6 Dos and Don’ts of Installing A Timber Garage Door

Timber garage doors are beautiful and can add a stunning aesthetic feature to your property. But, as with any garage door, there are a few things to consider to ensure that the door you choose is right for your home. Here are six dos and don’ts of installing a timber garage door to help you make the right decision.

Do check the weight of the door

Timber garage doors are often deceptively heavy, and if you’ve previously had a metal or plastic door, you might find that a solid wooden door is too much for a standard door spring. Make sure that your garage door spring is capable of supporting your new timber door before you invest in it, as otherwise you could just be paying for repairs in the future.

Do keep the door light

While we’re on the subject of weight, there are several things you can do to prevent the door from becoming too heavy. Firstly, make sure that the door isn’t cut too thickly, as this can significantly increase the weight. Another option is to include PVC or glass windows which will add an appealing look but also can help decrease the overall weight, since it won’t be entirely made from wood.

Do consider energy efficiency

If your garage is attached to your home or a living space, you need to consider energy efficiency and insulation. Wooden doors that contain insulation are a great fit. And, while it may increase the price of the door, you’ll benefit considerably from the heat retention they provide, making your garage and home a more comfortable place to be.

Don’t varnish after installing

One of the most common mistakes with a wooden garage door is staining or varnishing it once it’s in place. But this can mean that some areas of the door aren’t weather-protected, which can lead to wood rot further down the line.

Some of the areas commonly missed include the hinges, inside edges and the bottom of the door. If you’re going to apply varnishes and protective seals, it’s a good idea to ensure these are applied before the door is installed to keep it protected and looking great for longer.

Don’t hang the door the wrong way

Wood doors can look the same when  installed the right way up or even upside down, meaning it could be installed incorrectly and you won’t realise until it’s too late. It might not seem like a big deal, but it could lead to splitting and cracks developing, so it’s important to ensure that it’s installed the right way up. It can be beneficial to have a professional install the door for you so you can be sure it’s been fitted properly for greater longevity.

Don’t forget about maintenance

A wooden garage door is long-lasting and beautiful, but requires regular maintenance. So, don’t invest in this type of door if you’re not prepared to put in the time to keep it in great condition. You’ll need to make sure that you check the door regularly for signs of weather damage and periodically apply a protective coating to weatherproof it throughout the seasons.

Final thoughts

Timber garage doors add style, class and durability to your garage, and they offer great opportunities for customisation. But there are pros and cons to think about, as well as various factors to bear in mind when installing a new door. With these tips, you can ensure that you make the right choice for your property for a garage door that lasts for many years to come.

If you’d like advice on installing a new garage door or you’d like to book in one of our fitters to professionally install the door for you, get in touch with Wessex Garage Doors today.