If you want to install a new garage door there are a lot of factors to consider, but obviously price is one of the most important. So, what type of garage door is the cheapest?
Single panel, tilt-up garage doors are usually the cheapest option, and they are often the simplest to install. Roll-up doors and sectional doors will generally cost a little more, with carriage or sliding doors often being the most expensive types that you can buy.
Read ahead in this article to find out all about the different types of garage doors that you can install, and which option is likely to be the cheapest of them all.
What Affects the Cost of a Garage Door?
There are many things that can add or detract from the price of installing a new garage door. Obviously, the type of door that you choose is important, but it is not the only factor that you need to consider.
The cost of your garage door will depend on:
- Door type
- Door size
- Door material
- Door design
- Customization
- Installation and labor
Some of these things will be largely outside of your control, but there are always better deals to be had. It’s a good idea to shop around and talk to local professionals. That will give you a picture of the labor costs and market situation in your area.
Are Two Single-Car Garage Doors Cheaper Than One Double-Car Door?
No matter what type of door you choose, the size of it is going to massively affect the price. You will probably need a certain size just to suit the garage that you have, but you might have a bit more flexibility.
While a single-car door is significantly cheaper than a double, a double-car door will almost always be more cost-effective than installing two separate single doors.
- Single-car garage door: Usually between $400 and $1000 – 8 feet by 7 feet in size.
- Double-car garage door: Usually between $600 and $4000 – 16 feet by 7 feet in size.
A single double-car garage door is also a lot easier to use and more versatile than two single doors, as well as being generally cheaper to purchase and install.
How Much Do the Different Types of Garage Door Cost?
Of course, the type of door that you want to be installed is going to be one of the most significant choices that you will need to make. Not only will it affect how your door functions, but they can have wildly different prices and installation costs.
Let’s take a look at the options that you have, starting from the type that is likely to cost you the least amount of money.
Tilt-Up: From $400
These are probably the most common form of garage door, so you will be pretty used to the concept. They are simple and straightforward, which is why they are generally the cheapest to buy and install.
Tilt-up garage doors are made out of one piece of material that lifts on a single hinge. They can be either manual or electric, and there are a few different versions that you can opt for.
- Single panel tilt-up: ($400+) Opens outwards into the driveway
- Canopy tilt-up: ($500+) Opens with half inside the garage and half outside.
- Retractable: ($900+) Opens upwards but entirely retracts inside the roof of the garage.
Roll-Up: From $600
These doors are made up of many thin panels that roll upwards above the garage doorway. They don’t take up too much room when they are opened, particularly when it comes to ceiling space. While this option is often cheap to buy, labor costs can be higher.
Sectional: From $700
Sectional garage doors are almost like a halfway point between roll-up and tilt-up doors. They are made up of several wider panels, which allows them to retract into the ceiling in sections, without tilting. They are an increasingly popular option, and are still relatively reasonable in price.
Carriage: From $1000
Carriage doors, or swing-out doors, are more traditional and elegant, but a little pricier. They open outwards like a traditional door – as two large sections. You have a lot of versatility when it comes to the style and look of these kinds of doors, but they do take up room in the driveway when they are open.
Sliding: From $1000
Most sliding garage doors operate like a horizontal version of a sectional door. The panels retract sideways, down the walls of your garage rather than up into the ceiling. These tend to be a little pricier, but they can look very stylish and don’t take up as much room as carriage doors.
Custom: From $1,500
If you’re looking for something a little different, that is bespoke to your individual needs, then you should expect to pay a little bit more. Custom doors are a great option if you have a very particular look or functionality in mind, but they are definitely not a cheap choice.
What Is The Cheapest Material For a Garage Door?
Whichever type of garage door you choose, they can come in a few different materials, and this will also affect the overall cost. Even a tilt-up door can become quite pricey depending on what it is actually made from.
Each material will have different benefits in terms of style, durability, and insulation. The most common options start from around:
- Steel: $400
- Aluminum: $500
- Vinyl: $700
- Composite (faux wood): $800
- Fiberglass: $900
- Glass (with a frame): 900
- Wood: $1000
How Much Does Garage Door Installation Cost?
You might be experienced with this kind of job, and be able to install your garage door yourself, but most people will want the help of a professional. There are a lot of moving parts with most of these doors, and they can be very heavy and difficult to work with. Additionally, most garage doors operate using heavy-duty springs which can be very dangerous.
Fortunately, the labor cost of installation is usually around $300, which is great value for the service.
Summary: What Type of Garage Door Is Cheapest?
So, what type of garage door is the cheapest? Well, the cheapest option is usually to install a single panel tilt-up door made from a cheaper metal material, like steel. These generally start at around $400, and can often be installed for as little as $300.
Sometimes, though, the cost might not be the only factor that’s important to you. It’s definitely worth paying a little more for a door that is going to cause you less frustration and have fewer maintenance costs over the years.