Our Blog - Garages and Other Home Projects

Wooden Garage Doors in Tucson

Even though we spend most of our time dealing with garage door repairs, we do also get inquiries about different options to consider when it comes to brand new garage doors. So along those lines of thinking, I thought I would share a bit of information on solid wood garage doors. It’s not something we see a whole lot of here in Tucson, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an option for you.

A garage door must be solid to ensure the safety of not only your vehicles, but your home as well.

But this is not the only functionality of this product, whose numerous options can make deciding on one material over another sometimes so difficult.

Among the selection criteria, insulation capacity and aesthetics are often in first place. The wooden garage door meets all these expectations.

Features Of The Wooden Garage Door

Garage door manufacturers have found in wood a synonym for solidity. They use solid wood, such as pine or fir, to make door finishes that must withstand the passage of time, changes in temperature and especially frequent manipulations.

The Oukoumé wood and the Doussie are generally very appreciated and frequently used because they are very robust. They also make it possible to create doors that last for thirty or even forty years, in spite of the alternation of the humidity and the excessive heat that they must undergo.

The wood, before being worked to obtain the desired shape and dimensions, is treated in order to slow down the chances of it rotting. It is then shaped into the desired shape.

Generally, the garage door is manufactured according to standardized standards but nothing prevents you from ordering one made to measure, depending on the location, the orientation and the dimensions of your garage.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wooden Garage Door

Wood is undoubtedly a material of unquestionable elegance, but it is nevertheless difficult to install. Because it is a heavy material that, unlike PVC and aluminum, requires a lot of experience and sometimes even the intervention of a whole team of professionals.

Quality wood is also a little more expensive than other types of materials, but then the durability and elegance is something that people are often willing to pay extra for.

At Discount Garage Door Company, we have experience with installing all kinds of doors, so if you’re curious about a solid wooden door for your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call to discuss your options.

Video Transcript

what why for quality garage doors and san diego today – a video not on the garage door opener but on a garage door I’ve done one of these yet be kind of interesting to see his start to finish what it do a one piece wooden door I’ve got the lumber right here plywood and talking nails everything else ready to build this from the ground up go out to the customer’s house and hanging and she can’t get a sectional door she probably can but she’s in a duplex where the neighbor has to get one too and she uses it not to live it but to store things so she bought half of the duplex and uses it for storage so i have to replicate what’s out there i’m going to use your existing truss rods but other than that will be from the ground up we scratch so let me get set up here and we’ll start now on this stuff together and I’m going to start videotaping it piece by piece speeding it up see if I can keep this video short as possible if not off to cut it into a few segments but hopefully i get all of them catching a man alright so here we’ve got the plans for the door what makes 15 9 wide i’m going to make it about 15 eight and a quarter split the difference between three quarters of an inch on both sides I’ve got supply to rip to five and a half and then we’re going to create this designed to match the existing door step back here a couple of things we’re going to need some clocking a router a drill stapler 20 penny nails staples a few 16 penny nails a chop saw a warm God saw course a hammer wunderbar there’ll be other few other tools used along the way but for now that’s what we’re going to start building the store with a good the idea is going to be but roll out the alley like this and just leave the camera on speed up later the handrails here i’m going to examine them and see which way I want to flip when you’ve got to be real particular about how the wood goes together like this hodgepodge it together you gotta check everything the bowl in the would not switch into want to cut off it’s pretty detailed so I’m just going to let it record cut out what I need to an editing but try to float just like this with a very few camera just just yeah yeah okay so we got the friend we apply we got asked in the bottom weatherstrip on now we’re going to rip the design three-eighths rubs on five and a quarter inch why going to pull the table style we’re ripping Anglo strips and then tomorrow when it’s nice and overcast we’re going to attach the strips of talk around the edges wrap this up tomorrow here freshly shaved on let’s get burning and hopefully with your wrap it up yeah yeah yeah I don’t know yeah yeah ok yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah

Happy New Year Tucson! 2017

A few days late, but no less sincere… true and honest “Happy New Year” wishes going out to everyone in and around Tucson (and beyond)! To all my past customers, I thank you for trusting me with your garage door repairs, service and installations in 2016. For all new customers I have yet to meet in 2017 – while I don’t wish garage door problems upon anyone, I am more than happy to be the guy you call when you need help with yours.

With the New Year underway now almost a week, I thought I would share a little good Will (no pun intended!) for those of you who are baseball fans…

Tucsonans Can Get Discount Spring Training Tickets

Tucson residents can receive 50 percent off Diamondback Spring Training tickets Friday.

The offer will take place from 9 a.m. until midnight for all 2017 Spring Training games at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

Go to dbacks.com/spring use 17LEGACY and your Tucson zip code when purchasing the tickets online. The promotion is good for up to eight tickets per account in select sections.

The D-backs open their 20th Spring Training on Feb. 22 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick with a game against Grand Canyon University. read more at kvoa.com

Can you believe we’re already talking baseball?!?! Maybe, maybe not, but with this incredible weather we’re having, it feels like baseball time to me, so… “Take me out to the ball game!”

Photo credit kvoa.com

Tucson Seeing Some Things Going Up (Like Our Garage Doors)

As a garage door company, we need to be mindful of both the ups and downs of our product in a literal sense. But when it comes to our home town of Tucson, we definitely prefer to focus on the UP news. And when it comes to housing, since we are closely tied to it in many ways, we’re definitely happy to see more signs that things are headed in an upward direction. Even if people continue to use careful language such as “cautiously optimistic”. Heck, that’s a lot better than what we have heard for more than a few years, so yeah, we’ll take it!

Tucson housing market is looking up

Fueled by better-than-expected job growth, falling foreclosures and rising new-home sales, the first half of 2016 produced a long-unseen stability in the local housing market.

And while no one is ready to uncork any champagne, industry observers say the improvement in the first six months of this year is cause for cautious optimism.

“You can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Eric Gibbs, president of the Tucson Association of Realtors. “You can almost touch the end of the tunnel.”

“I’m very cautious because we’re not completely out of the woods yet,” Gibbs said, “but we’ve had a positive six months — in fact, the best first half since the crash.” read more at tucson.com

In fact, with the good news regarding housing, if you’re not inclined to pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate, here’s a different idea and approach to consider… How about adopting a pet? This weekend would be a great time to do that.

Looking for a New Pet? Forgo the Puppy Mills at ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’

Adopt, Don’t Shop” day also marks the effective date of Arizona’s harmful pro-puppy mill law, SB 1248. The law will prohibit cities, towns and counties from enacting ordinances banning the sale of commercially raised dogs and cats in pet stores and will void ordinances in Phoenix and Tempe. Due to the law, a draft pet store ordinance in Tucson that was pending the outcome of a lawsuit against the City of Phoenix will no longer take effect.

The public can avoid supporting cruel puppy mills by never buying a puppy in a pet store. Most pet store puppies come from commercial breeding facilities that force animals to spend their entire breeding lives in cramped wire cages, to have minimal food and water, to be exposed to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods of time, and to be given only minimal veterinary, dental care and grooming. Other pet stores who sell dogs and cats sourced locally are likely paying unlicensed “back-yard” breeders to produce popular breeds so that they have stock year round. These puppies and kittens leave the stores unaltered, unlike shelter-sourced animals, which must be altered before leaving. This practice contributes to the homeless pet issue and the costs to taxpayers and rescues. read more at tucsonweekly.com

Then again, if you’re headed out with your pets these days, there’s an extra threat that you need to be aware of. Normally we remind people to be extra cautious with their pets in the car during times such high heat. Many people would never think to leave their animal in a car unattended, which is great. However, there still seems to be quite a few folks who aren’t quite as careful when it comes to driving through areas of high water.

We have been getting some crazy amounts of rain here in southern Arizona lately. It is SO important that everyone be careful out there and don’t risk entering areas of high or flowing water. It’s much better to be late and safe than the alternative.

Flash floods close roads, strand drivers in Arizona

PHOENIX – Flash flooding snarled rush hour traffic in Phoenix Tuesday evening, while the heavy monsoon rains also inundated roadways in the Tucson area and prompted the evacuation of two high schools.

The flooding closed numerous roads and stranded drivers, prompting water rescues or assists in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tucson, officials said.

So much rain had fallen in a short span of time — up to 2 inches in one hour in central Phoenix — that the National Weather Service was referring to the storm as a 100-year event, meaning that amount of rainfall has a 1 percent chance of happening in any given year, in a specific location, according to a report on the Arizona Republic website. Motorists were abandoning their cars near the intersection of Camelback Road and 35th Avenue.

Some areas near Tucson received nearly 2 inches of rain Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service said. read more at foxnews.com

Stay safe out there Tucson!

More Positives for Arizona Overall

As a parent, we all love to hear people say good, positive things about our kids. As a lifelong resident of Tucson, we love hearing good things about Arizona. And it seems that we’ve gotten a few more “plus” reviews and mentions recently that we were happy to read (and are happy to share with you here).

Arizona ranks No. 1 in aerospace manufacturing

Arizona is home to more than 1,200 aerospace and defense companies, according to the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the industry’s growth in the state has put it in the top ranking for aerospace manufacturing.

PricewaterhouseCoopers released a ranking of the top places for aerospace manufacturing, and Arizona came in at No. 1, beating out Florida, Utah and Georgia, among others.

Arizona’s aerospace and defense total exports rose by almost 22 percent from 2011 to 2014, reaching a $3.47 billion total, primarily due to a near $400 million increase in aircraft, engines and parts exports, according to a 2015 study by the International Trade Administration. read more at bizjournals.com

That’s good to hear and seems promising for overall growth for our state.

On top of that story, there was another bit of good news that, (no offense meant), I have to take with a grain of salt.

Study: Tucson second best city in nation for motorists

PHOENIX — Sure. You may hate driving in Arizona.

The traffic. The noise. All the other bad drivers.

But a new report suggests that Arizona cities are among the best in the country for motorists.

It’s not because WalletHub went out and looked at how Arizonans are driving. About the closest they came to that is looking at accident rates as compared to the national average.

Instead, the web-based financial advice firm analyzed what it says are 21 key metrics, including those accidents, to figure out which cities are the best for folks behind the wheel.

And Scottsdale came in first in the entire country.

Tucson is No. 2. But Gilbert, Mesa and Chandler came in fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively. Via tucson.com

Maybe it’s because so many Tucson drivers feel good knowing that if they ever need any kind of garage door service, Discount Garage Door Company is here to help them. What do you think? (Yeah, take it with a grain (or 3) of salt! lol)

Tucson – Survivng The Summer

OK, we know it’s hot here in the summer time. But these days there’s even more to be on the lookout for as far as surviving in Tucson this summer. Fortunately for us, between some common sense, being careful and having some top-notch law enforcement, we should all make it through just fine.

Whether it’s weather, natural predators or un-natural predators, Tucson is seeing its’ fair share of action already this summer…

Woman kayaks through Tucson streets

When life gives you water, kayak through it

Friday afternoon, Tucson saw a record amount of rain, and since the streets flood when it barely sprinkles, you knew there were going to be some epic things to come out of it. Exhibit one is what the Stone underpass looked like (lol at the person who tried to drive a car through that). Exhibit B, and the best thing I’ve seen on Tucson twitter since someone was chasing a pelican down Speedway, is this woman kayaking down her street read more at azdesertswarm.com

That’s definitely making the most of a rough situation for a real outdoor enthusiast!

But even the true nature lovers need to be careful these days. When we’re not getting flooded out by massive monsoons, the heat can bring the wildlife a bit closer than we really should get. People trying to be “helpful” by putting out water and/or food are really just asking for trouble – both from the wildlife and from the authorities as it’s actually against the law.

Cougar sightings spike in residential areas

TUCSON – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is reporting a spike in mountain lion sightings in residential areas.

AGFD spokesman Mark Hart said animals often look for water outside of their usual ranges during the hot, dry months of May and June. Even if the lions are not thirsty, they might be following their prey.

“It’s a quandary for us,” Hart said, “because we have a duty to the public to report sightings, particularly if they rise to a dangerous level. None of the behavior has been especially dangerous. But the presence of a mountain lion in a residential area is cause for concern.”

This past week the Game and Fish Department received multiple reports of lion sightings in Sabino Canyon, according to Hart.

Hart also said 9 bear sightings have been reported in the Santa Catalina Mountains since May 21. Via kvoa.com

Speaking of the authorities… we can’t be thankful enough for the great work performed by some of the best here locally in stopping what could have been yet another horrific headline. While it’s tragic that anyone, especially such a young person, would feel the need to act so violently, the fact that a bigger tragedy was averted is great news. Hats off to all of law enforcement involoved in stopping this mad man.

Arizona Man Accused of Planning Terrorism Targeting Government Buildings

An FBI task force on Friday arrested a Tucson man on terrorism related offenses involving a conspiracy targeting government buildings in two cities in Arizona, authorities said.

The allegations involve conspiring to commit acts of terrorism on government buildings in Phoenix and Tucson, Attorney General’s Office spokesperson Mia Garcia said.

Authorities told NBC News the arrest and allegations are not related to the Independence Day weekend, and the timing of the arrest was coincidence. There are no outstanding suspects. read more at nbcnews.com

Stay safe out there Tucson – on all fronts.

Images from azdesertswarm.com, kvoa.com, nbcnews.com

Spring Inspiration for Garage Renovations and More

OK, it’s spring time in Tucson, meaning the weather is PERFECT for tackling any kind of DIY projects round the house in general, or the garage in particular. Interestingly enough, between some situations going on at our house as well as discussions with some friends about what they’re trying to deal with, I’ve been involved in some great conversations and brain-storming sessions about ways to organize things effectively (which is not naturally my strongest trait).

By doing a bit of reading online, I came across a number of really good articles that helped send me on my way. Maybe, hopefully some of these can be of some help to you as well.

The first one came because my buddy was talking to me about the best way to convert his garage into his “man cave”. While I was able to give him some professional advice and share a few pointers based on variations I’ve seen over the years, the following article turned out to be helpful for him as far as coming up with some ideas of his own.

image from remodelaholic.com

Adding Storage and Style to a Manly Space

I thought it would be a fun challenge to give Kevin a family-friendly man cave. That might be an oxymoron, but I’m going to give it my best shot. Here we go!

As always, I like to start off by scouting out some inspiration photos. Kevin asked for shelving so I found loads of fun images to get my creative wheels turning. While there are so many options for adding storage around a fireplace, I kept my focus a bit narrow for this project, opting for a more masculine look. To me, a rustic-modern style is perfect for a space like this, so I kept an eye out for open shelving, rustic finishes, and man-cave vibes. Not all of these images fit into all of those categories, but it’s a good starting point for the look I had in mind.

Read more at http://www.remodelaholic.com/adding-storage-style-manly-space

Coincidentally, the timing of the conversation with my friend about creating his own “man cave” and the subsequent internet research for him, led me to another article that I wouldn’t have expected to be ‘for me’, but it actually was.

It was the first paragraph that grabbed me (about living in close quarters with 4 dogs), because I could relate to it so much. From there, while the author was discussing more of a ‘girly’ closet situation, once I put aside the rediculous macho stuff, I realized she was making a lot of sense. Not only for how I could create the most from my remaining space in our closets at home, but also how to thing about organizing my garage. Brilliant!

Easy Tricks to Create More Closet Space

My life is a little bit on the crazy side right now (whose isn’t?!)- my husband is in training for 5 months and I am living in with my parents. And our 4 dogs. In the bedroom I grew up in. Oh boy.

We sold our first house in a day (woo! and ohmygosh!), so when I moved in, it was in a bit of a rush. Fast forward a few months and I still couldn’t find things in the closet, couldn’t fit anything in my dressers and was an all around mess. It was time to organize.

Read more at http://www.remodelaholic.com/easy-tricks-create-more-closet-space/

What I’ll be doing exactly is still a bit up in the air, but these to articles really helped me pull a few ideas together. I’m hoping it may have helped you in the same way, too.

2016 Off to a Good Start in Tucson

Just over a week into the New Year and I have to say that what I’m seeing (for the most part) regarding the outlook for Tucson, Green Valley and the surrounding areas is generally pretty encouraging. Not that we’re necessarily surprised by that… at Discount Garage Door Company, we’ve been very optimistic for a long time. Nonetheless, seeing it in different local publications coming from a number of different sources is certainly encouraging.

For example, recently here, from the Inside Tucson Business website, I read the following:

Tucson businesses cautiously optimistic

If one word was to be used to describe the overall economic outlook for the Tucson Metro Area heading into the New Year, optimistic would probably best fit. One word isn’t enough, however. Cautiously optimistic may be a better fit.

From unemployment rates to housing sales, many of the traditional indicators by which a region’s economy is measured and assessed have displayed improvement over the previous 12 months — with no signs of changing. Growth is slow in Tucson, as many are quick to remind, much behind both state and national averages.

Despite hardships, Tucson is on the mend, and businesses in the region are looking forward to what 2016 will bring.

Then in a separate article from the same source, another positive vote (even it it was perhaps slightly less positive than the first one, but still, hey, I’ll take it!)

J.D. Fitzgerald/Tucson Local Media

Tucson slowly rebounding after economic slowdown

Though news of economic recovery in the region has been generally optimistic in more recent memory, any numbers need to be analyzed with a grain of salt. The dark fiscal tidings of the late 2000s have generally been put in the rear view, though full recovery has yet to be attained.

A rebounding effect has taken hold, though Arizona, and Tucson in particular finds itself a little bit behind the curve on recovery.

In order to find itself in better circumstances, Arizona will need to begin investing in its future, according to George W. Hammond, director and research professor at Eller’s Economic and Business Research Center.

All good (especially as it shows a picture of my good, long time friend Vince Bianchi serving up some of his famous food!)

Maybe it’s because we’re personally currently involved in the local real estate market and because I love food… but after catching these two articles that put me in a good mood, I was quickly drawn to yet another great local Tucson website, TucsonFoodie.com where I was inspired by yet some more great information combining two of the best things about southern Arizona – hiking and restaurants!

7 Tucson Hikes With Nearby Eats To Ring In The New Year

January always brings a renewed sense of resolutions and promises to try new things. After a season of cocktails, celebratory meals and cookies, what better way to start out the year than exploring some of our great Tucson hikes?

While Tucson’s food scene has blossomed the last few years, the hiking trails and complementary weather have always been a main attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Here is our list of places to hike and work off all of the holiday treats. But, as a good hike always earns you a good meal, we are also recommending nearby places to indulge (or eat light!) afterwards.

Finger Rock: Goodness Fresh Food & Juice Bar

Finger Rock Trail (Credit: Jennifer Stash)

Located in the heart of Tucson, this distinctive landmark looks like a closed hand with an index finger pointed towards the sky. The hike starts out easy and progressively gets steeper as you ascend the side of Finger Rock. The trees provide some much needed shade as you weave your way through the desert landscape. Take this trail for the full stretch, which is close to 9 miles, or until you decide it is time for lunch and head back to your car.

Juice Options at Goodness (Credit: Goodness)

If you are craving something healthy and nourishing, try the newest Goodness location at Skyline and Campbell. Grab a fresh juice and vibrant salad while sitting on the patio. If it’s a late hike, this Goodness location now offers an amazing dinner menu on the healthier side.

Read more here on TucsonFoodie.com

I have yet to try the new location of Goodness, but I can speak from experience regarding their location on Campbell Ave, just north of Grant (very near me, actually). I’ve had some fantastic breakfast burritos and delicious ‘smoothies’ and juice concoctions there. I’ll definitely be checking out the new place for dinner soon when I’m up in that area.