Replacing your garage door can be an expensive home improvement project, with costs varying widely depending on the type of door you choose and other factors. Here’s a comprehensive look at what goes into garage door replacement costs so you can budget accordingly.
Materials
The biggest factor in overall garage door replacement cost is the type of door and materials you select. Here are the main options, listed from least to most expensive:
Fiberglass
Fiberglass garage doors have an estimated cost of $800 to $2,500 installed. Fiberglass is lightweight yet durable, dent-resistant and low maintenance. The cost depends on the quality of materials, thickness, and whether decorative windows are included.
Steel
Steel garage doors range from approximately $600 to $2,000 installed. Low carbon steel is the most affordable option but can dent. Higher grades like galvanized and stainless steel cost more but are very durable against the elements. Insulated steel doors improve energy efficiency.
Wood
Wood garage doors cost $1,000 to $4,500 installed. Cedar and redwood are naturally rot-resistant softwoods that can last many years. Mahogany, oak and other hardwoods are exceptionally durable. Wood allows for custom designs.
Aluminum
Aluminum garage doors range from $1,500 to $4,000 installed. Extremely lightweight yet dent-resistant, aluminum doors can be painted or powder coated in many colors. Aluminum is a good choice in coastal climates.
Vinyl
Vinyl garage doors are $2,000 to $5,500 installed. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) won’t corrode and has good insulating properties. Vinyl is available with wood grain textures to mimic wood at a lower cost.
Garage Door Replacement Cost by Type
Beyond materials, the type of garage door and its operation affect the total replacement cost:
Single Car vs Double Car
Replacing a single car garage door costs $500 to $1,500 for materials and labor. A double car door generally ranges from $800 to $3,000 total. Larger doors require more materials, reinforcements and installer work time.
Swing Up vs Roll Up
Basic swing up doors average $250 to $700 for replacements. Roll up doors, the most common style, average $500 to $2,000 based on size and materials. Hardware is included for both.
Automatic vs Manual Operation
Manual, non-motorized garage doors cost less overall for parts and labor. Powered automatic opener systems with motors, chains and remotes add $500 to $1,000 to the total expense.
Insulated vs Non-Insulated
Basic garage doors are non-insulated single sheets. Adding energy efficient insulated cores with vinyl backings and weatherstripping increases costs by $100 to $800 but also improves climate control and soundproofing.
Basic vs Decorative Design
Simple slab doors in standard sizes and colors are generally the most economical. Choosing decorative door styles with arched tops, windows, lites, hinges straps or handles adds aesthetic appeal at an added cost.
Additional Garage Door Replacement Costs
Beyond the door itself, there are other potential costs:
- Removal and disposal – Average $50 to $150 to remove and dispose of the old door and tracks safely.
- New tracks – If you need new runners or hardware, add around $200 to $500 in parts and labor.
- Structural repairs – Rotted jambs or door framing may need repair at $200 to $500.
- Electric work – Upgrading wiring for automatic openers could add $100 to $250.
- Weather stripping – New weather seals average $3 to $15 per foot installed.
- Paint or stain – Refinishing may add $100 to $500 to look like new.
- Windows – Decorative windows or glass lites can add anywhere from $75 to $500 per window.
- Disposal fees – Average $50 to $150 to remove and dispose of the old door safely.
Garage Door Replacement Cost by Size
The overall size of your garage door is one of the biggest price factors. Standard single car sizes are 8×7 or 9×7 feet. Double car sizes are 16×7 or 18×7 feet. Here are typical costs by door size:
- 8×7 single – $700 to $1,200
- 9×7 single – $800 to $1,300
- 16×7 double – $1,100 to $2,000
- 18×7 double – $1,300 to $2,200
Doors taller than 7 feet to fit higher ceilings or vehicles cost more due to increased materials. Custom oversize doors outside the normal range can cost $2,500 to $4,000 or more.
Garage Door Replacement Labor Costs
In addition to materials, labor makes up a significant portion of your total garage door installation cost. Carpentry work, adjustments and finishing drive up labor time and rates.
- Basic door install – $400 to $900
- Additional carpentry – $100 to $250
- Electrical work – $50 to $150
- Removal and disposal – $50 to $150
- Weatherstripping – $3 to $15 per linear foot
Many homeowners pay a garage door company to install their new door rather than doing it themselves. However, you can save on labor costs by installing the door yourself if you have carpentry skills.
DIY Garage Door Replacement Costs
If you’re reasonably handy and have some construction experience, you may opt for a DIY garage door replacement. This allows you to save on labor by doing the work yourself.
Typical costs for DIY garage door replacement include:
- Prehung entry door unit – $650 to $2,500
- Hardware kit – $50 to $150
- Tools – $50 to $200 if not already owned
- Paint – $100 to $300
- Misc. building supplies – $50 to $150
There are excellent DIY tutorials online and available through home improvement stores. However, this is still a difficult job for one person, so consider hiring a handyman service to assist.
When to Replace vs Repair a Garage Door
Given the high costs of full garage door replacement, you may wonder when you can simply make repairs vs needing a whole new door. Here are key factors to consider:
- If the door has significant wood rot, rust, panel damage or structural issues, replacement is likely your best option.
- If the issues are limited to rollers, cables, springs or openers, you can likely just repair those items only at a lower cost.
- If the door no longer functions properly no matter what repairs you make, replacement is probably inevitable.
- If your door is very outdated or you want to update your home’s aesthetics, replacement allows you to get a brand new modern door.
- If energy efficiency is a priority, a new insulated door with better seals will perform better than adding weatherstripping to an old door.
Get professional garage door assessments rather than guessing if you are unsure whether replacement is needed. Minor issues can sometimes balloon into bigger problems later.
New Garage Door Cost Comparison Table
To summarize average new garage door costs:
| Garage Door Type | Low End | High End |
|-|-|-|
| Fiberglass | $800 | $2,500 |
| Steel | $600 | $2,000 |
| Wood | $1,000 | $4,500 |
| Aluminum | $1,500 | $4,000 |
| Vinyl | $2,000 | $5,500 |
| Operation Type | Low End | High End |
|-|-|-|
| Single Car | $500 | $1,500 |
| Double Car | $800 | $3,000 |
| Swing | $250 | $700 |
| Roll Up | $500 | $2,000 |
| Manual | $400 | $900 |
| Automatic Opener | $900 | $1,900 |
| Basic Door | $500 | $1,500 |
| Insulated Door | $600 | $2,300 |
| Basic Design | $500 | $1,500 |
| Decorative Design | $800 | $3,500 |
| Garage Door Size | Cost Range |
|-|-|
| 8×7 | $700-$1,200 |
| 9×7 | $800-$1,300 |
| 16×7 | $1,100-$2,000 |
| 18×7 | $1,300-$2,200 |
How to Save on Garage Door Replacement
After reviewing the costs above, here are some tips to save on your garage door replacement:
Compare multiple quotes – Get at least 3 bids from reputable contractors before selecting one. Let them know you’re comparing quotes to incentivize competitive pricing.
Ask about discounts and sales – Many companies offer seasonal discounts in the slower winter months. Ask about any current promotions or sales to reduce costs.
Choose a basic style – Opt for standard sizes, plain panel designs, and neutral colors rather than custom doors.
Buy your own materials – You can source doors and hardware yourself at home centers to save markup. Have an installer put it together.
Do part of the work – Offer to paint, stain or handle other finish aspects yourself to avoid labor fees.
Purchase a refurbished door – Check resale sites for discounted pre-owned doors in like-new condition.
Following these tips can potentially save you hundreds of dollars on garage door replacement costs. Always get every agreement for your project in a written contract.
Garage Door Replacement Cost Per Month
Given the high upfront expense of garage door replacement, you may prefer to finance your new door over time. With a home improvement loan, you can pay for your door over a period of months or years rather than all at once.
For example, if you get a $2,000 garage door with a 3 year loan at 6% interest, your monthly payment would be around $64. Over 5 years, a $2,000 replacement door would cost about $40 monthly.
Financing makes door replacement more affordable by spreading payments out over time. Just be sure to shop interest rates from multiple lenders like banks, credit unions and online loan companies.
New Garage Door Value
Beyond convenience and appearance, replacing your garage door provides several valuable benefits:
Increased Curb Appeal – An aging or dated garage door can drastically detract from your home’s exterior aesthetic. A new door provides attractive curb appeal.
Energy Efficiency – New insulated doors can lower your energy bills and improve climate control in your garage/home.
Added Security – Modern garage door openers and materials are more tamper-resistant and help protect against break-ins.
Reduced Noise – New weather stripping, seals and insulated cores help deaden sound from the garage.
Customization – Contemporary doors offer more decorative options to match your personal style.
Improved Safety – Advanced sensors stop automatic doors if objects are obstructing them to prevent injury. Hardware improves fire safety as well.
Increased Home Value – Garage door updates are an attractive selling point that can boost resale value. They offer a high return on investment.
While garage door replacement represents a significant short term expense, it adds considerable long term value and appeal to any home.
Conclusion
The costs of replacing your garage door can range from $500 up to $5,500 or more, with most homeowners spending an average of $1,500 to $3,000. Key factors include door size, materials, insulation, automation and accessories. Additional costs may apply for structural work, automating manual doors, and repairs to tracks or jambs.
There are ways to save on labor by sourcing doors yourself, painting them or assisting with the install. Comparison shopping for the best deals is advised to get the highest quality door for your budget.
While not inexpensive, a garage door update ultimately increases your home’s energy efficiency, safety, noise reduction, curb appeal and resale value. With proper maintenance, your new door should provide decades of reliable service and visual appeal.
Garage Door Replacement Cost FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions regarding garage door replacement costs:
How much does it cost to replace a single car garage door?
For a basic 8×7 or 9×7 single car door, plan on costs ranging from $700 on the very low end up to $1,500 on average. Upgraded single doors run $1,200 to $3,000 or more.
How much does it cost to replace a double car garage door?
A basic double car garage door measuring 16×7 feet will run $1,100 to $2,000 on average. Larger 18×7 doors cost $1,300 to $2,200 typically. Upgraded, insulated and high end double doors range from $1,800 up to $4,000 or more.
Can I install a new garage door myself?
With some carpentry skills and helper, a DIY garage door install is completely doable. You’ll save on labor but spend $1,000 to $2,000 on tools, materials and supplies. Be sure to understand the complexities first.
How much does it cost to install a garage door opener?
Adding new automatic opener hardware to an existing manual door costs around $500 to $800 in parts and labor. Replacing openers on already automated doors runs $200 to $500 on average.
How much does Lowes or Home Depot charge for garage door replacement?
Big box home centers like these that offer installation services generally charge $650 to $2,500+ for basic garage door replacement. More complex projects with upgrades run $2,000 to $4,000 or more.
How long does garage door installation take?
The installation process takes 2-5 hours for simple manual doors. Automated doors or complex retrofits take longer – typically 4-8 hours depending on adjustments needed. Let the new paint fully cure before using.
How can I save money on garage door replacement?
You can save by getting multiple bids, choosing basic styles, buying your own materials, finishing the door yourself, or getting a discounted refurbished door. Also look for any seasonal sales or promotions.
When should you replace vs repair a garage door?
If your door is badly rotted, rusted or damaged beyond surface fixes, replacement is likely the better option over continued repairs. However, minor issues can often be addressed with roller, panel, opener or hardware repairs only.
How much value does a new garage door add to a home?
Depending on the quality and cost invested, a brand new garage door can add $1,000 to $3,000 in resale value. Curb appeal and energy efficiency are top selling points. Updates are a smart investment before listing.
Can homeowners finance garage door replacement?
Yes, you can finance a new garage door through a home improvement loan or line of credit rather than paying the full cost upfront. This allows you to spread payments out over months or years at competitive interest rates.
Replacing worn or damaged garage doors is a major home project, but ensuring this area functions properly is an important investment for your home’s safety, security and resale appeal. Following the guidance above helps you budget accurately and limit expenses for the best possible outcome. With proper professional installation and ongoing maintenance, a new garage door will provide lasting performance and aesthetics for decades to come.
How to Make Your New Garage Door Last
Investing in a quality garage door replacement is a big upfront expense. Follow this advice to maximize the longevity of your new door and hardware:
Choose durable materials – Fiberglass, steel, aluminum and thick vinyl outlast wood. Use the highest grades and gauges within your budget.
Get precision sizing – Avoid undersized doors that warp or oversized doors that don’t seal properly against the elements.
Hire professional installers – Proper alignment and calibration during the install prevents issues down the road.
Keep up with maintenance – Lubricate hardware, inspect cables, test openers and tighten hardware every 6 months.
Fix minor damage immediately – Prevent rust, rot and cracking by addressing any issues promptly before they spread.
Keep surfaces clean – Rinse salt, dirt and grime away regularly and apply touch up paint as needed.
Don’t overload openers – Allow one to fully close before triggering again and avoid anything that strains the motor.
Install safety measures – Sensors, pinch guards and auto-reverse prevent injury and damage in case of obstructions.
Check for balance – Doors that stick or bind likely need weight and spring tension adjustments.
Insulate if needed – Add weatherstripping or caulk gaps in older doors to prevent air and water infiltration.
With proper installation, care and maintenance, a quality steel, fiberglass or other modern garage door should provide 20 years or more of reliable service. Investing in durability now saves on costly repairs or early repeat replacements down the road.
How to Add Curb Appeal With New Garage Doors
Replacing tired or outdated garage doors provides a major boost in visual appeal to enhance your home’s exterior curb appeal. Follow this advice on selecting doors that complement your home’s look:
Match architectural style – Choose doors that fit your home’s overall design aesthetic, such as traditional raised panel doors on colonial style houses.
Coordinate color – Match or complement the color scheme of your home’s other exterior finishes. White is a popular neutral choice.
Add windows – Lit glass designer windows break up plain door faces for added style. Match other windows.
Try carriage house designs – Doors styled like old swinging barn doors suit many homes, especially craftsman bungalows.
Select hardware finishes – Black, bronze, chrome and other metals options allow matching home fixtures.
Include decorative hardware – Hinges, handles and straps create visual interest. Keep styling consistent with the home.
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