Colorado’s climate decides the winner
High UV, low humidity, heavy hail, and winter freeze-thaw cycles mean your garage door sees more abuse than in most states. Both steel and wood can thrive here with the right maintenance—but they don’t age the same.
Durability breakdown
Steel
- Galvanized steel resists rust if the factory finish stays intact
- Dents from hail or bikes are common but usually cosmetic
- Insulated sandwich steel doors add rigidity and reduce vibration
Wood
- Natural cedar and redwood handle dryness well but need frequent sealing
- Warping or cracking can occur on sun-facing elevations without regular care
- Heavier weight stresses springs sooner if the door isn’t balanced yearly
Maintenance commitments
- Steel: Wash twice a year, touch up chips, lubricate moving parts. Expect paint refresh every 8-10 years.
- Wood: Sand, stain, or re-paint every 1-2 years; inspect joints, panels, and bottom seals quarterly. Budget for periodic panel resurfacing.
In Colorado’s arid air, neglecting even one season of sealing can let wood absorb snowmelt and swell.
Energy efficiency and comfort
- Insulated steel (2” polyurethane) reaches R-12+, helping attached garages stay warm
- Solid wood averages R-4 unless upgraded with interior insulation kits
- Steel doors with thermal breaks prevent frost lines on interiors far better than single-layer wood slabs
Lifespan expectations
- Steel: 20-30 years with periodic hardware upgrades and panel touch-ups
- Wood: 15-25 years if finishes are maintained and panels stay dry
- Springs, rollers, and openers wear similarly on both but need more frequent balancing with heavier wood doors
Design and resale considerations
Wood offers unmatched custom millwork, but modern steel carriage-house designs mimic grain patterns convincingly while staying low maintenance. Many Colorado homeowners choose steel for longevity, then add wood-look overlays or cladding to blend with mountain-modern exteriors.
Need help choosing?
Colorado Garage Door Fix installs both premium steel and custom wood doors. We account for elevation, sun exposure, HOA guidelines, and insulation goals before recommending a door package. Our consult includes:
- On-site measurements and wind-load verification
- Spring and opener sizing for the material you select
- Maintenance plan tailored to steel or wood ownership
Call (970) 409-1369 to schedule a design consult or visit our showroom virtually for curb-appeal mockups.
Pick the door that fits your lifestyle—and commit to the care it deserves for Colorado conditions.