Affordable Garage Doors: Quality Options That Won’t Break Your Budget

If you’re in the market for a cheap garage door, you may be surprised to find that you have plenty of options. Replacing garage doors can be costly, but there are durable options available at a discount that won’t break the bank. 

Steel is the best option for a cost-effective garage door, with prices starting at $800 per single door. With proper care, this door material can last 15 to 30 years or more, which makes it a great option for any budget. We’ve outlined the best low-cost garage doors to help you find the best type of garage door to fit your budget. If you want to move forward with purchasing one of the options outlined, we recommend that you get an installation quote from one of Garage.com’s top pros in your area.

What Is a Discount Garage Door?

Materials used are a key determining factor for cost. However, door size has a greater effect on your bottom line. Similarly, installation and labor costs will affect your total. A discounted or cheap door will normally be just a basic door or a discontinued model. You can plenty of affordable options in a variety of styles and materials. The cheapest option is a basic steel door.

Understanding Garage Door Costs

The prices listed here are for the doors themselves, with no added features. The cheapest option is a basic steel door but you can see estimates based on all types of doors.

Source: Cost ranges are from Premier Garage Doors.

The above ranges reflect approximate starting ranges for single and double garage doors. You’ll pay extra for the following:

• Windows: Adding a window or two to your garage door can range in cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per window. Metal and vinyl doors are easier to cut, as are non-insulated garage doors.
• Insulation: Purchasing an insulated garage door can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 or more. However, you can install your own insulation or hire a pro to do so. This can cost anywhere from $120 to put in your own DIY kit, to $1,000 for professional spray foam insulation.
• Electrical opening mechanism: Depending on your chosen model of electrical opener, you could spend between $200 and $600 for most commonly retailed options. $65 to $85 per hour for labor is typical, with installations taking anywhere from two to five hours in many cases.

Top Affordable Garage Door Types

As with any exterior door, your choice in material could vary with climate type, durability or sizing needs, or simply cost. We’ve listed the top affordable garage doors from lowest to highest starting price:

• Steel: Steel doors come with the lowest starting price for a single door. While their thin material makes them susceptible to minor dents, they will not warp or rot. Regular cleaning should maintain high-wear areas and prevent the galvanized coating from wearing off over time. These doors can last up to 30 years.
• Vinyl: Vinyl can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, and are the lightest-weight option for most homeowners. If you have a manual opening mechanism, this may be worth considering. Harsh temperatures and UV rays can degrade these doors over time, so this option is better suited for temperate climates.
• Aluminum: This corrosion-resistant material is our metal door recommendation for wet climates or areas near ocean shoreline. It has a similar lifespan to steel, but can also dent easily. Both low-cost metal options can come with windows and insulation at an additional price.

Affordable Garage Door Styles That Look Expensive

There are some more affordable garage doors with a luxury or imitation wood appearance. You purchase one of these to maximize your budget without compromising your home’s curb appeal. 

Home Depot offers some of the most easily accessible wood-print garage doors from its various steel product lines. Its Modern Steel, Bridgeport Steel and Gallery Steel models each come with different print options and add-ons including windows. 

Pricing currently starts at $1,228 before taxes for each single door. Note that you’ll have to choose a non-insulated door to get the lowest possible price point. Double doors with higher insulation R-values cost up to $4,500 or more.

To save the most money while getting all of the benefits of a luxury door, we recommend purchasing one of the options with no insulation and buying your own insulation kit if you require one. As always, we recommend getting quotes from one of our top garage door professionals for the initial installation.

The Hidden Costs: What to Watch For When Buying Affordable Garage Doors

We always recommend purchasing a new garage door and opting for professional installation. This does cost more money, but will come with manufacturer and labor warranties that can guard against future expenses. 

Additionally, nearly all new garage doors come with the necessary tracks and hardware needed for installation. This can be an unplanned added cost when buying a used door on Facebook Marketplace or another similar online forum. 

Energy expenditure is another consideration you’ll have to make before purchasing a garage door., If your garage is attached to your home, and you have HVAC in the space, you should consider the short-term higher cost of a door with insulation features. Spending extra money up-front could prevent higher monthly heating and cooling bills after the fact. 

Even if you plan to install your garage door on your own, you should always get professional quotes from licensed installers before fully committing. During the quote process, a technician could highlight extra cost factors specific to your space that could raise your price or present difficulties for the prospective DIYer. If you go this route, Garage.com’s professionals offer quality service and have excellent industry reputations.

Frequently Asked Questions Cheap Garage Doors