Garage doors come in all shapes, sizes and finishes. One of the most popular – and most premium – finishes is wood. Timber garage doors will add a sense of class to your property, setting it apart as somewhere that the owner really cares about. Real timber is all about the aesthetics – it is the choice of the discerning homeowner, who wants to make sure their property looks a cut above the rest. A timber door for your garage will leave the neighbours envious and will make your home, garden, driveway and garage stand out.

These are some of the most popular materials for a timber garage door:

• Cedar
• Oak
• Larch
• Iroko
• Hemlock
• Nordic pine
• Douglas fir

There are many others available as well. The choice will depend on many factors – the appearance you want, whether you prefer hardwood, what your budget is. Deciding on these factors will help you choose your perfect door.

Each type of wood will have a different appearance, so begin by understanding what they will look like. Some will have a lighter or darker finish, and some will have more knots in the wood. Pine, for example, is a very knotty wood and this gives it a distinctive appearance. However, if you want to change the appearance of your doors, it is also perfectly possible to do so. Use a stain or varnish to change the finish on the timber doors, and if you like, you can even paint them. However, for most people, part of the charm of having timber doors is enjoying the timber appearance. It would be a shame to cover up solid oak.

Timber door styles 

Garage doors come in many different styles to suit different properties and budgets. The cheapest type of door is the up and over or canopy door. This swings open upwards and outwards – it is the most standard type of door you would think of when picturing a garage door. In timber, this kind of door will be quite heavy. This also means it will be sturdy and robust, standing up to any bad weather conditions.

The side hinged door is also a popular option in timber. This is a more traditional type of door, giving the appearance of a stable door. It will look really good in timber, giving a very traditional appearance. You will need plenty of space for a side hinged timber door, as it opens outwards and will be large and heavy.

Other types of door may be available, but they will probably be timber effect rather than real wood. Real wood cannot be used as a roller shutter door, for example, because it is not flexible.

Why choose a timber door? 

Most homeowners want timber because of its appearance. It will also keep the property well insulated, and will be very sturdy. Timber can last for years and will not break easily, especially if you choose a high quality door where the wood is thick and solid. Timber will look solid in its construction, helping to deter burglaries.