why a custom-built wood door could be the right choice
It’s finally summer here in the Hudson Valley, and that means more people are out and about—which could mean more traffic than normal through your neighborhood, and more eyes on your home’s façade. There’s no better time to consider a new garage door; perhaps a new custom-built wood door at that! Why wood? Why custom? Why, we’re so glad you asked!
When you choose wood, you’re choosing design freedom! You control the species (for example, cedar, pine, or mahogany), panel and glass configuration, stain, (or paint color) and hardware. Accessories like antique glass or a certain color of hardware can also draw attention to the features of your house you love the most. You can easily match the look and design of your garage doors to other wood elements on your home's exterior. At Whitaker’s, we specialize in these builds and create your doors in our state-of-the-art workshop. While we are very proud of the other options we offer from trusted manufacturers, such as steel and vinyl, custom woodworking really lights us up. Whitaker’s Garage Door Store has some of the best woodworkers in the country on our team—folks who love nothing more than planning out and constructing your vision. In fact, nothing excites us more than tailoring your design to compliment your home’s architectural style (whether it’s modern, Craftsman, or historical).
Wood could be considered the “little black dress” of garage doors—chic, elegant, and looks good on everyone. After all, upgrading the garage door is one of the best ways to yield higher return-on-investment results. However, make sure that you establish a realistic budget early in the planning process. Custom wood garage doors can vary significantly in price depending on the chosen wood type, design complexity, and hardware. No budget is too big or too small for Whitaker’s—just give a call! We’ll be thrilled to help you plan the custom build that fits you and your home in every way possible.
While there are, of course, pros and cons to any door type and design, it’s hard to go wrong with wood. Aside from being among the most aesthetically pleasing, wood also has excellent natural insulating properties. This helps regulate the temperature inside your garage and dampen external noise transmission—elements that are especially valuable if your garage is attached to your house and you’re looking to use the space for an office, playroom, or gym. Knowing that you’ll keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer is definitely a pro for choosing a custom wood design.
In a recent blog, we discussed how and when you can (and should) replace individual door panels. Unlike (thinner) steel, solid wood won't dent from minor impacts (like an errant basketball). If a panel is damaged, it can usually be repaired or replaced individually without swapping out the entire door. And when properly maintained, custom wood garage doors can last for decades. Wood is “living material,” (a material used in construction and building that behaves in a way which mirrors living organisms). It is strong and resilient and can withstand the elements and the test of time. With regular care, your custom wood garage door will continue to enhance your home’s look (and safety) for many years to come. Bear in mind that to prevent warping, rotting, or fading, you will need to perform periodic maintenance (such as resealing or repainting as needed). If you notice any issues with your custom wood garage door, such as warping, cracking, or difficulty opening or closing, it’s important to address them promptly. Our technicians are experts in all kinds of repair and maintenance techniques. By taking care of minor issues early on, you can prevent them from becoming major issues later on.
Custom wood garage doors present an exceptional opportunity to elevate your home’s exterior—merging beauty, durability, and individuality. Understanding the various aspects involved – from wood selection to design and maintenance – empowers you to make well-informed choices, ensuring your garage door becomes a cherished asset that enhances your home for years to come.
Give us a call, peruse our website for special discounts, and/or make an appointment to stop by our all-new showroom and meet with our wonderful owners, Casarra and Jonathan. They’ll be happy to talk you through the design process and make your dreams come true!
