Wooden garages are the “it” design choice these days. While what kind of garage you have might not seem like a big deal you would be surprised by the difference in makes in the overall aesthetic of your home. You could have a beautiful, sprawling estate and a badly made garage could make it look cheap just by sitting there at its side.
The price is often the sore point for people who are considering wooden garages over sheet metal. You should try thinking of a wooden garage as an investment rather than a financial burden. It will ultimately help raise the value of your home far more than the initial cost.
However, different types of wood are more or less expensive.
The Most Common Wood Types For Wooden Garages
Cedar - Cedar is usually considered the midrange wood of choice for garages. Durable and versatile, it is resistant to rot caused by age and moisture. At the same time it can fight against chipping and weakening caused by heat and dry climates. Because of that it is great for any area that is known for both hot summers and cold winters.
It is more costly than what you usually see in pre-made wooden garages, which puts people off. It also have to be restained every other year in order to keep the lumber in top shape. That being said, the gorgeous natural reds and whites mean you don’t have to paint it if you don’t want to.
Redwood - Redwood is the high end option for those who really want something that lasts. The wood is incredibly tough and can face off against just about any inclement weather. It doesn’t have to be stained as often because it is resistant to moisture, heat, cold and just about anything else you can throw at it. You would need to stain it about every three years.
The downside is keeping termites and other vermin from the door so make sure you keep it clean, look for any signs of infestation regularly so you can catch it at the beginning and occasionally spray for pests. It is tasty wood for creatures that hang out in lumber yards.
Plywood - The least expensive option, plywood is the most common that you see in pre-made wooden garages and on the low end of catalogs. In order to keep this style of lumber healthy you have to add layers. The bottom will be plywood, usually covered with a harder wood in a thin layer to toughen it. In between will be foam insulation to keep it from getting too wet or cold.
You will be paying less at first for a plywood garage but it might cost you more in the long run. They are harder to maintain, require more repairs and aren’t that tough against the elements. But they are also easy to stain, can be painted without any fuss and are easy to repair on your own.
Pine - Pine is a rare wood to see in a garage door but more expensive ones can sometimes have it. The scent and natural beauty, particularly from Scandinavian breeds, are the major draw.
While many pre-fabs won’t have this option you can contact manufacturers to have them done special. The cost is more for the lumber and you will have to take great care with staining it every year, but if you want something truly unique it is worth it.
What You Need To Know About Wooden Garages
- They require some upkeep. As mentioned in the types of wood, you have to regularly stain wooden garages in order to keep them in tip top condition. This keeps the wood from warping, chipping or rotting. It seals the lumber so critters don’t wriggle their way in and cause damage on the inside. Depending on the wood you will have to either stain once a year, every other year or every three to five years.
- You can use recycled lumber. One way of keeping both costs and environmental impact is to make or buy wooden garages that have been made from recycled lumber. These excellent products are easy to find and mean that no additional trees were felled for the sake of your home.
- Chemicals have become increasingly green. Another common worry for people who want to be eco-friendly are the chemical products used to stain the wood and seal them. In the past it is true that these chemicals were horrible for the environment. They have since been improved to be more green, less damaging and even easier to use.
- A new garage door raises home value automatically. No matter what the material used, new garage doors are instant value boosters for homes. They increase what is known as curb value, the impression made the second someone pulls up to the house. If you are doing a lot of DIY this is a great and easy way to recoup project costs.
Are Prefab Wooden Garages Worth It?
You have probably come across prefab wooden garages and wondered if they are worth looking into. Are they of high enough quality to be worthy of investment, or would it be better to build your own from scratch, either yourself or by hiring out to a company?
For most, prefab wooden garages are going to be the best way to go. They are lower cost in almost all cases, come in all different wood types and quality and can be erected quickly and easily. Hiring a contracting company, on the other hand, can costs thousands of dollars more for an end result that isn’t much different.
That being said, you should be careful of who you are going to for your prefab wooden garage. Make sure to check reviews on quality. Look into what kind of wood they use. Understand their warranty details and what they do in case of damages. Try finding someone who will stand behind their work enough to offer repairs or replacement materials in case of future problems.
