How Much Does a Garage Door Cost?
Last Updated: January 19, 2022
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Garage door replacement may not be a glamorous home improvement project, but it's one of the most cost-effective. That's because new garage doors are significantly safer and more energy efficient than older models. If you've never replaced a garage door before, it can be difficult to know where to get started. In this free buying guide you'll learn about major garage door options and how much you can expect to pay for a new unit.
Factors That Affect Garage Door Prices #
Skimp on a new garage door and you may be replacing it again in a few years. At the other end of the spectrum are hand-crafted artisanal doors that cost a mint but will last for decades. Most customers are looking for a garage door somewhere in-between: one that does its job, looks decent, and doesn't break the bank. Keep the following factors in mind to find a new garage door that meets your needs and budget:
- Size: You can't really do much about the size of your garage door, but the bigger it is, the more you'll pay to replace it. And double garage doors are, of course, more expensive than single doors.
- Material: Garage doors are typically made from wood or metal. Cheaper wooden doors are built using Masonite or pressed woods, while higher-end models may be cedar, hemlock, or mahogany. Metal doors are either aluminum or steel, with the latter being much more common (aluminum is lighter but more dent-prone than steel). Among steel doors, choose from single, double, or triple-layered (more layers provide more security and insulation). A final option, fiberglass, provides excellent corrosion resistance and is recommended for coastal areas. It is a poor insulator, however.
- Panels and Windows: Once you get away from stock (i.e. off the shelf) garage doors, there are more options, including the ability to add different styles of panels and windows. While basic garage doors often feature flush or recessed panels, more customized models allow you to add raised panels, some with colored paint. Garage door windows add light and style; most manufacturers offer numerous window designs, including different patterns, textures, and glass types.
- Stock vs. Semi-Custom vs. Custom: The options described above assume that most homeowners are interested in either stock or semi-customized doors. A third option, the fully-customized garage door, caters to those who want a garage door that makes an architectural statement. So-called carriage house doors are designed from scratch according to your exact specifications (although some companies offer a selection of semi-custom carriage house doors). These garage doors can easily cost several thousand dollars.
Other Garage Door Considerations #
- A garage that serves as an extension of a home's living space should be well-insulated. Garage door insulation is measured in R-value (the higher the value, the better the insulation)
- While some garage doors are sold pre-painted, wood and steel doors are paint-ready, so you can add color yourself.
- Tracks and rollers, which usually come with a new garage door, make a big difference on durability and performance. Even if you opt for a lower-priced door, you may want to install heavy-duty galvanized steel rollers and ball-bearing rollers.
- Check the warranty on a garage door before making a purchase. Mid-range models might have a 10 year limited warranty, while top-end models often come with a lifetime warranty.
Garage Door Average Costs #
- Depending on the material, size, and options selected, a garage door can cost as little as $300 to $600 (for stock wood and steel doors with no insulation or windows) and as much as $10,000 or more (for a custom carriage house door).
- Most homeowners spend somewhere between $500 and $2,000 for a new garage door.
- According to Remodeling magazine's 2011-12 Cost vs. Value Report, a midrange garage door replacement costs $1,000 to $1,200 and a high-end replacement door costs $2,500 to $3,000.
- DIY installation won't result in significant savings, as the average cost for professional garage door installation is $100 to $200.
- If you need a new garage door opener, expect to pay roughly $250 to $500 installed.