Garage Door Replacement Cost: How Much Is a New Door?
Planning a new garage door? Smart move. It’s one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make for curb appeal, convenience, security, and resale value. But what does a new door really cost? Here’s a clear, practical breakdown of everything that goes into garage door replacement cost so you can budget with confidence.
Quick Answer: Typical Price Ranges
- Standard single (8×7 or 9×7) steel door, installed: $900–$1,800
- Standard double (16×7) insulated steel door, installed: $1,600–$3,200
- Premium/architectural styles (carriage house, wood-look, full-view glass): $2,500–$8,000+
- Custom wood or oversize/RV doors: $4,000–$12,000+
Your total depends on size, material, insulation, style, hardware, opener choices, and any site prep (framing, electrical, low-headroom kits, etc.).
What Drives the Price Up or Down
- Size & configuration: Single vs. double; height (7 ft vs. 8 ft); odd/custom sizes.
- Material: Steel is the value leader; composite/fiberglass, aluminum/glass, and wood trend higher.
- Insulation & R-value: Polystyrene vs. polyurethane foam; thicker sections = higher R-value and price.
- Style & upgrades: Windows, carriage hardware, wood-grain embossing, designer colors, impact-rated glass.
- Opener & smart features: Drive type, battery backup, Wi-Fi/app control, camera, rail length for taller doors.
- Labor & site conditions: Removal/disposal, reframing, track conversions, low headroom kits, travel distance.
- Local factors: Regional labor rates, permit requirements, and sales tax.
Cost by Material (Installed)
- Steel: Single $900–$1,800 | Double $1,600–$3,200
Most popular for value, durability, and broad style options. Best price-to-performance, especially with polyurethane insulation. - Composite/Fiberglass: Single $1,200–$2,500 | Double $2,000–$4,500
Mimics wood without the upkeep; great in humid or coastal climates. - Aluminum Full-View (glass): Single $2,500–$5,000 | Double $4,500–$8,000
Sleek, modern look; price varies with glass type (clear, frosted, insulated, impact). - Wood (stain-grade): Single $2,500–$4,500 | Double $4,000–$7,500+
Premium aesthetics; highest maintenance and lead time. - Custom/Architectural: Varies widely, often $6,000–$12,000+ for bespoke wood or oversize designs.
Insulation, R-Value, and Energy Costs
If your garage is attached or you use it as a workspace, insulation pays.
- Non-insulated steel: Budget-friendly; noisier; temperature swings.
- Polystyrene (sandwich): Solid value; noticeable noise reduction.
- Polyurethane (foamed-in-place): Best thermal performance, rigidity, and quiet operation.
Typical add-ons for insulation:
- Single door: +$150–$500
- Double door: +$250–$800
Popular Style Upgrades and Their Costs
- Windows (top section): $150–$600 depending on size, glass type, and grilles.
- Decorative hardware (straps/handles): $50–$200
- Carriage-house overlay / wood-look steel: +$400–$1,200 vs. plain raised-panel.
- High-wind or impact glass packages: $300–$1,200+ depending on rating.
Opener Options (If You’re Replacing That Too)
- Chain drive: $300–$600 installed (durable, louder).
- Belt drive: $400–$800 installed (quieter—great for garages under bedrooms).
- Direct drive / wall-mount (jackshaft): $600–$1,200+ installed (frees ceiling space; ideal for high-lift/low headroom).
- Smart features: Wi-Fi/app control, battery backup, camera: +$50–$250 depending on model.
Labor and “Hidden” Line Items to Expect
- Old door removal & disposal: $75–$200
- New tracks/springs/hardware: Usually included in a quality install; confirm on quote.
- Framing/rot repair or sill work: $150–$600+ if discovered during install.
- Low-headroom/high-lift conversion: $150–$600+ for special track/springing.
- Permits (if required locally): $0–$150
- Electrical (new outlet for opener): $150–$350 by an electrician if needed.
Real-World Scenarios (Budget Planning)
- Value refresh (single 9×7 steel, insulated, basic windows, belt-drive opener): $1,600–$2,600
- Most-common upgrade (double 16×7 steel, polyurethane insulated, windows, belt-drive smart opener): $2,400–$3,800
- Modern statement (double full-view aluminum/glass, insulated glass, wall-mount opener): $5,500–$8,500+
- Craftsman charm (double carriage-style steel, wood-look, decorative hardware, premium insulation): $3,200–$5,200
DIY vs. Professional Installation
A garage door isn’t just a panel—it’s a counterbalanced system under high spring tension. Professional installation ensures:
- Correct spring sizing/balancing for long service life
- Proper track alignment and weathersealing
- Safe, quiet operation with manufacturer warranty intact
DIY kits can look tempting, but the combination of weight, springs, and precision often makes pro install the safer, more economical choice long-term.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
- Measure correctly: Width, height, headroom (top of opening to ceiling), sideroom (jamb to wall/shelving), and backroom (opening to rear wall).
- Photograph the setup: Opener, tracks, springs, and any obstructions.
- Decide on must-haves: Insulation level, style, color, windows, smart opener features.
- Ask what’s included: Tracks, springs, seals, removal/disposal, weatherstripping, warranty, lead time.
- Compare apples to apples: Cheaper quotes sometimes omit hardware, insulation level, or disposal.
ROI and Resale Impact
Garage door replacement consistently ranks among the top exterior projects for recouping cost at resale. Beyond ROI, buyers notice a quiet, insulated, good-looking door—and appraisers do, too. If you’re selling in the next few years, this upgrade punches above its weight.
Tips to Save Without Regrets
- Choose insulated steel for the best value mix of durability, noise control, and efficiency.
- Keep to standard sizes to avoid custom upcharges and long lead times.
- Select a stock color if possible—custom paints can add cost and lead time.
- Add windows only where they’ll be seen; skip them on less-visible doors.
- Bundle a new opener with your install—often better pricing and a clean, warrantied setup.
Ready for Numbers Specific to Your Home?
If you’re in North Carolina, OnTrac Garage Doors can size your opening, review styles and insulation levels, and provide a clear, line-item quote—often with multiple good/better/best options so you can pick the perfect balance of look, performance, and budget.
Want a ballpark now? Tell us: door size (single/double), preferred material (steel/composite/wood/glass), insulation level, and whether you need a new opener. We’ll sketch out a realistic range—and if you’d like, schedule a no-pressure, on-site measure to lock it in.