How much does a new garage door cost?

Garage doors are made from a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, wood and fiberglass. The cost of garage doors will vary based on the material and the style of door.

Adding a new, eye-catching garage door not only gives your home some curb appeal, but well-insulated doors also may help you save money during the summer and winter months.

Experienced, professional garage door installers usually take 3-5 hours to remove the old door and motor, and then install the new door and motor.

John Nale, Executive Vice President/General manager of Overhead Door Company of Atlanta, says he wouldn't recommend anyone replacing a garage door themselves if they are not properly trained, and that manufacturers make that clear with the warnings in the installation instructions.

DASMA.com offers this garage door safety information.

Typical Costs for Installing Garage Doors

• Low-End Estimate for a 16-by-7-foot double door: $800 installed, steel and non-insulated
  
  
• High-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot double door: $5,000 installed, custom wood.

Typical Costs for Steel Garage Doors

• Low-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot steel garage door: $800 for a non-insulated door
  
  
• High-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot steel garage door: $3,500 for a carriage house-style look.

Durability and ease of maintenance make steel the most commonly installed garage door. Adding various glass options to the door can increase the cost up to 15 percent.

Typical Costs for Aluminum and Glass Garage Doors

• Low-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot garage door: $2,000 installed
  
  
• High-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot garage door: $3,000 installed

Found more often on contemporary homes.

Typical Costs for Wooden Garage Doors

• Low-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot garage door: $800-$1,000 installed for a basic, panel wood door.
  
  
• High-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot garage door: $5,000 installed

A wooden garage door is preferred by many homeowners because of how stunning it looks when installed.

Wooden garage doors aren?t as durable as steel garage doors. Wood expands, contracts, and can warp or crack as time goes on. Be prepared to repaint or refinish a wooden garage door every 2-3 years.

The price is most greatly affected by the type of wood. Exotics will be more.

Typical Costs for Fiberglass Garage Doors

• Low-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot garage door: $2,000 installed
  
  
• High-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot garage door: $3,500 installed

Fiberglass garage doors are less common, but they are extremely durable.

Typical Costs for Composite Garage Doors

• Low-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot garage door: $1,200 installed
  
  
• High-End Estimate for 16-by-7-foot garage door: $2,200 installed

Additional Costs for Garage Door Installation

Installing the Automatic Garage Door Opener

• Low-End Estimate: $250 for garage door opener and installation
  
  
• High-End Estimate: $425 for garage door opener and installation

Which Garage Door to Buy?

Nale says buyers most often make their decisions based on dependability, aesthetics, low maintenance and value.

But, like so many purchases for the home, the decision can come down to personal preference. "There are trade-offs to all of those," says Nale. "A lot of consumers are making a change and are very price conscious."

What to Expect from Garage Door Installation Services

Professional garage door installers will:

• Measure the size of the existing garage door and opening.
  
  
• Lower the existing door and remove the door panels.
  
  
• Disassemble the automatic garage door opener as well as its related components and wiring.
  
  
• Inspect the existing door frame, making sure the proper hardware is in place.
  
  
• Level the new garage door by checking to see if the panel lines up properly with the concrete floor.
  
  
• Replace the weather stripping as this tends to wear out over time.
  
  
• Install hardware necessary for the proper function of the garage door.
  
  
• Attach the garage door panels, install the hinges, cable, and spring, and rewire the automatic garage door opener.