Love the look of natural wood, but don’t love the maintenance that comes with it? You’re not alone. Faux wood garage doors have quickly become one of the most popular choices for homeowners throughout the Main Line and surrounding areas—including right here in Delaware County!
Our team has installed countless faux wood doors over the years, and it’s easy to see why they’ve become a go-to choice for everything from modern farmhouses to traditional colonials. Below, we’ll break down the top reasons homeowners are choosing faux wood garage doors—and what you should keep in mind before making your decision.
The Appeal of Faux Wood
There’s no denying the charm of real wood. It offers a rich, natural look that adds instant warmth and character to any home. But real wood garage doors also come with downsides: they’re heavy, require regular upkeep, and can be more vulnerable to the elements over time.
Faux wood doors give you the best of both worlds: the appearance of wood with the durability and low maintenance of steel or composite materials. These doors are designed using advanced imaging or molded composite overlays that replicate the grain, texture, and color variations of real wood—without the drawbacks.
Benefits That Go Beyond Appearance
Low Maintenance
Unlike real wood, faux wood doors won’t warp, crack, or rot. Most are constructed from insulated steel or composite materials that can withstand changing temperatures, moisture, and daily wear. That means no sanding, staining, or sealing every couple of years.
Energy Efficiency
Many faux wood doors come with insulated cores, which help improve your garage’s energy efficiency. This is especially valuable for homes with attached garages or if you use your garage as a workspace.
Lighter Weight
Faux wood doors tend to be lighter than solid wood, which means less strain on your garage door opener and longer-lasting performance.
Style Variety
From modern plank styles to traditional carriage-house looks, faux wood doors are available in a wide range of designs and finishes. You can choose from popular stains like walnut, cedar, mahogany, or driftwood tones to complement your home’s exterior.
Things to Consider Before Choosing Faux Wood
Material Type
Not all faux wood doors are created equal. Some are steel doors with a printed wood grain finish, while others are composite overlays molded from real wood pieces. Composite tends to offer the most realistic appearance, but may come at a slightly higher price point.
Color Matching
If you’re trying to match other wood features on your home—like shutters, entry doors, or trim—bring photos or samples when selecting your faux wood finish. We can help you get the look just right.
Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Savings
Faux wood doors are typically more affordable than real wood options but may cost more than standard steel or aluminum models. That said, the long-term savings in maintenance, durability, and energy efficiency make them a smart investment for many homeowners.
Popular Options We Install
At Suburban Overhead Doors, we offer a variety of faux wood garage door styles from trusted brands like Clopay® and Amarr®. A few customer favorites include:
- Clopay Gallery® Collection with Ultra-Grain® finish – A classic carriage house design with a subtle wood-look steel finish.
- Canyon Ridge® Collection – A premium option with composite overlays and insulated steel cores for an ultra-realistic wood appearance.
- Amarr Classica® with Woodgrain Finish – Offers the look of handcrafted wood doors with the strength of steel.
All of these options can be customized with decorative hardware, window inserts, and panel designs to match your home’s architecture and personal style.
Ready to Upgrade Your Curb Appeal?
If you’re looking for a garage door that offers timeless beauty without the hassle, faux wood may be the perfect solution. Our team at Suburban Overhead Doors can walk you through your options, show you samples, and help you choose the best door for your home and budget.
Call us today or schedule a free consultation to explore faux wood garage doors and give your home the stylish, low-maintenance upgrade it deserves.
