Welcome to our comparison website for garage door cost and prices. Replacing a garage door isn’t cheap. It’s also a task that you’ll only do once or twice in your life as most garage doors last about 30 years with proper maintenance. Chances are you won’t be well acquainted with the industry. This guide will help you plan for this renovation or even for installing a door on a brand new garage by giving you comprehensive information on the different types, styles, brands and more.
This online resource provides a detailed priced guide, which allows you to gain the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision about your future purchase. You’ll learn about the different types and styles of garage doors available, materials used, popular, reliable garage door manufacturing companies and what you can expect to pay for budget, average and premium doors.
| New & Replacement Garage Door Cost & Prices | ||
| Basic | Average | Premium |
| Steel, Composite Aluminum | All Materials incl. Basic Wood | Best Doors / All Materials |
| One or two layers | Two to three layers | Three to four layers |
| No or little insulation | Medium R-value insulation | High-end materials |
| Functional hardware | Some decorative hardware | Decorative hardware |
| No windows | Basic windows | Specialty windows and finishes |
| $600-$2,000 | $1,450-$4,000 | $4,000 and up |
How Much Does a Replacement or New Garage Door Cost?
The cost of a new garage door for a garage that has just been constructed and a replacement garage door is virtually the same. New garage doors may incur additional installation costs due to electrical outlets and similar considerations. Normal installation only adds about $200 to $300 to the price of the door itself. Most quotes you get from a contractor in a manufacturer’s distributor network will already have the installation included as part of the quote you receive. To determine the cost for garage doors alone, scroll down to our materials section and the section on single, double and triple garage doors. Also, view the installation section to get an idea of what costs are associated with installing the door on your own or through a contractor.
Cost and Pricing of Garage Doors
- Garage Door Prices by Type
- Garage Door Prices by Style
- Garage Door Prices by Brand
- Garage Door Prices by Size
Garage Door Prices by Type
Sectional Garage Door Prices
These may not be the cheapest, but they may be the least expensive garage doors. What do we mean by that? Simply said, sectional garage doors will offer the most desirable features for the most economical price. Horizontal hinges on these doors allow them to move and bend, which allows them to move easily up along a track that sits parallel to the ceiling. These are the most popular doors in the United States as they are available in a variety of materials, textures, colors and configurations. You can also easily customize them, which adds to their popularity. Prices range from around $600 to over $4,000, depending on the door’s size and the features chosen.
Roll-up Garage Door Prices
Few homeowners select roll-up garage doors these days, but when they do, it’s usually to evoke a specific, generally contemporary, aesthetic. These doors can withstand heavy use and are ideal for garages with little ceiling space. Roll-up doors are made of steel or aluminum slats that curve around a drum to open. They fall into the middle of the typical price range at approximately $900 to $2,700.
Sliding Garage Doors/Round the Corner Door Prices
This door type is also popular for garages with little overhead room as they slide on the outside of the garage, giving homeowners more overall space. Although they have low operating costs and are easy to maintain, you may have trouble finding one unless you have it custom made. As such, starting prices will be higher, usually at about $1,500, although they can cost much more depending on your level of customization.
Barn Style Garage Door/Side-Hinged Garage Door Prices
The door types are reminiscent of large barn doors or the doors on buildings that housed carriages during the Victorian era. In their true form, they have sections with horizontal hinges that allow the doors to swing open.
However, most modern barn door/carriage style doors simply mimic the originals, usually constructed in panel form with pre-hung steel frames and other styles, especially from custom manufacturers. Homeowners that choose to remain true to the original format of these doors can automate them through special spring-balanced door openers paired with conversion arms. These doors are some of the most expensive on the market, largely because they often are custom products. Some can also be quite large and heavy. Expect prices to start at around $3,000 and go to well over $10,000.
Tilt-Up Canopy Garage Door Prices
These doors are made of one solid piece of material and work via a hinge the tilts the door up toward the garage ceiling. When open, they extend past the garage door opening. A similar type is the tilt-up retractable door, also made from a single piece of material, which lifts inside the garage through independent frame construction. Both types can pair with an automatic garage door opener. They’re also economical choices, with many starting at $550 for a single-car door.
Bi-Fold Garage Door Prices
While not extremely common, bi-fold garage doors are sometimes seen in higher-end homes where the owners want to make an aesthetic statement. These doors look like closet doors that open and fold to the side of the structure. They are one of the few common types that you cannot pair with automatic garage door openers and must be operated manually every time you move a vehicle in or out of the garage. Most are made with wood, wood-veneer or a wood-look coating. Although they are not the most expensive garage door type and are lighter than some of their counterparts, they are usually more expensive, in the range of $4,000 to $6,000.
Summary of Garage Door Prices by Type of Door
The following table shows a summary of prices for the main types of garage door:
| Garage Door Prices by Garage Door Type | |
| Garage Door Types | Price Range |
| Sectional Garage Doors | $600 – $4,000 |
| Roll-up Garage Doors | $900 – $2,700 |
| Sliding Garage Doors / Round the Corner Doors | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Barn Style Garage Doors | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Side Hinged Garage Doors | $550 – $1,000 |
| Bi-Fold Garage Doors | $4,000 – $6,000 |
Garage Door Prices By Style
The plethora of garage door styles can be confusing to some. However, various styles help consumers match their new purchases to their home’s aesthetic and architecture. Finding the right garage door style to match your home is possibly the most important element in determining which garage door you will purchase.
Contemporary Garage Doors/Modern Garage Doors
Many people use these terms interchangeably, but homeowners will find subtle differences between the two styles. Modern doors refer to a style popular from the early through the mid-20th century, while contemporary garage doors reflect current architectural styles. However, the price range for both is the same, starting at $1,500 and going up to $7,000 and more. The more expensive doors reflect the usage of more expensive materials such as glass and high-end composites.
Carriage House and Barn Style Garage Doors
The names for these styles are also used interchangeably, although barn door often refers to larger ones as they look like the doors that you would find on traditional barns. Carriage house doors reflect the Victorian period, where wealthy homeowners stored carriages in buildings that bear that name. In the traditional configuration, these doors open outward to allow entry into the building. However, contemporary doors of this style are frequently panel type doors that rise overhead, giving the illusion of a door that opens outward. These garage doors fall in the middle of the price range at $1,000 to $4,500, although custom doors can cost much more.
Traditional/Colonial Garage Doors
This style is another one that features a middle price range of $1,000 to $4,000, emphasizing the traditional elements found in American colonial architecture. Generally, manufacturers use panel construction for these garage doors with rectangular shapes and symmetrical facades. Buyers can also customize them with various window styles.
Spanish and Mediterranean Garage Doors
These two styles are similar, although Spanish doors have a lower starting point for prices. Spanish doors often feature decorative iron clavos and often feature rustic woods with recessed panels. You’ll find them in Florida and the Southwest on homes that have tile roofs. You’ll find Mediterranean doors in the same locales, but the style is more eclectic, incorporating lots of intricate details. Mediterranean doors pair well with high-end, sprawling estate type homes, which often calls for custom doors. These doors have high prices, starting at about $4,000 and up to $10,000 for full wood doors, whereas Spanish doors are less expensive, running from $1,200 to about $5,500.
Shaker Style Garage Doors
These garage doors have a similar appearance to Craftsman doors and feature clean, simple lines along with a lack of ornamentation. Even though the Shaker style is plain, these doors can get expensive due to stamped designs on overlays used to provide the look of real wood. You’ll pay $1,000 to $7,000 for one of these doors, and higher costs for genuine wood.
Cottage Style Garage Doors
Although they are one of the more inexpensive choices, cottage garage doors have a lot of old-fashioned style. Similar to carriage house doors, you’ll find them on cozy structures sometimes used as vacation homes. Prices start at around $750 and can go up to $3,500 for steel doors, which is the most common material used in cottage-style garage doors.
Farmhouse Style Garage Doors
Here’s another style that is derivative of carriage house style. It has the same price range of $1,000 to $4,000 too. Painted finishes are common in this style, as well as higher-end wood materials that provide rustic warmth.
Ranch Style Garage Doors
These garage doors have a variety of different looks emanating from Spanish Colonial architecture. They are among the least expensive choices with a price range of approximately $800 to $2,500, depending on your selected features.
Mission Style Garage Doors
Mission style garage doors are competitively priced products, ranging in cost from $1,000 to $3,000. Their style is influenced by Spanish colonialism and mission architecture in the American Southwest and emphasizes natural materials.
French Style Garage Doors
French style garage doors are some of the most expensive ones around as they are almost always custom made. Generally made from natural wood with accompanying ornate hardware, they have an Old World flavor and are often found on high-end executive homes. Expect to spend $5,000 and more for your French door made to order.
Wood Style Garage Doors
Faux wood doors have a tremendous price range, starting from a low of $1,000 to well over $10,000. These multi-layer doors have steel, aluminum or fiberglass construction as well as a stamped overlay that mimics the appearance of wood. The number of layers, along with various features like exterior cladding, can decidedly increase prices.
Summary of Garage Door Prices for Styles of Garage Door
The following table gives an overview of the prices for main styles of garage door:
| Garage Door Prices by Garage Door Style | |
| Garage Door Styles | Price Range |
| Contemporary Garage Doors / Modern Garage Doors | $1,500 – $7,000 |
| Carriage House / Barn Style Garage Doors | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| Traditional House Garage Doors | $1,000 – $4,500 |
| Colonial Garage Doors | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Mediterranean Garage Doors | $1,000 – $5,500 |
| Shaker Style Garage Doors | $1,000 – $7,000 |
| Cottage Style Garage Doors | $750 – $3,500 |
| Farmhouse Style Garage Doors | $1,000 – $4,000 |
| Ranch Garage Doors | $800 – $2,500 |
| Mission Style Garage Doors | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| French Style Garage Doors | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Wood Style Garage Doors | $1,000 – $10,000+ |
Garage Door Prices by Brand
One of the most difficult aspects of buying a new garage door is deciding which brand to trust. Most brands sell their doors through a network of authorized dealers who also install them. However, you can also find a limited number of styles of some brands through big box stores such as Home Depot or Lowe’s. For the most part, there is no one best brand. The best brand is simply the one that has the garage door you want in the style and type that fit your needs and your budget.
Clopay Garage Doors
As one of the largest garage door manufacturers in the United States, Clopay also offers one of the biggest ranges of energy-efficient designs, including traditional, carriage house and modern style. With Clopay, your door is built to order, allowing you to choose from materials such as composite, glass, steel or aluminum, making sure that it meets your design and performance needs. Clopay offers a one-year installation warranty covering materials and workmanship for all doors when an authorized dealer installs the door. The company’s more expensive lines have a limited lifetime warranty, while value lines have warranties ranging from three to 10 years. Cost is $700 to $6,500.
Basic
- Classic™ Collection Value Plus™ Collection
- Value® Collection
Average
- Bridgeport™
- Canyon Ridge® Collection Limited Edition & Ultra-Grain® Series
- Canyon Ridge® Collection Modern Series
- Classic™ Collection Premium Series
- Grand Harbor® Collection
- Gallery® Collection
- Modern Steel™ Collection
Premium
- Avante® Collection
- Canyon Ridge® Collection Limited Edition & Ultra-Grain® Series
- Canyon Ridge® Collection Modern Series
- Classic™ Collection Premium Series
The Overhead Door Company
Customers will find garage doors made from steel, aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass and wood available only through The Overhead Garage Door Company distributor network. As one of the oldest garage door companies in the United States, the company is known for its quality and customer service, offering 24/7 maintenance and repair. You’ll find a wide range of styles here to meet your home’s architecture. According to its product range, the Overhead Door Company offers warranties, ranging from one year to limited lifetime warranties. Cost ranges from $800 – $6,500.
Basic
- Traditional Steel
- Durafirm Collection®
Average
- Courtyard Collection®
- Impression Steel
- Thermacore® Insulated
- Carriage House Collection
- Signature® Carriage
- Impression Fiberglass
- Courtyard Windload
Premium
- Envy Collection
- Allura® Collection
- Modern Aluminum
- Traditional Wood
- Thermacore® Wind Load
Wayne Dalton Garage Doors
You’ll find a diverse selection of garage door designs and styles in many different colors at Wayne Dalton. Choose from steel, aluminum, wood and more for the material, as well as insulation choices. One of the perks of getting your door through Wayne Dalton is software on the company website that allows you to try different styles and colors on a photo of your home. Wayne Dalton offers various limited warranties for their garage door series, some for only three, five or ten years, while the best lines have a lifetime limited warranty. Cost starts at less than $500 to $9,000. The low-end doors are sold at Lowes and other home improvement stores, and they are quite cheap.
Basic
- Classic Steel
- Colonial Style Wood 100 Series
Average
- Carriage House Steel
- Specialty Vinyl
- Raised Panel Wood 300 Series
- Carriage House Wood 7400 Series
- Raised Panel Wood 300 Series
Premium
- Frameless Glass
- Aluminum Glass
Glass - Designer Fiberglass
- Custom Wood
- Flush Wood 40 Series
Amarr Garage Doors
This company offers some of the more cost-effective options on the market. Construction focuses on insulation, noise reduction and eco-friendly recycled materials, also attesting to their relative economy. Many models include automated door openers along with window panels, specialty glass and exterior hardware options. The company provides limited warranties that range from five years to lifetime, depending on the range purchased. Average cost is between $800 and $8,500.
Basic
- Lincoln
- Stratford
Average
- Classica®
- Hillcrest
- Classica® Full View
- Oak Summit®
- Heritage® Traditional
- Heritage® Carriage House
- Olympus
Premium
- Amarr by Design
- Designer’s Choice
- Horizon
- Vista
- Carriage Court
CHI Garage Doors
CHI Garage doors feature contemporary, carriage and timeless design in a selection of materials that include aluminum, steel and fiberglass with window panel and specialty glass options. One of the benefits of CHI doors is that they come in hundreds of colors to match your home. The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on all typical door components, including hardware and wind load resistance. Cost is $1,200 to $6,500
Basic
- Timeless Collection
- Raised Panel
- Stamped Carriage House
- Stamped Shaker
Average
- Recessed Panel
- Fiberglass
- Carriage Collection
- Shoreline
- Overlay Carriage House
Premium
- Full View Aluminum
- Contemporary Collection
- Planks
- Sterling
- Skyline Flush
Raynor Garage Doors
Raynor garage doors are available in a variety of styles, including carriage house, mixed panel, contemporary, country manor and colonial. These doors are available only through the company’s distributors, some of which offer fully custom doors that can cost much more than their average doors. The company is also known for its fully customized door colors. Raynor offers limited warranties ranging from three years to lifetime. Cost is $600 to $7,500 except for a few high-end wood doors that exceed $10,000.
Basic
- Distinction Series™
- Rock Creeke
- Raynor StyleView™
- Country Manor™
- Eden Coast
Average
- Aspen™ Series
- Aspen™ AP200LV LuxeView
- AP200
- AP138
- Traditions Series™
- Masterpiece™
- Showcase™
Premium
- Advantage Series™
- TradeMark™
- BuildMark®
Hormann Garage Doors
Hormann makes garage doors with the precision of German engineering. And they boast plenty of style and, in some lines, excellent energy efficiency too with thick foam insulation cores.
The doors are made in three manufacturing facilities in the US – in Illinois, Tennessee and Washington state. US operations began in 2002, and Hormann has become a top garage doors brand in a few short decades.
Like most of the top garage door brands, Hormann makes affordable steel, higher-cost aluminum and premium wood garage doors. We were impressed by the number of panel style, window style and color choices in many of the average and premium lines. Other lines have more limited choices for you to consider.
A few lines, like Therma Style 5500 can be painted onsite in your choice of color. In other words, you can order the door primed, and your installer, a painter or you can paint it your preferred color.
Cost ranges, given in detail on our Hormann Garage Doors Review and Prices page, is $2,000 to more than $8,000 based on material, size and options.
Basic
- Pro Safe 2100 steel (formerly Gemini 2100)
- Pro Tech 2500 steel (formerly Gemini 2500)
- Therma Safe 3200 (formerly Orion 3200)
- Therma Tech 3400 steel (formerly Orion 3400)
Average
- Style Safe 5200 steel (formerly Phoenix 5200)
- Deco Safe 5250 steel (formerly Tucana 5250)
- Therma Style 5500 steel – NEW
Premium
- Polaris 9200 wood
- Infinity Classic 7800 aluminum – formerly Aries 7800
- Classic Safe 7200 aluminum – formerly Solaris 7200
- Clima Tech 4400 steel – NEW
Summary Garage Door Costs by Brand
The following table provides a summary of cost ranges for major brands:
| Cost by Brand / Company | |
| Brand | Price Range |
| Clopay | $700 – $6,500 |
| Overhead Door | $800 – $6,500 |
| Wayne Dalton | $500 – $9,000 |
| Amarr | $800 – $8,500 |
| Raynor | $600 – $7,000 |
| CHI | $700 – $6,500 |
| Hormann | $1,500 – $10,000 |
Garage Door Prices by Size
Homeowners with one-car garages will have the least expense when replacing their doors, as size is one of the biggest factors. If you have a garage that houses more than one vehicle, you have a choice of installing separate doors for each vehicle or one large one. However, you’ll rarely see a single large door for three-car garages as these usually have a two-and-one configuration.
Single Garage Door/1 Car Garage
Single garage doors usually cost between $500 and $5,900 installed, with the average around $1,200 to $3,000 depending on the material you select. There is no uniform size for single door openings. These are typical opening sizes and their average price range for materials only.
8′ x 7′ $500 to $3,500
9′ x 9′ $650 to $5,000
10′ x 10′ $850 to $5,900
Double Garage Door/2 Car Garage
If you have a two-car garage, you can opt for two single garage doors. However, note that this option’s ideal size is 16′ x 8′ in a garage that is at least 22 feet wide. Most double openings are 15 to 17 feet wide, yet you will find smaller variations, especially among older homes. Those that have 12-foot openings will only fit two small vehicles. The typical cost for double garage doors is $1,100 to $8,500, with the average at $2,400 for steel to $4,000 to $5,000 for more expensive materials.
12′ x 12′ $900 to $4,800
16′ x 7′ $1,100 to $7,400
16′ x 8′ $1,400 to $8,500
Triple Garage Door/3 Car Garage
Triple garage doors are rare and unique, so that the price will be unique too. The average price of installing a triple garage door is $6,600. However, you can also consider prices for single and double garage doors to come up with a price to accommodate three cars as most larger garages usually have an opening for two vehicles and then a separate one on the side.
Summary of Garage Door Costs by Size of Garage / Number of Cars
The following table gives an overview of the price range and costs of single, double and triple garage doors:
| Garage Door Prices by Garage Door Size | |
| Garage Size | Price Range |
| Single Car Garage / Single Garage Door | $500 – $5,900 |
| 2 Car Garage / Double Garage Door | $1,100 – $8,500 |
| 3 Car Garage / Triple Garage Door | $2,100 – $10,500 |
Garage Door Prices by Material
The materials you choose for your garage door can greatly impact its price. Even within a specific material, you will often find wide price ranges due to the materials’ quality. Note that doors loaded with windows, expensive hardware and other add-ons will also increase your door’s price. The materials that comprise the garage door can also greatly impact its cost. The prices below reflect average costs for door materials.
Wood Garage Door Prices
Over the last few years, wood has become increasingly popular as a garage door material because of its warmth, beauty and versatility. Homeowners also have a lot of options when it comes to the type of wood used. The most expensive doors are custom-made, appearance-grade wooden doors made of redwood, hemlock, cedar, or mahogany. When deciding on a wood door, you should note that these doors require a lot of maintenance to keep them looking good over the years. Cost is $2,900 to $10,000 and higher for customizations.
Steel Garage Door Prices
Steel is the least expensive but also the most common material for garage doors. It’s sturdy and readily available for panel doors. However, steel does not insulate as well as some other cost-effective options. Cost range is $500 to $5,500.
Aluminum Garage Door Prices
This material is a good alternative to steel as it is lighter in weight, durable and less likely to sag as the door ages. Aluminum doors are also easier to use if you opt not to install an opener. They can be readily customized and are resistant to rust, although they tend to dent more easily. Cost is $600 to $6,800.
Composite Garage Door Prices
Composites are a good alternative to wood as they are low maintenance, made with a blend of fibers and resins. Homeowners should note, though, that some composite garage doors can be as expensive or even more expensive than natural wood when depending on the number of layers and other customizations such as complex wood grain patterns. These doors provide a warm aesthetic that enhances curb appeal. Cost is $850 to $6,000 and higher, sometimes up to $10,000.
Fiberglass Garage Door Prices
Another good alternative to wood is fiberglass, as it also involves less maintenance. You can choose to paint it or leave it plain. Fiberglass is lightweight, does not rust or dent and can incorporate insulation. Its one drawback is that it tends to crack in cold weather. Most fiberglass doors have few options, so you will likely only find stock or semi-custom doors. Cost is $800 to $4,200.
Glass Garage Door Prices
Glass is one of the more expensive materials when used for entire panels in the frame. Garage doors are often made from tempered glass, placing them on a level with wood and aluminum for strength. They enhance curb appeal by allowing an abundance of natural light inside. However, glass garage doors are heavy, making them difficult to install, plus they lack insulation values of other materials. Cost is $1,200 to $5,000 and up.
Cost of Insulated Garage Doors
Insulated garage doors aren’t a necessity, but they are a good idea, keeping your vehicle cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Most manufacturers recommend that garages attached to houses should have insulated doors because that extra money spent will positively affect your energy bills. The extra cost for an insulated door depends on the door’s size and how many layers of insulation you choose. Adding insulation to your door will also increase its durability. Double- and triple-layer doors are more expensive to install as well as more expensive, but they will also last much longer, thereby paying for themselves in the long run.
The cost of insulated doors runs $200 to $500 more than non-insulated ones. When considering insulation, look for the R-value, which tells you how well the insulation will work for every inch of thickness. The higher the R-value, the more efficient the insulation is. Attached garages should typically have a door with an R-value of at least 12. When considering insulation, not the properties of the following:
- Fiberglass provides low to moderate R-value and little sound dampening
- Polystyrene adds moderate R-value and more sound dampening
- Polyurethane adds the most R-value along with sound dampening and structural support
Cost of Adding a Garage Door Opener
For most homeowners, a garage door opener is an essential element. If you already have one but need to replace it, you can expect $500 to $1,300 in additional costs for the opener and installation. Most garage door openers are programmable to common remotes, with many also having keypads. Additional remotes run between $20 and $60. Installation costs increase when the opener requires a new circuit or a receptacle if your garage doesn’t have an electrical outlet near the opener’s location.
Garage Door Replacement Costs and Pricing of Installation, Permits and Inspection
Garage Door Installation and Labor Costs
Installation and labor costs vary according to the region where you live. You can expect higher labor costs in metropolitan areas with a high cost of living.
An Overview of Installation Costs
Whatever your budget is, it’s a good idea to consider adding 20% to your garage door’s price to cover all of the costs associated with installation. You may not use all of the funds, but having this failsafe for additional costs because of unforeseen problems will give you peace of mind in the long run. If you don’t need the additional costs, all the better, but at least you will be prepared. These are typical costs associated with installation.
- New lock $100-$350
- Labor (for garage door only) $200-$500
- Automatic Opener (including labor) $200-$500
- Removal and disposal of old door $25-$100
- Resizing the opening $500-$5,000
- Hardware replacement $50-$350
The cost of resizing the opening varies widely because of the structural needs involved. You may need to add height to accommodate a new garage door, which means removing, bracing and replacing elements that support the roof. Sometimes hardware replacement is difficult to determine, too, as, in some cases, you may be able to use hardware from your old door. Nevertheless, many contractors include new hardware in their estimate. At the same time, garage door contractors also frequently include removal and disposal of the old door in their quotes.
Cost of Installation Supplies
Supplies average $50 to $150 for installation. Experienced DIYers may already have many of the needed supplies that include:
- Screwdrivers
- Adjustable wrench
- Cordless drill
- Locking pliers
- Level
- Socket/ratchet set
- Sawhorses
- Stepladder
- Easy tensioning system
- Door lubricant
- Garage door stop
- Masking tape
- Cord or rope
- Operator bracket
- Shims
Permits and Inspection Costs
The cost of an inspection is almost always included in the cost of permits. The idea behind building permits is to ensure that construction work is inspected. Thus, the price of the permit covers the cost of sending out the municipal inspector to review the work accomplished. Some municipalities may not require construction permits. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to check with the building department in the jurisdiction where you live to determine if you need one. If you are building an entirely new garage, you will definitely need one, usually at a higher cost. Prices for garage door installation permits vary widely as they can cost less than $100 and range to $500.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Garage Door Replacement / New Installation
Several factors can impact the cost of garage door replacement. Where you live in the United States can affect labor due to your area’s average weight for installers’ wages. If the cost of living is higher where you live, you can expect that your new garage door will cost more. While you can’t control that, you can control other factors of the door itself. These include:
- Type
- Style
- Number of layers
- Insulation
- Features like pinch- and tamper-resistance
- Adding a garage door opener
- Replacing tracks, springs, brackets or metal cables from a previous door
- Resizing or reframing the door opening
- Disposal of the old garage door
Timeframe for Installing a New/Replacement Garage Door
The process for installing a garage door begins with measurement. From there, you have to wait for your chosen company to manufacture the door for custom or semi-custom orders and then schedule a day for installation. Most replacement doors take about two to five hours to replace, depending on the complexity of the services requires. The time it takes to install a door depends on the type chosen. If you need new tracking, springs brackets or cables or require an electrician to install a new line, the time required can increase by several hours. Putting a door in a brand new garage will take longer as installers must put all essential elements in place. However, even in the most trying circumstances, a garage door should not take more than two days of normal work.
The installation process depends on your chosen door. Carriage house doors have the frame installed first, and then the door is hung and leveled. Most other garage doors have panels installed first, followed by the track and hinges. The spring assembly and springs come next, with the rods, pulleys and cables going last. The installers should always test the door to ensure that it has the proper tension and slides properly. When the door is secure, a new garage door opener may then be installed.
Overall Installation Time
- Approximately 1 day for a replacement door
- Approximately 2-3 days for a new door, including a brand new opening
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Many big box home improvement stores sell garage doors, leading some DIYers to believe that they can do it independently. Think long and hard about whether you truly want to do this job. For one, you need to have experience with springs and wires under tension in a track. Not knowing how to handle this component can cause serious injury. Also, note that garage doors are extremely heavy, with double doors weighing twice as much as their single counterparts. Older garage doors typically weigh from 250 to 450 pounds. However, even new ones are heavy, with an average weight range of 100 to 250 pounds. For most homeowners, the risk of injuring themselves is not worth the money saved with self-installation.
Another advantage of hiring professionals to do the job is that it will take much less time. Unless you are familiar with garage door installation techniques, the job could easily take 10 hours or more.
FAQs
Is a new garage door a good investment?
Replacing your garage door not only improves your home’s curb appeal, but it will also give you the best return on investment for any home improvement project. In many markets, you will recoup more than 100% of its cost, thereby adding value to your home when the time comes to sell.
According to a highly respected and quoted 2023 Cost to Value guide, new garage door replacement brings a 93% return on investment.
Is polyurethane or polystyrene insulation better?
Polyurethane provides better thermal performance for the same thickness. The thicker a door is, the higher its thermal resistance or R-value.
Are glass doors insulated?
All glass has an R-value. If you don’t include additional insulation, the door’s R-value will be the same as that of the glass.
Should I get torsion or extension hardware?
For garages with at least 12 inches of headroom, torsion is best. With the spring system installed in a shaft over the door, all its weight is concentrated in the center, ensuring smoother operation. Extension systems, on the other hand, have two independent coil springs placed over horizontal tracks.
Can I install my new door on old tracks?
If it is the same type of door, yes, you can. Typically, new garage doors also come with new tracks.
Should my garage door include windows?
If the garage has no other windows, adding a row of windows will provide natural light. However, if security and privacy are more important, add only a row of windows or none at all. Another consideration involves whether windows will complement your home’s architectural style. For many, windows are not necessary.
How long do garage doors last?
Most manufacturers say that garage doors will last 15 to 30 years. However, with proper care, you can make them last longer. Initial quality is also important. And if you have a steel door, touch up any scratches immediately to prevent rust that may spread under the coating and be very difficult to stop.
Is a wood garage door worth the cost?
No, not in most communities where wood doors are rare. However, in upscale communities where wood is standard, then yes, you should install a wood door to maintain neighborhood norms and keep your home’s resale value high.
