Garage doors are one of the most heavily used entry and exit points to homes. Over time, the steady traffic they endure inevitably leads to wear and tear. Eventually, when replacing a garage door becomes your only option, the best first step to take is to research likely replacement costs in your area.
However, wear and tear may not be the only reason why some homeowners opt for a garage door replacement. If a home has had a significant change to the exterior, often the garage door no longer blends seamlessly with the new look. Other times, a homeowner may want to create a statement piece by replacing a garage door with, for example, vintage double barn doors. Still, other homeowners may want to replace their garage doors to take advantage of the latest smart technology built into newer doors.
Before you start the process of replacing your garage door, there are different factors for you to consider, including materials to use, type of opening mechanism, size of the door, and labor requirements. All of these can have a big influence on the final figure. This article can help you estimate your new garage door cost.
The Cost of a New Garage Door
So how much does a new garage door cost? Replacing a garage door can be quite expensive. How much is a garage door? Many new garage door cost calculators will price a steel door installation in a range of $500 to $2,000.
The use of steel garage doors is widespread across the country, and $500 to $2,000 is the national average range to buy this type of door. According to some online sources, other materials can cost as little as $400 to as high as $10,000; the national average cost for a new garage door is approximately $992. Keep in mind, door costs will vary where you live.
These costs will vary depending on the desired style, workmanship, and other details, which we explore in the next section. Where you live can also factor into how much you will pay—some homeowners associations, for example, require residents to install a specific kind of garage door to maintain a common neighborhood aesthetic.
Factors That Impact Cost
Here’s a look at the factors that impact the cost of a garage door:
Single vs. Double Doors
The configuration of your new doors will depend on the size of your garage. A two-plus car garage can fit individual doors or a wide door that opens completely. It is less expensive to install a large double door rather than two single doors, assuming they are of the same style and material, of course. A double garage door installation will range from $1,200 to $1,500 on average, whereas two single doors will cost around $2,000.
Garage Door Materials
The material a garage door is made of can have a significant impact on the final cost. The most popular options are:
- Steel
Considered the go-to for many homeowners for its sturdiness and availability, steel is a fairly inexpensive option for garage doors. They start at around $500. While it’s easy to get a new door in the sectional style that most garage doors are made in, customizing it to one’s preference can be challenging.
- Vinyl
A lightweight, low maintenance option, vinyl is also on the lower end of the cost bracket. Expect costs to start at $600 for this kind of door. Vinyl is great for insulation as it has a foam core, but it can warp because of heat and crack in low temperatures.
- Aluminum
This material is lightweight, but its high strength makes aluminum a popular choice for garage doors. It can also be insulated for cold temperatures. Expect costs to start at $800 for an aluminum garage door.
- Composite
Made with a blend of fibers and resins, this wood-looking material costs upwards of $1,500. They are, however, hard to customize.
- Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an excellent wood alternative because it does not require as much maintenance, but it can be quite pricey. This material costs about $1,500 for a basic door.
- Wood
Wood is one of the most expensive materials for garage doors, both in cost and maintenance. Wood garage doors start at about $2,000.
Garage Door Styles
Common garage door styles include paneled, carriage doors, and french-style garage doors. Paneling is featured on many sectioned doors and is usually less costly than other styles.
On the other hand, french-style doors are sometimes designed with windows, which can drive up costs. Carriage-style doors can allow for more customization than their counterparts, and the more elaborate the design, the higher the cost.
Garage Door Opener
Most homeowners prefer a new garage door that can automatically open and close with a garage door opener. These openers come in many forms, the most common being the screw-driven openers for sectional doors, which open upward and overhead. These typically cost between $300 and $350.
Other popular types of styles are swing-out and sliding garage door openers. Sliding openers are great for smaller garages, while swing-out garage doors tend to need a lot of space to open and close.
Labor and Installation
Most professionals charge a flat rate for new garage door installations. Custom doors and heavy wood doors often cost more than lighter materials. A garage door installation cost can also increase if a homeowner needs specialized installation hardware. The national average installation cost of a garage door replacement is $1,114 on average, with a typical range between $737 and $1,492.
What Can a Home Warranty Cover?
Installing a new garage door can be costly. If you are looking for ways to protect your household budget, home warranty coverage from First American may help. And a home warranty plan can cover the repair or replacement of a garage door opener if it stops working. Contact us to learn more about all the appliances and home systems our home warranties can cover, or get a quick home warranty quote.
More Garage Door Resources
Once you have a new garage door, you’ll want to keep the opener well-maintained. Here are great maintenance tips that can help.
If you are considering giving your garage a makeover, these garage conversion ideas can help you get your project underway.
The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.
