Garage Door Replacement Estimate: 2026 Costs

$1,200. That’s what most homeowners end up paying to replace a standard single-car garage door with an insulated steel model, installed. But the range is huge. A basic non-insulated door starts around $600 total, while a premium carriage-style door with windows can run $4,000 or more. The door you pick, the size of the opening, and who installs it all move that number significantly.

Whether you’re a contractor estimating a garage door replacement for a client or a homeowner trying to figure out what this project actually costs, this guide gives you real numbers to work with.

Use our Garage Cost Calculator to build a full garage estimate with doors, openers, and all the details. Or Try EstimationPro free to generate a professional proposal in minutes.

Quick Answer: What Does Garage Door Replacement Cost?

A garage door replacement costs $600 to $3,000+ installed for a standard residential door. Single-car doors (8x7 or 9x7) run $600 to $1,800. Double-car doors (16x7) cost $800 to $2,500. Add $250 to $500 for a new opener if needed. Labor for installation typically runs $200 to $500 depending on complexity and your market.

Garage Door Replacement Cost by Type

The biggest cost driver is the door itself. Here’s what you’re looking at by style:

Door Type	Single-Car (8x7)	Double-Car (16x7)	Notes
Basic non-insulated steel	$400 to $700	$600 to $1,000	Builder-grade, functional, minimal curb appeal
Insulated steel (R-12 to R-16)	$700 to $1,200	$1,000 to $1,800	Most popular choice, good balance of price and performance
Raised panel with windows	$900 to $1,500	$1,200 to $2,200	Adds natural light, slight style upgrade
Carriage-style steel	$1,200 to $2,200	$1,800 to $3,000	Mimics wood look without the maintenance
Real wood (cedar, redwood)	$1,500 to $3,000	$2,500 to $5,000+	Premium look, requires regular maintenance
Aluminum and glass (modern)	$1,800 to $3,500	$2,800 to $5,500+	Contemporary aesthetic, less insulation

Prices are door only, before installation. Source: manufacturer MSRP data and contractor field pricing, 2025-2026.

Key takeaway: Insulated steel doors are the sweet spot for most homeowners. They handle weather, they don’t need annual staining, and they hit a price point that works for mid-range budgets.

What Affects Garage Door Replacement Cost?

Several factors push the price up or down:

Door material and style - The single biggest variable. Steel vs. wood alone can be a $1,000+ difference
Insulation rating - R-0 (none) to R-18+. Higher R-value means thicker door and higher price
Door size - Standard 8x7 or 9x7 for single-car. 16x7 for double-car. Non-standard openings cost more
Windows - Adding a row of windows typically adds $150-$400 to the door price
Hardware and decorative elements - Strap hinges, handles, and specialty glass push into premium territory
Old door removal - Most installers include removal and disposal in their quote. If not, budget $50-$100
Structural repairs - Damaged header, rotted jambs, or a sagging opening adds $200-$800+ before the door goes in
Opener replacement - If you’re swapping the door, it’s the right time to upgrade the opener too. Expect $250-$500 installed for a belt-drive model
Permits - Most jurisdictions don’t require a permit for a like-for-like door replacement. New openings or size changes usually do ($100-$300)

Garage Door Material Comparison

Choosing the right material matters for longevity, maintenance, and resale value:

Material	Lifespan	Maintenance	Insulation	Best For
Steel (24-25 gauge)	20-30 years	Low - wash annually	Excellent (R-12 to R-18)	Most residential applications
Wood (cedar, redwood)	15-25 years	High - stain/seal every 2-3 years	Moderate (R-6 to R-10)	Craftsman and traditional homes
Aluminum	20+ years	Low - won’t rust	Poor (R-4 to R-8)	Coastal areas, modern design
Fiberglass	15-20 years	Low	Moderate (R-6 to R-12)	Saltwater exposure, humid climates
Composite (wood-look)	20-30 years	Low - no staining	Good (R-10 to R-16)	Want wood look without wood maintenance

Data based on manufacturer warranty periods and DASMA (Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association) industry reports.

Which Material Should You Pick?

For most homeowners, insulated steel is the right call. It’s the best value for the money, requires almost zero maintenance, and modern steel doors look good. The only real reason to go wood is if you’ve got a historic or craftsman-style home where the aesthetic matters more than the maintenance schedule.

Worked Example 1: Standard Single-Car Door Replacement

Here’s what a typical single-car garage door replacement looks like when you break down the numbers:

Scenario: Replace one 9x7 door on a 1970s ranch home. Existing track and framing in good condition. Homeowner wants insulated steel with windows.

Line Item	Cost
Insulated steel door (9x7, R-12, windows)	$1,050
Professional installation (labor, 3-4 hours)	$350
Old door removal and disposal	Included
New weatherstripping and bottom seal	$45
Hardware (rollers, hinges, springs)	Included with door
Total	$1,445

That’s a pretty standard job. No surprises, no structural work, straightforward swap. Most installers can knock this out in half a day.

Worked Example 2: Double-Car Upgrade with New Opener

Now let’s look at a more involved project:

Scenario: Replace one 16x7 door on a 2-car garage. Homeowner wants a carriage-style insulated door with decorative hardware. Existing opener is 15 years old and noisy, so they’re replacing that too. One jamb has minor rot.

Line Item	Cost
Carriage-style insulated steel door (16x7, R-16)	$2,200
Decorative hardware kit (strap hinges, handles)	$180
Professional installation (labor, 5-6 hours)	$450
Old door and opener removal	Included
Belt-drive opener with Wi-Fi (LiftMaster 84505R)	$350
Opener installation	$150
Jamb rot repair (one side, replace 4 ft of 2x6)	$275
New weatherstripping and threshold seal	$65
Total	$3,670

That’s a premium job, but the homeowner gets a door that transforms the curb appeal of the house, a quiet opener they can control from their phone, and a structurally sound opening that won’t cause problems down the road.

Labor Costs for Garage Door Installation

Installation labor varies by market and complexity:

Basic door swap (existing track): $200-$400 for 2-4 hours of work
New door with track replacement: $300-$500 for 4-6 hours
Door + opener installation: $400-$600 total labor
Structural repairs needed: Add $75-$150/hour for framing and carpentry work

According to BLS data (May 2024), general construction laborers earn $15-$35/hour, while carpenters handling structural work earn $20-$45/hour. Garage door specialty companies typically charge a flat rate per installation rather than hourly, which is why you see the ranges above. That flat rate accounts for their overhead, insurance, truck, tools, and profit.

Pro tip: Get at least three quotes. The spread on garage door installation is usually 20-30% between contractors in the same market. Some companies make their money on the door markup, others on the labor. The total installed price is what matters.

When to Replace vs. Repair

Not every garage door issue means a full replacement. Here’s how to decide:

Replace when:

The door is 15+ years old and showing multiple issues
Panels are cracked, dented, or warped beyond repair
The door doesn’t seal properly and you’re losing heat (or cool air)
You want to upgrade for curb appeal or home sale prep
Spring or track damage is extensive enough that repair costs exceed 50% of replacement

Repair when:

A single panel is damaged (panel replacement runs $150-$400)
Springs are broken but the door and track are solid ($150-$350 for spring replacement)
The opener motor fails but the door is fine ($150-$300 for opener repair)
Weatherstripping is worn ($30-$75 for a full set)
Rollers are noisy or binding ($10-$20 per roller, $100-$150 to replace all)

The 50% rule works here the same way it does in most trades: if the repair costs more than half of a full replacement, just replace it. You’re putting money into something that’s going to need more work soon anyway.

Common Mistakes With Garage Door Replacement

After years in remodeling, here are the mistakes I see homeowners and even some contractors make:

Skipping the insulation. In any climate where temperatures drop below 50°F or rise above 85°F, an insulated door pays for itself in energy savings over 3-5 years. The price difference between R-0 and R-12 is usually only $200-$400. Pay for the insulation.
Ignoring the springs and hardware. A new door on old springs is asking for trouble. Extension springs last about 10,000 cycles (roughly 7-10 years of normal use). Torsion springs last about 15,000-20,000 cycles. If the springs are original to the old door, replace them with the new installation.
DIY on torsion springs. This is a safety issue, not a skill issue. Torsion springs are under extreme tension. People get seriously injured every year working on these without proper tools and training. This is one job worth paying a professional for, even if you handle everything else yourself.
Not measuring correctly. Garage door openings aren’t always standard. Measure the width, height, headroom (space between the top of the opening and the ceiling), and side room (space on each side of the opening). Non-standard measurements mean custom orders, longer lead times, and higher costs.
Choosing a door based only on looks. Wind load rating matters if you’re in a storm-prone area. Insulation R-value matters for energy and noise. Steel gauge matters for dent resistance (24-gauge dents more easily than 25-gauge, despite the lower number seeming thicker). Consider the specs, not just the style.

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Deal

Buy in the off-season. Late fall and winter (November through February) are slower months for garage door companies. You’re more likely to get better pricing or faster scheduling.
Bundle the opener. If you need both a door and opener, buying them together usually saves $100-$200 versus separate purchases.
Ask about manufacturer rebates. Major brands like Clopay, Amarr, and Wayne Dalton run seasonal promotions. Your installer should know about current offers.
Check your homeowner’s insurance. Storm damage, vehicle impact, and some types of wear may be partially covered. File the claim before you pay out of pocket.
Consider resale value. According to the 2024 Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value report, a garage door replacement recoups approximately 194% of its cost at resale, making it one of the highest-ROI home improvements you can make.

Regional Pricing Differences

Garage door replacement costs vary by region due to labor rates, material availability, and climate requirements:

Pacific Northwest: $800-$2,800 installed. Higher labor rates, moisture-resistant hardware recommended
Southeast: $600-$2,200 installed. Lower labor rates, wind-load rated doors required in coastal areas
Northeast: $900-$3,000 installed. Higher labor and energy costs, insulation a priority
Southwest: $700-$2,500 installed. UV-resistant finishes recommended, less insulation needed
Midwest: $650-$2,400 installed. Insulation critical, wind-load considerations in tornado-prone areas

Regional estimates based on RSMeans regional cost data and contractor field pricing. Actual costs vary by metro area and specific project conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a garage door replacement take?

A standard door replacement takes 3-5 hours for a professional installer. If you’re adding a new opener, replacing tracks, or doing structural repairs, plan for a full day. Most jobs are completed in a single visit.

Can I install a garage door myself?

You can install the door panels and tracks yourself if you’re handy and comfortable with the process. However, spring installation should be done by a professional due to the extreme tension involved. A hybrid approach (DIY door installation, professional spring setup) can save $100-$200.

How often should a garage door be replaced?

Most steel garage doors last 20-30 years with basic maintenance. Wood doors need replacement sooner, typically 15-25 years. If your door is functioning, sealing properly, and looks acceptable, there’s no reason to replace it early. Replace based on condition, not age alone.

Does a new garage door increase home value?

Yes. A garage door replacement is consistently ranked as one of the top home improvement projects for return on investment. The 2024 Cost vs. Value report shows an average cost recoupment of 194%, meaning you get back nearly double what you spend when you sell.

What is the best garage door brand?

The top residential brands are Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton, and CHI Overhead Doors. Clopay holds the largest market share and offers the widest range of styles. For premium options, Clopay’s Canyon Ridge and Amarr’s Classica series are industry favorites. Your best bet is going with whatever brand your local installer supports well, since warranty service and parts availability matter more than brand name.

Build Your Full Garage Estimate

Replacing a garage door is one of those projects where the right information makes the difference between overpaying and getting exactly what you need at a fair price. Whether you’re quoting this for a client or planning your own project, the numbers above give you a solid starting point.

Need to estimate a complete garage project, not just the door? Our Garage Cost Calculator breaks down the full build including foundation, framing, roofing, and doors.

If you’re a contractor, EstimationPro handles the whole workflow. Build the estimate, send a professional proposal, and let the automated follow-up sequences keep working the lead while you’re on the next job. No more chasing callbacks or wondering if the homeowner saw your bid. Try EstimationPro free and see how much time you get back.