When you're looking for a garage door that stands out among the rest, consider opting for a door made from a less common material. For example, cedar lumber is gaining popularity as a unique, attractive and long-lasting garage door material. It's no surprise because cedar has a long-standing reputation for being a great outdoor furniture material. Here are several reasons why you should consider cedar lumber for your new garage door.
Attractive Color
Cedar lumber stands out among other types of wood for its natural color as well as the beauty it develops when it's weathered. Fresh cedar has a rich, deep red hue that is unmistakable. Unlike other woods, though, cedar doesn't lose its beauty when exposed to the elements. Weathered cedar takes on a silvery finish that is absolutely elegant. The transition makes weathered cedar just as beautiful as the fresh wood.
The good news is that you don't have to let your cedar weather if you don't want to. If you like the vibrant red color of fresh cedar wood, a little bit of maintenance is all it needs. When you first install the door, you'll want to treat it with linseed or teak oil. The oil will bring out the natural color of the wood and protect it from weathering.
Apply a coat of oil with a lint-free cloth, rubbing it evenly across the surface. Allow it to soak in for an hour or so, then apply a second coat. Do this a couple of times, until the wood stops absorbing the oil. Then, once a year, sand the surface of the door with medium-grit sandpaper to clear away any debris or contaminants and create a fresh surface for oil application. Repeat the oil treatment process to preserve the door for another year.
Durability
Cedar lumber holds up to the potential threats of weather exposure without suffering severe damage. Cedar naturally resists decay, and it has both anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that help prevent infestations, bacteria and mildew.
Lightweight
The heavier your garage door is, the harder it will be to open on your own. Even if you're going to install an automatic door opener, you may still have times when you need to open the door by hand. Cedar is a lightweight wood when compared to some of the other hardwoods and metal options. Using cedar will give you a lighter door that will be easier to open manually. Another benefit to the lighter weight is that it will be easier for the automatic opener to lift and close the door, leading to less wear and tear on the mechanism inside the opener. This may allow you to get a longer usable life from your opener.
Mold Resistant
If the climate where you live is frequently damp or humid, you'll want to invest in a garage door that isn't prone to mold, mildew and other moisture damage. While metal doors can corrode due to persistent moisture, many woods actually mold in environments with high humidity or prolonged moisture.
Mold spores can cause a variety of respiratory problems, making them a serious health concern for your family. If you opt for cedar wood instead of metal or vulnerable woods, you'll have less risk of mold or mildew growth. Cedar, as mentioned previously, is naturally resistant to mold, which makes it a great choice in these environments.
As you can see from the information presented here, cedar lumber has many advantages as a garage door material. If you're in the market for a new garage door, talk with your contractor about the possibility of using cedar to create it.
