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Custom wood garage doors are not only stylish, but have historic roots as a call-back to the days when cars were kept in barns. In those days, wooden barn doors were cumbersome and susceptible to the elements. Today, garage doors are focal and functional pieces of technology for the home. But no matter how advanced they’ve become, wooden garage doors still add that sentimental and classic element to your curb appeal. 

In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know to capture elegance and history with your custom wood garage door.

The Best Materials for Custom Wood Garage Doors

The best quality wood garage doors are made from cedar, though you can make a custom door from any kind of wood. Why is cedar the best option? Cedar is loved for its look, versatility, and affordability. It’s  also fairly lightweight and resistant to pest and moisture damage.

At American Garage Door, we build custom wood garage doors to your desired specifics. Choose from painted, stained, or unfinished surfaces. We’ll also equip your door with custom decorative glass, hardware, and insulation options. 

Other wood types we specialize in include:

• Oak
• Spruce
• Mahogany
• Fir
• Alder
• Clear grades (wood without knots)

Why Choose Wood Over Other Garage Door Materials?

The short answer here is style. If you live in areas like Cherry Creek, Five Points, or Wash Park, your home might also function as a showpiece. Wooden garage doors are perfect for those who want to add a distinctive character to their curb appeal that sets them apart from the neighbors. Handmade wooden pieces add a rustic, timeless quality that is hard to match with other non-wood garage door materials.

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of a custom garage door will depend on several factors:

• Dimensions – The size of the door you need.
• Budget – How much you can allocate to a custom wood garage door. The typical cost of a non-custom garage door is $600-$1,500. However, adding a custom wood garage door is a worthwhile investment because it adds to the equity of your home. 
• Garage Usage – How you use your garage space will determine the type of opener you want. Some openers take up more space than others or require a more intricate garage door design.
• Style – There are several traditional and contemporary styles to choose from as well as completely customized designs. The more features or personality your door has, the more you can expect to spend.
• Materials & Labor – Cost of goods selected and installation. Some materials are more premium than others. For example, clear grades are a more premium product than knotty cedar. The materials you use will affect the durability, longevity, and ultimately, the cost. 

If you want a custom wood door but are worried that it’s out of your budget, read this guide on Wood vs. Faux Wood Garage Doors to discover alternative options that may work better for your needs.

Durability & Upgrades

One great aspect of custom wood garage doors is that they can be altered in the future without a full door replacement. For example, if your tastes change after your wooden door is installed and you decide that you want to add windows, you can have them installed. Wood color is versatile, so you can also change the finish if you ever paint your home a new color or just want to switch things up.

Wooden doors do have different maintenance requirements but, if properly cared for, they can last up to 30 years. Applying a clear coat of finish every 1 to 2 years will keep it looking brand new for years to come. Depending on the amount of sun exposure, certain finishes and types of wood may not be good for your door. If you have questions about which option works best for your home, ask a professional for advice.

Curb Appeal

Earlier, we mentioned that a wooden door adds style…and the data can prove it! Custom wooden doors increase your home’s perceived value by up to 4%. On a $250K home, that’s a $10K increase. Since garage doors make up nearly 40% of your home’s exterior, you want to make that 40% count!

A Style for Any Taste

Custom wood garage doors add a timeless, high-quality feel to your home. Whether you’re into traditional carriage or sleek modern styles, we can design a door you’ll love. Contact American Garage Door today to discover your options.