Garage Door Replacement Cost

What Is Garage Door Replacement?

Garage door replacement involves removing your existing garage door and installing a new door system including panels, tracks, springs, hardware, and optionally a new opener. Understanding garage door replacement cost helps you budget for this significant upgrade that affects your home's curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency.

Your garage door is the largest moving part of your home and often the biggest visual element of your facade. A new door can transform your home's appearance and provide a strong return on investment—typically 90-100% at resale.

Garage Door Replacement Cost by Material

Steel Garage Doors

Cost: $600-$2,500 installed (16 ft door)

Pros:

• Most affordable option
• Low maintenance
• Durable and dent-resistant
• Wide variety of styles
• Available insulated
• Can mimic wood grain

Cons:

• Can rust if scratched
• Dents in thin gauges (27-28 gauge)
• Less attractive than real wood
• Conducts heat/cold (if uninsulated)

Best for: Most homeowners seeking value, durability, and low maintenance.

Wood Garage Doors

Cost: $2,000-$6,000 installed (16 ft door)

Pros:

• Beautiful, natural appearance
• Timeless curb appeal
• Can be custom designed
• Excellent for carriage house style
• Adds significant home value

Cons:

• High maintenance (stain/paint every 2-3 years)
• Can warp, crack, or rot
• Heavy (requires stronger springs)
• Most expensive option
• Susceptible to insects

Best for: High-end homes, historic properties, those prioritizing aesthetics.

Aluminum Garage Doors

Cost: $1,500-$4,000 installed (16 ft door)

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Won't rust
• Modern appearance
• Great for glass panel designs
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Dents easily
• Poor insulation
• More expensive than steel
• Limited style options

Best for: Contemporary homes, coastal areas (no rust), modern glass designs.

Fiberglass Garage Doors

Cost: $1,200-$3,000 installed (16 ft door)

Pros:

• Won't rust, rot, or warp
• Can mimic wood
• Lightweight
• Salt-resistant
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Can crack in cold temperatures
• Fades in sun
• Less durable than steel
• Limited availability
• Poor insulation

Best for: Coastal areas, hot climates, those wanting wood look without maintenance.

Composite/Faux Wood Garage Doors

Cost: $1,500-$4,000 installed (16 ft door)

Pros:

• Looks like real wood
• Won't rot, warp, or crack
• Low maintenance
• Good insulation available
• Paintable

Cons:

• More expensive than steel
• Heavier than fiberglass
• Some don't match real wood quality
• Can fade over time

Best for: Those wanting wood aesthetics with lower maintenance.

Garage Door Cost Comparison Table

Garage Door Styles and Costs

Traditional Raised Panel

Cost: $600-$2,000 installed

• Most common style
• Rectangular raised panels
• Available in all materials
• Fits most home styles

Carriage House

Cost: $1,200-$5,000 installed

• Mimics swing-out barn doors
• Actually rolls up like normal door
• Popular for craftsman and traditional homes
• Available in steel, wood, composite

Contemporary/Modern

Cost: $1,500-$6,000 installed

• Clean, minimalist lines
• Often includes glass panels
• Aluminum frame popular
• Fits modern architecture

Glass Panel (Full-View)

Cost: $2,500-$8,000 installed

• Aluminum frame with glass panels
• Maximum natural light
• Modern aesthetic
• Frosted or tinted options
• Less insulation and privacy

Flush Panel

Cost: $800-$2,500 installed

• Smooth, flat surface
• Clean appearance
• Can be painted any color
• Mid-century modern appeal

Insulation Options and R-Values

Understanding R-Value

Insulation Types

Polystyrene (R-4 to R-8)

• Rigid foam boards
• More affordable
• Adequate for most needs

Polyurethane (R-12 to R-18)

• Sprayed foam fills entire panel
• Higher R-value
• Adds structural rigidity
• Premium option

Cost of Insulation Upgrade

Garage Door Opener Costs

Opener Types

Smart Opener Features

Factors That Affect Garage Door Cost

1. Door Size

2. Door Height

Standard heights are 7, 7.5, and 8 feet. Non-standard heights add $100-$500.

3. Window Options

4. Hardware Upgrade

5. Installation Complexity

Garage Door Cost by State

Prices include insulated steel door and professional installation.

Garage Door Installation Process

Before Installation

1. Measure carefully: Width, height, headroom, side room
2. Clear the garage: 3 ft around opening minimum
3. Disconnect old opener: Power off and disconnect
4. Check electrical: Ensure outlet near opener location

Installation Day

Step 1: Remove Old Door (1-2 hours)

• Release spring tension (DANGEROUS - professionals only)
• Remove panels from top down
• Remove tracks and hardware
• Dispose of old door

Step 2: Install Tracks (1-2 hours)

• Mount vertical tracks
• Mount horizontal tracks
• Level and align precisely
• Secure to ceiling

Step 3: Install Door Panels (1-2 hours)

• Install bottom panel with weatherstrip
• Add remaining panels with hinges
• Insert rollers in track
• Connect cables to bottom brackets

Step 4: Install Springs (30-60 minutes)

• Mount torsion spring assembly (MOST DANGEROUS STEP)
• Wind springs to proper tension
• Connect cables
• Test balance

Step 5: Install Opener (1-2 hours, if applicable)

• Mount rail and motor
• Attach to door
• Install wall button and sensors
• Program remotes
• Test safety features

Total Installation Time

• Door only: 3-5 hours
• Door with opener: 5-7 hours
• Complex installation: 6-10 hours

Signs You Need Garage Door Replacement

Replace Now

• Severe rust or rot affecting structure
• Door off tracks and cannot be repaired
• Major panel damage (hit by car)
• Safety issues (won't stop when obstructed)
• Broken torsion spring (dangerous to operate)

Replace Soon (Within 1 Year)

• Multiple panel dents affecting function
• Weatherstripping gaps causing drafts
• Door doesn't open/close evenly
• Frequent repairs needed
• Noisy operation despite maintenance
• Door is 20+ years old

Repair Instead of Replace

• Single dented panel (can replace just that section)
• Worn weatherstripping
• Track alignment issues
• Spring replacement only
• Opener problems only

How to Save on Garage Door Replacement

1. Choose Steel Over Wood

Steel doors cost 40-60% less and require minimal maintenance.

2. Standard Sizes Only

Custom sizes cost 30-50% more. Most garages fit standard dimensions.

3. Skip Unnecessary Windows

Windows add $75-$350 without significant functional benefit.

4. Mid-Range Insulation

R-12 provides 80% of R-18 performance at 60% of the cost.

5. Bundle Door and Opener

Save $50-$150 by installing both during one service call.

6. Get Multiple Quotes

Prices vary 25-40% between installers. Get at least 3 quotes.

7. Off-Season Installation

Late fall and winter often have lower prices and faster scheduling.

8. Check for Rebates

Some utilities offer rebates for insulated doors. Energy efficiency credits may apply.

Safety Warnings

Torsion Spring Danger

Garage door torsion springs are under extreme tension—enough to cause serious injury or death. NEVER attempt to adjust, replace, or work near torsion springs without professional training.

Warning signs of spring problems:

• Door opens unevenly
• Loud bang from garage (spring broke)
• Door is very heavy to lift manually
• Visible gap in spring coils

Opener Safety

Modern openers must have:

• Photo-eye sensors (required since 1993)
• Auto-reverse when obstructed
• Manual release handle

Test monthly: Place object under door—it should reverse immediately when contacted.

Conclusion

Garage door replacement cost ranges from $600 for a basic single-car steel door to $6,000+ for a premium wood or glass double door. Most homeowners spend $1,200-$2,500 for a quality insulated steel double door with installation.

For the best value, choose an insulated steel door with R-12 or higher insulation, standard raised panel or carriage house style, and professional installation. Add a new belt-drive opener if yours is over 10 years old.

Never attempt DIY garage door spring work—the danger is real and documented. Professional installation ensures your door operates safely, looks great, and provides years of reliable service.

Your garage door is often the first thing visitors notice about your home. A new door can dramatically improve curb appeal while providing better security, energy efficiency, and daily convenience.