Custom Wood Garage Doors: Styles, Cost and Maintenance in Arizona

The most commonly used wood for garage doors. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. It has a beautiful reddish-brown grain that weathers to a silver-gray patina if left untreated. Cedar is relatively lightweight compared to other hardwoods, which reduces stress on springs and openers. Cost: $3,000 – $5,000 for a 16×7 custom cedar door installed.

A premium tropical hardwood with a deep, rich red-brown tone. Mahogany is denser and heavier than cedar, providing superior dent resistance. It takes stain beautifully and has excellent dimensional stability. Cost: $4,000 – $7,000+ for a 16×7 custom mahogany door installed.

Hemlock offers a lighter, more uniform grain at a lower price point than cedar. Cypress is naturally rot-resistant and performs well in humid conditions. Both are used in more affordable custom wood doors. Cost: $2,500 – $4,500 installed.

Tucson receives approximately 286 sunny days per year with intense UV radiation. Unprotected wood bleaches, cracks, and loses its finish within 6–12 months. Apply a UV-blocking exterior wood finish (such as Sikkens Cetol or TWP) every 12–18 months on sun-exposed doors. West-facing and south-facing doors need more frequent reapplication.

During monsoon season, relative humidity spikes from 10–15% to 50–70% within hours. Wood expands with moisture and contracts when it dries — sometimes within the same day. This cycling causes warping, cracking, and joint separation. A penetrating oil-based sealer (not a film-forming finish) allows the wood to breathe while repelling moisture.

Subterranean termites are prevalent across the Tucson metro area. Cedar has natural termite resistance, but mahogany and other species may need treatment. Ensure the bottom of the door does not rest directly on the concrete — use a rubber bottom seal to create separation.