless appeal of a classic wooden garage door or the sleek and convenient metal electric roller garage door? Both popular choices, but which is the right one for you and your property?
In this comprehensive guide, we put the two types of garage door side-by-side, comparing their key features to help you make an informed decision. We’ll look at aesthetics, durability, maintenance, security and cost to give you a complete picture.
Wood Garage Doors: A Timeless Appeal
Wood is an ever-popular choice of material for garage doors, and this has been the case across the decades - indeed the earliest garage doors were made of wood! And of course, no single timber garage door is the same - ranging from rustic charm to sophisticated elegance. Wood provides a natural, sustainable material, full of character and individual grain patterns to provide a truly unique appearance and texture.
For homes with a traditional architectural style, elegant timber garage doors can offer a stylish finishing touch to complement and enhance the property’s character.
And of course there is a wide range of wood types to choose from, including oak, cedar and pine, each offering its own unique pattern and hue. Whether you choose to let the material’s natural beauty shine through, stain it a deeper shade or paint it to match your front door, wood offers a customisable, futureproof canvas for your garage door; you can change shades time and time again over the years to suit changing styles and tastes.
However, the natural charm of wooden garage doors comes at a price - both financially and in terms of upkeep.
Wooden garage doors are often significantly more expensive than those made with other popular materials. This is particularly true if you opt for a higher-quality, solid timber. Ongoing maintenance of your wooden garage door is a major consideration too; if it is to stand the test of time (and British weather!), regular upkeep including sanding, waterproofing or painting is crucial. Neglecting your garage door can quickly lead to significant (and potentially costly) problems, including rot and warping - both of which can lead to security issues and the potential for water (and pests) to enter your garage. Untreated or poorly maintained wooden garage doors can swell in damp weather and crack in the heat, compromising its functionality and appearance.
The bottom line? Although an appealing and visually attractive option for many, choosing timber garage doors requires a long term commitment to maintenance, as well as the relatively expensive initial outlay.
The Modern Advantage of Roller Garage Doors
In contrast to their timber cousins, metal roller garage doors offer a range of aesthetic and practical benefits whilst having a minimal need for regular maintenance. They also offer a more affordable option compared with the cost of wood garage doors. Modern electric roller garage doors, like those offered by Garolla, bring kerb appeal, convenience and security, whilst maximising the space available in your garage. They are customisable too, meaning you can choose the right garage door for your home and lifestyle.
From an aesthetic perspective, modern roller garage doors offer stylish minimalism - designed to seamlessly fit in with houses of all architectural styles and ages. They are also available in a wide range of different colours too, which might leave you spoilt for choice! Here’s how to choose the perfect garage door colour for your home.
A key benefit of modern roller garage doors vs wooden garage doors (and many other alternatives), is the space they save. Whereas other garage doors either open outwards or roll into the roof space, roller garage doors open vertically, rolling up into a box above the lintel. This means you can maximise the space in your garage by using the roof space for storage, and parking your car right up to the garage door without having to worry about clearance.
Metal roller garage doors offer a formidable and enduring deterrent from a security perspective. Leaving no gap between the edges, and with a metal build, roller garage doors can provide extra peace of mind when compared with traditional garages.
Similarly, roller garage doors are built to last, and with a minimal need for ongoing maintenance. Whereas timber garage doors are vulnerable to rotting and warping over time, roller garage doors offer a weatherproof alternative. All you need to do is give it a wipe down with soapy water from time to time to keep it looking its best!
The Garolla Roller Garage Door Difference
It’s worth noting that Garolla offers a range of different options for your new roller garage door to suit your needs and budget. All come with an electric operation as standard, and are custom built to the exact size of your garage. Manufactured using high-quality aluminium, and featuring interlocking slats, they provide a lightweight yet robust alternative to more traditional garage door types. All Garolla garage doors come with a 5 year warranty as standard, and are installed for free by a professional local engineer.
Wood vs. Garolla Roller Garage Doors: Side by Side
Let’s break down the key differences between wood and Garolla roller garage doors.
| Wooden Garage Door | Garolla Roller Garage Door | |
| Maintenance | Requires regular maintenance (paint / staining) to avoid costly damage and compromising key features. | Low maintenance. Occasional cleaning required to maintain aesthetic appeal and finish. |
| Durability | Prone to costly weather damage. | Highly weather resistant and designed to last. |
| Security | Generally built with a good level of security depending on the strength of timber used. However, this can easily be compromised by weather damage. | More secure as standard due to use of high quality aluminium, edge-to-edge design and interlocking slats. Further security upgrades are available. |
| Aesthetics | Classic, natural and warm. Ideal for traditional homes. Can be painted. | Sleek, clean and modern. Designed to fit in with most homes. Wide range of colour options. |
| Cost | A more expensive choice - particularly when using high-end timber. Also worth considering the long term costs associated with regular maintenance. | Competitively priced - starting at £895 with free fitting, including VAT. |
| Convenience | Manual operation or requires high-cost heavy-duty automation system. | Fully automated as standard with remote control operation. |
Your New Garage Door: Making the Right Choice
So which type of garage door is best for your home? The answer lies in the aesthetics.
For some, there is no substitute for a wooden garage door’s timeless appeal and charm. However, this traditional aesthetic comes at a cost.
If you’re looking for a practical, secure and low-maintenance option for your new garage door, a modern roller electric garage door is the clear winner. With superior security, effortless automation and a durable, weather-resistant finish, roller garage doors provide a sleek, convenient alternative.
At Garolla, our electric roller garage doors offer an extremely cost-effective option for your home without compromising on quality on kerb appeal. Custom built, professionally installed, and with numerous customisation options, you’ll find the perfect garage door for your needs and budget at Garolla.
It’s easy to get started too. Simply complete our form to book your free survey with your friendly, local engineer.