Wooden garage doors are more expensive than fiberglass doors, costing between $700 and $1000 more for a 2-car garage door.
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ToggleHouse Energy reports that the starting price for a standard two-car hardwood garage door is between $2,500 and $3,000, while the same size door in fiberglass starts at between $1,800 to $2,000. You may be able to find low-grade wooden garage doors, which are cheaper than fiberglass, but they are susceptible to warping and cracking.
Cost Comparison
Initial Cost Fiberglass Garage Door.
Like most major purchases the cost varies depending on your location, but on average the first outlay for a fiberglass garage door can vary from $1,000 to $1,500 for the door. Add to that labor costs, supplies and tools, and your total can be in the $1,800 to $2,000 price range.
Initial Cost Wooden Garage Door.
Wooden garage doors are more expensive than fiberglass, adding approximately 50% to the initial cost. Labor costs are higher also because of the weight of wooden doors. Installation materials and equipment all add to the cost bringing the total to between $3,100 to $3,750.
Factors to consider for long-term maintenance and repair costs.
Benefits of Fiberglass Garage Doors.
• Resistance to corrosion, shrinkage, and warping.
• Don’t contract and expand due to changes in temperature.
• Maintenance is low.
• Lighter than other materials.
Insulation Properties of Fiberglass Doors.
Fiberglass garage doors having just the basic single layer of fiberglass do not have particularly good insulating properties. Fortunately, since fiberglass is a lightweight material, insulation panels can be added to the door to give a high R-value.
Energy Efficiency.
Your garage door covers the largest opening in your home, and as such if it has poor insulating qualities, your HVAC system may be working harder than it should, and your utility bills will be higher. A triple-layer fiberglass garage door can deliver an elevated level of energy efficiency, meaning your HVAC system will not be working as hard as with other types of garage doors.
Resistance to elements.
Fiberglass garage doors are 100% resistant to corrosion caused by inclement weather, heavy rain, or snow. Anyone who lives in a coastal region should consider a fiberglass door over other materials.
Disadvantages of Wooden Garage Doors.
• High maintenance requirements.
• If not sealed properly subject to deterioration.
• Expensive to buy.
Potential issues with termite damage.
A wooden garage door while being pleasant to look at is made with a natural, organic material. Termites are forever on the lookout for food, and wood being one the most abundant sources, your wooden garage door may be subject to termite problems.
Regular repainting for wooden doors.
Wooden garage doors are exposed to the elements 24 hours a day 365 days a year and will require regular maintenance. To keep a wooden garage door looking pristine every year you should sand, fill any cracks that are found, and paint the door with a quality exterior paint.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Are fiberglass doors more expensive than wood?
When it comes to the question of price, fiberglass doors win easily. A fiberglass garage door costs about half of a wooden garage door.
What is the cheapest material for a garage door?
Out of the six or more popular garage door materials available today aluminum is the cheapest. According to Homeguide, a single aluminum door costs between $250 and $1,400, a wood door costs between $1,000 and $4,000, and a fiberglass door $350 to $3,500.
What makes a garage door more expensive?
Several components have an effect on the price of a garage door such as:
• The chosen material.
• Durability.
• Energy efficiency.
• Insulation quality.
• Configuration and size.
• Brand and warranty.
How long do fiberglass garage doors last?
The average lifespan of a garage door is between 15 and 30 years assuming proper maintenance has been performed. A fiberglass garage door has an expected lifespan of between 20 and 25 years, according to research done by Angi.com.
Which is better, wood or fiberglass door?
Fiberglass garage doors have several advantages over wood. They have better resistance to weathering, require less maintenance, put less strain on the garage door opener because they are so much lighter than wood doors, and they can be easily opened and closed manually should your automatic opener not work.
Which type of garage door is best?
The best type of garage door depends on many factors. The region in which you live, the space available, your chosen design, and the budget available to list a few. It all comes down to your personal preferences and whether the type of door you would like to buy will be the best for your situation.
How much should you spend on a garage door?
The amount can vary considerably depending on the size and quality of the garage door. Average door prices range from $200 for a single basic quality door up to $10,000+ for a high quality, made-to-measure door with all the extras.
What is the most popular material for garage doors?
Steel and aluminum are the most popular materials for a garage door. Around 80% of residential garage doors are made from one or the other because of the cost. Steel is the cheapest, and aluminum is the lightest, making them the most popular out of all the available materials.
Is Fiberglass cheaper than wood?
Fiberglass is approximately half the cost of wood. Of course, the final price depends on location, size, and quality of both materials.
What are the cons of fiberglass doors?
Fiberglass does not, on its own, have good insulation qualities, so added insulation may be needed. It is a brittle material prone to damage and it can turn a shade of yellow after sustained exposure to sunlight.
Are Fiberglass doors expensive?
Compared to other garage door materials such as wood, fiberglass doors are relatively inexpensive.
What is the new trend in garage doors?
The current trend in garage doors is leaning towards eco-friendly materials, modern designs, and neutral colors such as gray, white, and black.
What is the strongest material for a garage door?
Steel is one of the strongest materials used in garage door construction, being able to withstand light impact damage and attempted break-ins.
What is the most expensive part of building a garage?
The most expensive part of the construction of a garage is the foundation. The average two-car garage will require approximately 1,200 sq ft of poured concrete. If you calculate the area and multiply it by an estimated cost of $8 per sq ft, then the foundation will end up costing you $9,600.