How Much Does a Garage Door Cost? (2023 Guide)

Adding, repairing, or replacing a garage door can boost your home’s curb appeal, increase its resale value, and improve energy efficiency. Expect to pay $850–$5,500 for this project, with a national average of $1,200.*

We researched garage door installation and replacement and analyzed prices from multiple home improvement reports. Our guide outlines the average garage door cost, how to save, do-it-yourself (DIY) versus professional options, and how to choose the best garage door for your home.

*Cost data in this article was averaged from multiple sources, including Home Advisor, Angi, and Remodeling Magazine.

The national average for garage door prices is around $1,200, but this can vary greatly depending on several factors. We learned that the cost of the door itself is just one part of the expense. Fees such as labor, door accessories, and electrical work to install your door properly all add to the final price. There are also price differences related to the door itself, such as variances by type, material, and size. We break down these variables below.

Several factors impact the cost of a garage door, including labor, supplies, and geographic location. Below are some of the most common cost factors.

Different types of doors come at different price points. Common garage door types include the following:

• Carriage: Carriage garage doors are one of the oldest designs, reminiscent of classic carriage house doors that swing in and out. They’re most commonly made from wood, but steel options are available. 
• French: French garage doors have glass double doors that open outward from the center.
• Glass roll-up: Glass roll-up doors have glass panels hinged with aluminum or steel and typically roll up in sections. 
• Roll-up: Roll-up doors are made of steel horizontal sheets that roll up over a drum above the door opening. They’re ideal for garages with limited ceiling space.
• Standard panel: Standard panel garage doors feature a single unit that slides up when opened. They’re the easiest to install and therefore the cheapest. 
• Tilt-up: Tilt-up doors have one solid panel that lifts off the floor and slides into a section on top of the garage. These can be fully or partially retractable.
• Walk-through: Walk-throughs are typical garage doors with an access door embedded for you to come and go.

The most common garage door materials are aluminum, fiberglass, steel, and wood. The cheapest options are steel and aluminum. They’re easy to maintain and work in a variety of climates. Faux wood is the most expensive option because it has the curb appeal of wood without the upkeep of genuine wood that’s heavily impacted by weather.

You can purchase garage doors in one-car, two-car, and three-car options. One-car garage doors are understandably the cheapest since less material is used for construction. Two-car varieties can be purchased as a single double door or as two separate doors. Three-car varieties can be purchased as one single door and one double door or as three separate doors. Choosing double doors typically saves money.

The following factors also influence the total cost of garage door installation:

• Labor: Paying a professional installer usually costs $200–$500 per door. That doesn’t include running electricity to operate the door. 
• Manual vs. automatic: Installing a manual garage door costs anywhere from $600–$2,150. Making the door automatic will add $200–$1,300.
• Electrical work: Hiring an electrician to run electricity for an automatic door typically costs $75 per hour.
• Insulation: Insulation for your garage door costs $50–$500, though you can purchase an already insulated door for roughly $200–$600 more than a noninsulated door. 
• Add-on accessories: Lights, openers, keypads, security sensors, and other accessories will add hundreds of dollars to the final price. 
• Windows: Choosing a garage door with windows costs up to 70% more than a door without windows.
• Location: Homeowners in cities with a higher cost of living, more demand for garage installation, and more expensive materials can expect to add a few hundred dollars to the price.

A repair is always more affordable than a full garage door replacement. Repairs typically cost just a few hundred dollars, whereas a replacement can be over $2,000. Opt for repair unless your garage door has severe damage, such as rotting wood. See average costs for some of the more common garage door repairs below.

You may have noticed that big-box hardware stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot sell garage doors. The advertised prices may tempt you to try to save money by installing a garage door yourself.

While there are some DIY garage projects, such as organizing and cleaning, installing a new garage door isn’t one of them. Garage doors—even small ones—are bulky and cumbersome, so you’ll need more than one person for the job. The heft of the door combined with all of the moving parts makes the job dangerous, too.

Installing a new garage door is best left to professionals. Not only do they have the proper training and experience, but they can also get the job done faster and more efficiently. That means your home won’t be left open to the elements or pests.

Learn more about replacing a garage door in the video below.

Once you’ve selected the type of garage door you want, you’ll need to find someone to install it. Choosing the right person for the job is just as important as choosing the right garage door for your home. 

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a garage door installer.

• Do they offer a warranty? It’s always better to expect the unexpected. Companies that include a warranty with their installation offer peace of mind in case anything breaks.
• Are they licensed and insured? Garage doors are heavy, awkward to maneuver, and can involve electrical systems. If a company is licensed and insured, you’ll be covered in the event of any accident or damage to your house.
• Do they offer full service? Do they offer to discard your old garage door in addition to installing the new one? Will they follow up with a repair if you have a problem in the future?

There are many types of garage doors and lots of different upgrades, so the cost of a garage door replacement can add up quickly. However, there are a few ways to save money:

• Choose a basic style: It can be tempting to add custom elements to your garage door, but this can drastically increase the price. Stick to a basic design to stay budget-conscious.
• Purchase directly: Buying your garage door directly from the supplier is often cheaper and gives you the ability to choose an independent contractor within your budget.
• Make a list of your must-haves: You might not be able to live without an automatic garage door or a keypad entry, but skipping items such as high-end finishes or windows for natural light can help you stay within your price range.
• Maintain your garage door: Most garage doors are fairly low-maintenance, but staying on top of regular upkeep ensures you’ll spend less on unexpected repairs.
• Buy a garage door with a warranty: Investing in a garage door with a warranty will save you money on repairs in the future.

You can choose form numerous types of garage doors. The most common type is a sectional—a door with hinged panels that rolls over a track—but there are also retractable, tilt-up, and roll-up styles available.

You’ll also need to consider other specifications, such as material. If you live in a colder climate, you might want to get an insulated garage door, as these can make a significant difference in your overall energy consumption and save you money on bills.

Insulation is graded using a system called an R-value. A regular, noninsulated garage door has an R-value of 0. Insulated garage doors have an R-value between 5 and 10. The higher the R-value, the more insulating the material.

Here are a few considerations when choosing a new garage door:

• Think about your needs: If you want something low-maintenance, choose a steel garage door over a material like wood that can require frequent painting or refinishing.
• Consider your climate: Do you need a garage door that can stand up to the elements or provide additional insulation? 
• Remember aesthetic: If you want to preserve or improve your curb appeal, choose a garage door style that matches your home’s aesthetic.
• Factor in budget: It’s best to buy a standard door if you have a limited budget. If you’ve got more to invest, you can choose from many customization options.

See a breakdown of garage door parts below, as illustrated in our What to Know Before Upgrading Your Garage Door article. 

A new garage door can be a great investment, and there are various options to fit your budget. Repairing a garage door is also possible for a lower price, costing an average of $100–$600. Before installing or repairing a garage door, we recommend getting at least three quotes to ensure you get the best price.

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