Blog>Planning Guides>Installing a new garage door: Everything you need to know
Last updated: 12 July 2024
Installing a new garage door: Everything you need to know
The right garage door offers convenience, security, and a big dose of kerb appeal. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know when selecting a new garage door, helping you to make the best choice for your home.
How much thought do you give to your garage door? Whether you're replacing an existing garage door or installing a door for a new garage, there's much to consider.
A well-chosen garage door will increase your kerb appeal, improve your home security, and offer greater convenience. Read our guide to installing a new garage door to help you plan your project.
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Is it worth installing a new garage door?
There are several reasons why installing a new garage door is a good idea.
Appearance
If your existing garage door is damaged or outdated, you can instantly up your kerb appeal by adding a new garage door.
Safety
A garage door hanging off its hinges (or tracks) can be dangerous. Garage doors are heavy pieces of kit that can potentially cause serious harm if not securely fitted.
Security
An older garage door may not offer the same level of security as its modern counterpart. Newer doors are often made from more robust materials with advanced locking mechanisms for extra security.
Convenience
Automatic garage doors offer the convenience of opening and closing your garage with the touch of a button. This is particularly useful for homeowners with mobility issues.
Energy efficiency
A new, well-insulated garage door will help reduce drafts and prevent heat loss, making your garage a more ambient space. This is especially important if your garage is attached to your home or used as a living space.
Choosing a garage door for a new construction
If you're building a new garage, you've made a wise choice. A garage has the potential to add between 5-10% to the value of your home.
With a newly constructed garage, you have a blank canvas to work with and can select a door to suit the style and needs of the new space.
For example, sectional garage doors are great for providing more height, whereas side-hinged doors are ideal if you intend to use your garage as a workshop or for storage.
Remember the locks, especially if you've built an attached garage. If someone accesses your garage, they potentially have access to your home, so prioritise security.
Related content: Everything you need to know when building a garage
Types of garage doors
Choosing a new garage door can seem like a minefield with so many options on the market. On the flip side, with so much choice, you're guaranteed to find a style to suit your taste and budget.
Do you want a manual or automatic garage door? Wood, metal, or composite? And what design would best suit your property?
Let's outline the pros and cons of some of the most popular types of garage doors.
Manual vs. Automatic garage doors
Manual garage doors are hugely popular in the UK, but how do they compare to automatic options?
Pros
They're more affordable than automatic garage doors
They're more straightforward to install
They generally require less maintenance
Various styles are available, including sectional, roller, 'up and over' canopies, and side-hinged options
Cons
They don't offer the convenience of automatic garage doors
Some people may find them harder to open/close
On the other hand, automatic garage doors offer great convenience with their remote operation. They often have additional security features and can integrate with smart home systems.
However, they are more complex to install and come at a higher price point.
Related content: Learn more about the types of garage doors available (including sectional, roller, side hinged, and up-and-over canopies), and their costs in our replacement garage door cost guide.
Garage door materials
Wood, metal, aluminium, composite, and fibreglass are some of the more popular garage door materials in the UK.
Wooden garage doors
Wooden garage doors have a classic appearance and can be stained or varnished to your taste. Wood has natural insulative properties, but you can also opt for additional insulation for an extra snug garage.
Providing you maintain your garage door with a wood preserver or wood stain, it'll withstand the elements and can last for up to 30 years.
Wooden garage doors are more expensive and require an investment in ongoing maintenance.
Metal garage doors
Steel garage doors are affordable, strong, and long-lasting. They're also low-maintenance and available in a wide variety of styles and finishes.
However, if you opt for a steel door, you may wish to consider insulation to improve the energy efficiency of your garage. Steel doors can also dent easily and are susceptible to rust if not properly maintained.
Alternatively, aluminium garage doors are a lightweight option that may not be as hard-wearing as steel, but they won't rust.
Composite garage doors
Composite garage doors combine the look of wood grain with the durability of metal. However, they don't require the same level of maintenance as wooden doors and are resistant to warping and cracking.
Composite options can be on the more expensive side, depending on the manufacturer and style you choose.
Fibreglass garage doors
Fibreglass doors (also known as glass-reinforced polyester - GRP) are lightweight and easy to maintain but are less durable than wood or steel.
You'll find a wide selection of colours available, but it's also possible to paint fibreglass doors if you want a new look in the future.
A major impact could easily compromise the security of your fibreglass garage door and the material could become brittle in lower temperatures.
In need of further inspiration? Take a look at our post on garage door styles!
Garage door styles: Upgrade your welcome with these top design trends
No matter what your budget may be, there's a garage door style on the market for you. With various shapes, sizes, and materials – the most common materials including steel, wood, fibreglass, and vinyl – let's take a look at some popular finishes.
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How much does a new garage door cost?
The cost of a new garage door will vary depending on the size, type, and material you choose.
One of the most expensive options is an electric garage door. A single electric garage door costs in the region of £1,500–£2,500
One of the most cost-effective options is an 'up-and-over' steel garage door, which comes in at around £895for a single garage
A single 'up-and-over' wooden garage door is normally around £1,400
Side-hinged doors are more costly, at around £1,900for a single wood door and £1,225for a single steel door
Roller doors cost around £1,075for a single steel garage door and £1,150for a single insulated aluminium roller door
Sectional garage doors typically cost around £1,000for a single steel garage door, or £1,700if you choose insulated steel
In addition to the cost of the garage door itself, you will need to budget for the cost of labour. A professional garage door installer normally charges around **£350–£650+**for labour.
Find an experienced garage door installer near you
A garage door installer has the knowledge and expertise to ensure your new door is suited to your needs and budget and is then fitted to a high standard.
To find approved garage door installers in your area, simply search your postcode, below.
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