What is a Wood Overlay Garage Door?
If you’ve been driving through your neighborhood and spotted a garage door that looks like it belongs on a luxury mountain lodge or a high-end custom estate, you were likely looking at a wood overlay garage door.
At Element Doors and Garages, we get a lot of questions about these because they offer a unique "best of both worlds" scenario. Here is everything you need to know about what they are and why they are becoming the go-to choice for homeowners looking to level up their curb appeal.
The Basics: How They’re Built
Instead of being made of one solid slab of wood (which can be incredibly heavy and prone to warping), a Wood Overlay Door uses a multi-layer approach:
The Base: A high quality, insulated steel or aluminum garage door.
The Overlay: Real wood faceboards (like Redwestern Cedar, Cypresswood, etc..) are professionally bonded to the exterior of that steel base.
The result is a door that looks exactly like a heavy, solid wood carriage door but functions with the modern reliability of a steel door.
Why Choose Overlay Instead of Solid Wood?
While solid wood doors are beautiful, they come with a few "hidden" challenges. Here’s why the overlay design is often the smarter pick:
Better Insulation: Because the base is a modern steel door, you get a much higher R-value (insulation rating). This keeps your garage cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Durability: The steel core bonded with the wood overlay provides strong structural integrity. It likely won't sag or shift over time.
Weight: They are significantly lighter than solid wood garage doors, meaning less wear and tear on your garage door opener and springs.
The Custom Look: You can choose different patterns or even customize the pattern to your liking.
Maintenance: Keep It Looking Sharp
Since the exterior is real wood, it does need a little love. To keep your Wood Overlay Door looking brand new, we recommend a fresh coat of stain or sealant every 2-3 years, depending on how much direct sunlight your driveway gets.
Is it worth the investment?
If you are looking to increase your home’s resale value, the answer is a yes. Garage door replacements are one of the top home improvement projects for Return on Investment (ROI). An overlay door transforms the entire face of your house, making it look custom-built rather than "builder grade."
Need Help Choosing a Style?
At Element Doors and Garages, we specialize in helping you find the perfect match for your home’s elevation. Whether you want the rustic charm of Western Red Cedar or the sleek look of painted wood, we’ve got you covered.
