How Much Does Replacing a Garage Door Cost?

The unsung hero of your home’s return-on-investment potential has been hiding in plain sight all along. We’re talking, of course, about your garage door. The national average garage door replacement cost is between $750 and $6,000, but swapping out your old door with a new one could net you a staggering 193.9% ROI. 

It’s a valuable investment that enhances both your home’s curb appeal and overall value. To figure out where your ideal garage door falls within that price range, you’ll need to consider several factors such as its size, material, style and upgrades, to name a few. Our pricing breakdown will help you make an informed decision. 

Understanding Garage Door Replacement: When Is It Necessary?

The average lifespan of a garage door is 15 to 30 years, depending on its materials, the climate and how well it’s maintained. If the door is nearing the end of its useful life, replacing it will be more cost-effective than repairing it in the long term. 

Depending on the severity, visible damage like cracks and dents can be repaired with minimal impact on the door’s performance. But if you’re experiencing frequent breakdowns or poor energy efficiency due to failing insulation or seals, a full replacement will likely be a better (and cheaper) long-term solution than ongoing, temporary fixes. 

Safety is another factor to consider. Older garage doors may lack modern safety features like safety sensors or functioning manual-release handles.  

Garage Door Replacement Cost Factors

The national average garage door replacement cost ranges between $750 and $6,000. But you can quickly whittle that wide range down by identifying, and ultimately selecting, the key factors that contribute to a garage door’s overall cost. 

• Size and dimensions: The bigger the door, the higher the price tag. Most standard residential garage doors are about 8 to 10 feet wide and 7 to 8 feet tall, ranging from around $750 to $3,000. Two- to three-door garage doors can run you anywhere from $1,500 to $7,500. 
• Material: The quality of your garage door’s material affects its durability, longevity and curb appeal. Steel doors, which start around $750, are popular and cost-effective. Wood and wood composite doors ($1,200 – $6,000) are aesthetically appealing and can last 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. 
• Style and design: A typical cost range for traditional garage door openers is between $750 and $3,000. More elaborate carriage house or custom designs can reach $10,000 or more.
• Insulation: The amount of insulation in a garage door is measured by its R-value. An R-value of 0 indicates no insulation. An R-value of 18 or higher means the door is very well insulated. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 for DIY insulation panels up to $1,500 or more for a basic insulated garage door.  

Other cost contributors include hardware (up to $500), installation labor ($200 to $500) and removal and disposal of the old door ($100 – $300). Where you live also comes into play depending on labor costs and availability of materials. Garage.com can connect you with professional installers to explore your options and make sure you’re getting the best value.

Cost Breakdown by Garage Door Material

One of the biggest factors affecting your new garage door cost is the material it’s made from. Steel doors, which start at around $750, are popular among homeowners looking for a simple, effective product. Wood and vinyl doors are higher end products that can cost up to $6,000 or higher. 

• Steel: The least expensive material, steel doors are a top pick for standard residential homes.  
• Aluminum: Aluminum is a slight upgrade from steel and is only slightly more expensive. It’s a lightweight material that’s easier to install than steel, but it’s not as strong and may not hold up to heavier doors.
• Wood and wood composite: Wood and wood composite garage doors are high-end products that you’ll often find on luxury new builds or custom homes. It’s the most expensive option, but it provides excellent durability and can last 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. 
• Fiberglass: Fiberglass is only minimally affected by moisture, extreme heat or humidity, making it a popular choice for homeowners in coastal locations. It’s got an impressive lifespan of 20+ years but is prone to fading and may get brittle in colder climates.  
• Vinyl: One of vinyl’s standout features is its rust resistance. Homeowners will appreciate its low maintenance and variety of styles to choose from, but it’s another material with poor natural insulation, and it can’t be painted down the road. 

Each option has benefits and potential drawbacks to consider:

Cost Breakdown by Garage Door Style

Like materials, the style of your garage door makes a dramatic impact on your home’s curb appeal and market value. You’ll pay more for specialty designs like carriage house, craftsman and contemporary doors than you will for classic designs, but the added curb appeal can lead to a significant return on investment.  

Traditional garage doors are the most cost-effective of the bunch and feature basic designs that won’t ruffle the HOA’s feathers. Some carriage house doors have a center opening that aesthetically sets them apart from traditional-style doors. They’re often associated with a vintage, barnhouse style. Contemporary garage doors are common additions to luxury new-construction homes. They’re characterized by clean lines and a sleek appearance and often feature single panels with narrow horizontal windows running up or down either side. Craftsman-style garage doors are niche products intended to blend in with the unique design elements of Craftsman-style homes. Functional hardware, intricate details and understated elegance are all hallmarks of Craftsman garage doors. 

Got a uniquely shaped garage door or a specialty need that can’t be met by what’s already out there on the market? A custom garage door could be what you’re looking for. There’s no limit to the unique modifications you can request for a custom door, and Garage.com can help you find the right professional installer for the job.  

Additional Costs To Consider When Replacing a Garage Door

Of course it’s not just the door itself that you need to consider with garage door installation. There are potential structural modifications to think about, and you’ll need adequate insulation to withstand the elements. If your project goes beyond just the door, plan on factoring in costs such as garage door openers, WiFi connectivity features and security upgrades. 

• Garage door openers: Around $350 to $900 for basic units and $1,500 or more for advanced systems.
• Smart features/connectivity options: $300 to $500 and over depending on features and level of connectivity.
• Structural modifications: Some doors will require minor or major structural modifications such as widening the frame and adding molding. These are significant projects and typically cost $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the overall scope. 
• Insulation: Weatherproofing your garage door boosts energy efficiency and protects your garage from the elements. You can purchase a basic insulation kit for around $60 to $100. Longer-term solutions like pre-insulated garage doors could cost several hundreds more than non-insulated doors. 

Other costs that may come into play are permit and inspection fees, extended warranties and any fees associated with financing the project. 

Garage Door Repair vs. Complete Replacement: Cost Comparison

No one wants to completely replace something like a garage door. But if you’re putting your finger in the dike in hopes of preventing a flood, we all know how that story ends. When deciding whether to repair or replace your garage door, first assess its age and the extent of the damage. 

The average cost to replace a garage door is between $750 and $6,000. If you’re addressing a minor issue like replacing broken springs or failing weatherstripping, the $100 to $500 cost of making those repairs yourself will likely justify doing so. But if the door is 15 years or older, frequently malfunctioning or showing drastic signs of wear and tear, the better long-term choice is installing a new door.  

Frequent repairs to your old door can add up quickly, while a new door offers modern safety features and renewed reliability and energy efficiency.   

DIY vs. Professional Garage Door Installation Cost

The cost to have a professional install a garage door, including removing and disposing of the old door if necessary, is between $300 and $800. 

The installation process requires time, precise alignment, perfect measurements and securing heavy components. There are also significant safety risks involved with handling high-tension springs if you’re not properly trained. You’ll also need several specialty tools, including:

There are also hidden costs of installing a garage door by yourself. Installing your garage door opener takes time, often more than most homeowners initially expect. And mistakes can happen—there’s always a risk of injury or potential electrical hazards.

Professionals also carry liability insurance. This means that if any damage occurs to your property during installation, their insurance policy should cover it. Their labor and some parts should also be covered under a warranty. While your homeowner’s insurance might cover any DIY damages incurred, your premium could go up. 

Weigh all of these considerations against the potential $300 to $800 savings you might realize by going it alone. 

Common Questions About Cost of Replacing a Garage Door