So, your garage door took a hit. Maybe it was a rogue basketball, a car backing up a little too far, or years of wear and tear. Now you are looking at a dented, cracked, or warped section and wondering about the garage door panel replacement cost.
It is a common question homeowners face during a door’s lifetime. If you’re not sure whether you need a full door or just a panel, here’s how to know, and what it’ll cost. This guide will walk you through what to expect for repair pricing in 2025.
What Is a Garage Door Panel and When Should You Replace One?
Your sectional garage door is a big puzzle, where each piece is a garage door panel. Most modern garage doors are made of several horizontal garage door segments, or panel sections in garage doors. These garage door system panels are hinged together and roll up on tracks.
You will find different garage door panel types and garage door panel styles: basic flat surfaces, ones with windows or fancy designs, and more.
Here are some common reasons you might think about panel replacement for garage door:
- You see dents. A stray baseball or a car tap can leave an ugly dent. Sometimes, a dented garage door panel repair cost is lower if the dent is small, but often, replacement is a better-looking fix.
- There are cracks or holes. This kind of garage door panel damage lets weather, pests, and potential intruders in, so a cracked garage door panel replacement is usually a must.
- The door is full of rust or corrosion. Metal doors, especially older steel ones, can rust, which weakens the panel.
- The door is warping or bending. Wood panels warp from moisture, and any panel can bend from a significant impact.
- There are broken hinges or connections. If the panel is damaged where hinges attach, it might be more than just a hinge problem.
Sometimes, the damage is just cosmetic: It looks bad, but the door still works. Other times, it’s structural, meaning the panel’s strength is compromised, and it could affect how the whole door operates. If it’s just one or two panels, a single panel replacement is possible. If multiple panels are damaged, or if the door is very old and matching panels are hard to find, you might need to consider a full door replacement.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Panel?
In 2025, the national average cost to replace a single garage door panel is between $250 and $800, and the final price depends on the door material, type, and whether it is insulated. The cost to replace garage door section also varies. For example, the cost of replacing a single garage door panel might be on the lower end, and a larger, insulated, or custom full garage door panel replacement cost will be higher.
Take a quick look at typical garage door repair pricing:
Repair Type | Cost Range |
Single panel replacement | $250–$600 |
Full panel section (insulated) | $400–$800 |
Custom/older models | $600–$1200 |
Plus, keep in mind that if you need emergency garage door service, like a panel replaced outside of normal business hours, there might be an extra charge. And if your door is an off-brand or very old, finding a matching panel could be tricky and might cost more.
Cost Breakdown by Garage Door Type & Material
The material of your garage door is a huge factor in the cost to replace garage door section panel. The garage door material price breakdown shows why.
How Much Does a Steel Garage Door Panel Cost?
Steel is the most common material for garage doors because it’s strong and durable. However, it can dent. A steel garage door panel replacement is pretty straightforward.
The average cost for this type of material is $300–$500 per panel. For a standard, non-insulated panel, you can expect prices in this range.
Aluminum Panels
Aluminum panels are lighter than steel and resist rust well, which is great for humid areas. They are less expensive but might dent more easily. The average cost is $250–$450 per panel for aluminum garage door panel replacement.
Wood Garage Door Panels
Wood has a classic and high-end look and is often seen in custom or carriage-style doors. It needs more maintenance (painting or staining) to prevent rot or warping. Wood garage door panel pricing reflects its premium nature, so the average cost is $400–$900 per panel.
Composite or Faux-Wood Panels
These give you the look of wood but not the high maintenance. They are made from fiberglass or PVC overlays on a steel base, so they are durable and resist the weather well. The average cost of their replacement is $350–$750 per panel, and it depends on the quality and insulation.
Insulated Garage Panels
Many steel, aluminum, and composite panels come with insulation options. An insulated garage door panel cost is higher, but these panels help save on energy bills and keep your garage warmer in winter and cooler in summer. They usually have two or even three layers.
On average, they’re replaced for $400–$850+ per panel.
Labor Cost to Replace a Garage Door Panel
Besides the cost of garage door parts, you also have to factor in labor. The labor cost for garage door panel replacement runs from $100 to $200 per panel, or around $75 to $150 per hour.
What does this labor charge usually cover:
- Removing the old and damaged panel.
- Installing the new panel.
- Sometimes, minor adjustments to hinges and tracks.
And extra labor costs might include:
- Paint or stain matching. If your new panel is a different color or finish, you might pay extra for them to match it to the rest of your door.
- Balancing or aligning the door. After a panel replacement, the door might need to be rebalanced.
- Hinge and track adjustment. Significant damage might need more extensive adjustments.
- Emergency service. For urgent and off-hours work, some companies charge a higher flat rate for panel replacement, and others charge more hourly. The total garage door installation cost for a panel should be clarified upfront.
Repair vs Replace: Which Is Better?
Sometimes, you might wonder, “Should I repair or replace a single garage door panel?”
If the damage is minor, like a small dent, repair garage door section might be an option. The dented garage door panel repair cost for minor issues could be less than $150. However, for cracks, significant warping, or large dents, replacement is better. A cracked garage door panel replacement is almost always recommended.
The cost to repair garage door panel versus replacing it is a choice with a long-term impact. A patched-up panel might not look as good or last as long as a new one. If you are trying to match an older and faded door, a new panel might stick out.
In some cases, if multiple panels are damaged or if the door is nearing the end of its lifespan (15-30 years), putting that money towards a full garage door panel replacement cost (meaning the whole door) will bring a better lifetime value. The garage door repair pricing for multiple panels sometimes approaches the cost of a new basic door.
Additional Factors That Affect Price
Several other things influence the final average cost to replace garage door panel, too:
- Door size. A panel for an 8-foot-wide single-car garage door will cost less than one for a 16-foot-wide two-car garage door, because larger panels mean more material.
- Manufacturer availability. If your door is from a major brand (Clopay, Amarr, Wayne Dalton), finding a matching panel is easier. For obscure or discontinued brands, getting a brand-specific panel is difficult or expensive. Sometimes, a custom garage door panels cost becomes the only option if an exact match isn’t available.
- Shipping/custom order costs. If the panel isn’t in stock locally, you might have to pay for shipping or for a custom order, which adds to the expense.
- Local labor rates. Regional garage door labor prices vary. Labor in a major city, like in garage door repair California cities or New York, is more expensive than in a smaller town or area. So, always check city-specific garage door repair costs.
- Age of the door. If your door is very old, say 15-20+ years, the panels might be obsolete. Manufacturers discontinue panel designs over time. In this case, even if only one panel is damaged, you will need to replace the entire door because a matching panel simply isn’t made anymore.
How to Save Money on Garage Door Panel Replacement
That unexpected expense of a damaged garage door panel is a bit of a shock. But don’t worry, there are several ways you might be able to lower the garage door panel replacement cost:
Order Through a Local Supplier vs. a Branded Installer
Sometimes, the big national names have higher overhead costs, which trickle down to you. Local installers might get their panels from the very same manufacturers but could offer a better price because their advertising budget isn’t national and they don’t have a fancy showroom.
For instance, a branded installer might quote $450 for a standard steel panel replacement, but a local independent company could do the same job for $380 because they have lower operating costs. That’s why always get at least two or three quotes and compare costs, service, and warranty.
Replace Multiple Panels at Once
Let’s say a rogue soccer ball dented one panel badly, and another panel has some deep and ugly scratches from when you leaned a ladder against it last year. Most companies have a minimum service call fee or a base labor charge just for coming out ($75 to $150).
If replacing one panel costs $300 for the panel plus $125 for labor (which includes that service call built in), that’s $425. If you decide to also replace the scratched panel at the same time, they’re already there. So, the second panel might be its material cost, say $275, plus a little extra for the additional labor, maybe $50.
So, doing both might cost $425 + $275 + $50 = $750. If you did them a year apart, you might pay $425 twice, totaling $850. Getting them done together under one labor cost for garage door panel call saves you money.
Look for Off-season Discounts
Garage door repair companies have busier and slower times. Spring (after harsh winter weather reveals damage) and fall (as people prepare for winter) are peak seasons. You can try asking if they have any discounts during slower months, like January or late August.
Get Insurance Coverage for Accidental Damage
This is a big one! If your kid accidentally rode their bike into the garage door, or you misjudged and tapped it with your car, your homeowner’s insurance might cover the garage door panel damage. So, pull out your policy or call your agent.
If the cost to repair garage door panel (by replacing it) is $600, your policy might have a $250 deductible. You would pay the first $250, and your insurance would cover the remaining $350. However, if the replacement cost is $300 and your deductible is $500, it wouldn’t make sense to file a claim, as the cost is below your deductible. Also, consider if making a claim could impact your future premiums before you go for it.
Match Existing Paint Yourself
If your new panel comes in a standard factory color, like white or almond, but your existing garage door is a custom color, say a specific shade of grey, the company might charge $75 to $150 to paint the new panel to match. If you’re a bit handy, you can save this.
Just take a chip of the old paint (if possible without causing more damage) or the smallest and least conspicuous adjacent panel (if it can be safely removed and reinstalled by you or the technician before they leave the new panel) to a good quality paint store. They will use a spectrometer to match the color and sheen.
A quart of good exterior acrylic latex paint might cost you $20-$30, and with a couple of hours of your time for careful prep and painting, you could save a decent amount on the panel replacement for garage door.
Check for Manufacturer Warranties
Many garage door panels come with warranties against defects. For example, if a panel starts to show weird bubbling, or the layers begin to separate (delamination) and it’s not due to impact or misuse, it could be a manufacturing flaw. If your door is, say, 4 years old and came with a 5-year warranty on panel integrity, the manufacturer might provide a new panel free of charge.
You would still likely need to pay the labor cost for garage door panel installation, but a free panel significantly cuts down the full garage door panel replacement cost.
FAQs
For savvy consumers, we have answers to some common questions people ask:
Can you replace just one panel of a garage door?
Yes! If the damage is limited to one or two garage door segments, and if matching panels are available, single-panel replacement is a common and cost-effective solution.
Is it cheaper to replace a panel or the entire door?
It is cheaper to replace a single panel. A single panel might cost $250-$800, and a whole new garage door will cost $800-$3500 or more. However, if multiple panels are damaged, or if the door is very old and inefficient, or if matching panels are unavailable, replacing the entire door might be more economical in the long run.
How long does it take to replace a garage door panel?
It usually takes about 1 to 3 hours of a garage door professional’s time, including:
- Removing the old panel
- Installing the new one
- Making adjustments
If it’s a more complex job, like multiple panels or custom fitting, it could take longer.
Will a damaged panel affect garage function?
Yes, a damaged panel can affect your garage door’s operation. A bent or warped panel often causes the door to bind in the tracks, make strange noises, or not open or close well. Severe damage can even make the door unsafe to use, so it’s best to address garage door panel damage as soon as possible.
Can insurance cover garage door panel damage?
Sometimes, yes. Homeowner’s insurance may cover accidental damage to your garage door, such as if you accidentally hit it with your car. It’s unlikely to cover damage from normal wear and tear or lack of garage door maintenance. You’ll need to check your specific policy details and consider your deductible.
Get a Precise Quote for Garage Door Panel Repair
Yes, dealing with a damaged garage door panel is no fun, but hopefully, this guide gives you a clearer picture of the garage door panel replacement cost in 2025. The average cost to replace garage door panel ranges from $250 to $800, but remember that it depends on many factors. Here’s a quick recap:
Item / Service | Estimated Cost Range | Notes |
Single garage door panel replacement | $250 – $800 | National average, including basic labor. |
Standard (non-insulated) single panel | $250 – $600 | Material and labor. |
Insulated single panel | $400 – $800+ | Material and labor. |
Custom or older model single panel | $600 – $1200 | If panels are hard to find or require custom work. |
Panel material (material only – per panel) | ||
Steel panel | $150 – $300 | Panel material cost, labor is additional. |
Aluminum panel | $100 – $300 | |
Wood panel | $200 – $700 | |
Composite/faux-wood panel | $150 – $550 | |
Insulated panel (material add-on) | Add $100 – $300+ | Added to base panel material cost. |
Labor cost for panel replacement | $100 – $200 per panel | Or $75 – $150 per hour; varies by region and job complexity. |
Minor dent repair (not replacement) | $75 – $150 | If the panel is repairable without full replacement. |
Full new garage door installation | $800 – $3500+ | For comparison, if multiple panels are damaged or the door is very old. |
Need a local quote on garage panel repair? Get your free estimate today!
