A standard single wood garage door costs about $1,200-$4,500 installed, while a steel door typically costs $700-$2,500. Door size, insulation, wood species, finish, removal, and local labor rates drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single steel door installed | $700 | $1,500 | $2,500 | Uninsulated to insulated, standard design |
| Single wood door installed | $1,200 | $2,700 | $4,500 | Paint-grade to custom wood construction |
| Double steel door installed | $1,200 | $2,400 | $4,000 | Typically 16 feet wide |
| Double wood door installed | $2,500 | $4,800 | $8,000+ | Species, thickness, and design affect price |
Installed prices for standard single and double doors
For a common 8-by-7-foot single opening, steel generally costs $700-$2,500 installed. A comparable wood door runs $1,200-$4,500. For a 16-by-7-foot double opening, expect roughly $1,200-$4,000 for steel and $2,500-$8,000 or more for wood.
These estimates assume a standard residential opening, functioning tracks, and ordinary access. Wood prices cover basic paint-grade construction at the low end and higher-grade or custom designs at the top. Steel pricing varies with gauge, insulation, window inserts, and finish. Assumptions: U.S. midrange labor, standard opening dimensions, no major framing repairs.
Steel usually has the lower upfront price; wood carries a premium for material, finish, and customization. A new opener is not included unless the quote specifically lists it.
What materials and installation add to the quote
Door panels are only part of the bill. Installation includes removing the old door when needed, setting tracks, balancing springs, and testing the system. The table shows common ranges for a standard single door; double doors and custom work may exceed them.
| Quote component | Steel door | Wood door | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door panels and hardware | $400-$1,600 | $800-$3,200 | Insulation, species, design, windows |
| Installation labor | $300-$700 | $400-$900 | Fit, weight, track adjustments |
| Old-door removal | $75-$250 | $100-$300 | Disposal access and material weight |
| New tracks or springs | $100-$400 | $150-$500 | Condition and door weight |
| Painting or staining | $0-$250 | $200-$800 | Finish type and whether applied on site |
Typical installation labor is about 3-6 hours at $75-$125 per hour, though contractors may quote a fixed project rate instead. Ask whether removal, disposal, new hardware, and finishing are included before comparing totals.
How door size, wood species, and insulation shift prices
Size changes both material use and installation effort. A single door is commonly 8-10 feet wide; a double door is often 16 feet wide and can cost 1.5-2.5 times as much as a comparable single model. Oversized openings, low headroom, or a nonstandard shape may require custom panels and track work.
Wood type also matters: paint-grade wood is generally less expensive than cedar, redwood, or premium hardwood. A custom wood door can add $1,000-$3,000 or more over a basic model. For steel, thicker panels and insulation raise the purchase price, but insulated doors may improve comfort where the garage shares a wall with living space.
Confirm the exact opening size and the door’s insulation rating in every written estimate. A low quote may cover a thin, uninsulated steel door while a competing quote includes insulated panels and upgraded hardware.
Installation time and labor for heavy wood panels
Most standard replacements take one crew about 3-6 hours when the opening and framing are sound. A heavy wood door, custom fit, or spring conversion can extend the job to a full day. Two technicians are common because panels, springs, and tracks must be handled safely.
Labor can rise when the existing frame is damaged, the opening is out of square, or the old door uses incompatible hardware. Structural repair may add $200-$1,000 or more depending on the framing and finish work. Spring and cable repairs are not a safe DIY task because stored tension can cause serious injury.
Have the contractor separate door installation from framing repairs and opener work. This makes it easier to see whether a high labor quote reflects a difficult opening or bundled services.
Regional labor rates and removal charges across the U.S.
Prices in high-cost metro areas can run 15%-30% above national midrange estimates, while rural markets may be 5%-15% lower when contractors are nearby. Remote locations can reverse that discount if delivery or crew travel is billed separately. Local demand and availability also affect scheduling and labor charges.
Removal typically adds $75-$300, with wood doors often costing more to handle and dispose of than light steel models. A service call or measurement fee may be $50-$150, sometimes credited toward installation. Permits are uncommon for a like-for-like door replacement, but local requirements can differ if structural changes are involved.
Compare at least two itemized local quotes using the same dimensions, insulation level, and removal scope. A national average is a budgeting reference, not a substitute for a site-specific estimate.
Five-year upkeep and repair costs for wood versus steel
Steel usually needs less routine finish work, though dents, scratches, and rust can require repair. Minor steel panel or hardware repairs often cost $150-$500. Repainting a steel door may cost $200-$600 if the finish is badly worn or the surface needs preparation.
Wood needs periodic inspection and may require repainting or restaining every few years, especially where sun, rain, or snow reaches the door. A professional finish refresh can run $300-$1,000, depending on door size and preparation. Wood panel or rot repairs may add $200-$800; neglected moisture damage can cost more.
Compare ownership cost as well as purchase price, particularly for exposed wood in wet or sunny climates. Exact maintenance timing depends on finish quality, weather exposure, and upkeep.
Ways to lower the wood or metal door estimate
Keep the existing tracks and opener only if they are compatible and in safe condition; replacing functional parts unnecessarily adds cost. Standard dimensions and stock steel designs are generally less expensive than custom sizes, decorative overlays, windows, or specialty finishes. For wood, compare paint-grade construction with premium species and ask whether factory finishing costs less than on-site work.
Schedule replacement before the door fails if flexible timing allows, and request removal, disposal, hardware, and finish charges as separate line items. If only a spring, roller, or damaged panel has failed, ask for a repair quote alongside replacement pricing. Repair may be economical for a sound door, but repeated damage or widespread rot can make a new door more practical.
Choose the door specification first, then compare quotes for the same model, insulation, hardware, and labor scope. This avoids mistaking a lower-cost basic door for an equivalent wood or upgraded steel package.