Timber garage doors in New Zealand
Steel is the usual choice here. B&D NZ says sectional doors are most often steel, though timber and other materials are possible. So a cedar door is a door to ask about early: tell us that's what you are after, and ask the door specialist who takes the job what they can supply and who makes it.
Dominator says all of its garage doors are built from New Zealand steel, so ask who would actually make a timber door for your opening.
Weight, springs and the opener
Weight is the big question with timber. Dominator rates its Smart and Secure openers for doors up to 235kg and its Smart Pro up to 300kg, and a solid timber door can weigh more than a steel one of the same size. The opener has to be rated for the finished door, including any windows or hardware.
The springs have to match that weight too. B&D NZ's care guide says a sectional door should take no more than 20kg of force by hand, and a door that has been built heavier than planned won't get there without the right springs.
Questions to ask about a timber door
- Who makes the door, and what timber is it?
- What does the finished door weigh, and which opener and springs suit that weight?
- What coating does it need, and how often does that need redoing?
- What does the warranty cover, and does it depend on that upkeep?
- How will it handle the sun, rain or salt air on this side of the house?
What we would do
Get the door's weight in writing before you pick the opener. A motor chosen with a steel door in mind can be underrated for timber, and Dominator's opener warranty also expects a door you can move by hand with no more than 20kg of force.