Garage door panel replacement costs $350 to $900 per panel. This price includes the panel itself, professional installation labor, and basic hardware transfer. Your final cost depends on the type of door you have, the material of your panels, and whether matching panels are still available from the manufacturer.
Our technicians at Easy Garage Door have assessed over 1,500 damaged garage door panels across the Houston metropolitan area. Based on this experience, we’ve learned that panel replacement isn’t always the best choice. Sometimes replacing the entire door costs less and delivers better results. This guide shows you when panel replacement makes sense and when it doesn’t.
You’ll learn the exact costs for different door types and materials, what drives prices up or down, and how to decide between panel replacement and full door replacement.
Average Garage Door Panel Replacement Cost in 2026
Most homeowners pay between $350 and $900 to replace a single garage door panel. This represents the complete cost, including the panel, installation labor, and hardware transfer from the old panel to the new one.
- Single panel costs $350 to $900. Most projects fall between $350 and $900, with an average cost of around $550. This includes the panel, labor to remove the damaged panel and install the new one, and hardware transfer. Single-panel replacement makes sense only if the damage is isolated and the door is relatively new.
- Two panels cost $700 to $1,800. Most projects fall between $700 and $1,800, with an average cost of around $1,100. Labor costs don’t double because the technician is already on-site and the door is already secured for work. At this price point, compare against the full door replacement cost ($1,200 to $2,500).
- Three panels cost $1,050 to $2,700. Most projects fall between $1,050 and $2,700, with an average cost of around $1,650. Replacing three panels often costs more than replacing the entire door. Full door replacement includes new hardware, springs, tracks, and a warranty. Consider full replacement at this point.
- Four panels cost $1,400 to $3,600. Most projects fall between $1,400 and $3,600, with an average cost of around $2,200. This exceeds the cost of most full door replacements. Panel replacement at this scale rarely makes financial sense unless the door is custom or high-end and still under warranty.
- Five or more panels cost $1,750 to $4,500. Most projects fall between $1,750 and $4,500, with an average cost of around $2,750. Replacing this many panels always costs more than full door replacement. The only reason to do this is if you have a custom door with panels that cost $1,000+ each.
Garage Door Panel Replacement Cost by Door Type
The type of garage door you have determines whether panel replacement is possible and how much it costs.
Sectional Standard: $350 – $900 per panel (avg. $550)
Most common door type with 4–6 horizontal panels. Each panel can be replaced individually. Standard panels are widely available, and replacement usually takes 2–3 hours.
Sectional Carriage House: $500 – $1,400 per panel (avg. $800)
Decorative panels with windows and hardware. Matching style and color can be tricky, and installation takes longer due to detail work. Some panels may need to be special-ordered.
Roll-Up Commercial: $150 – $400 per panel (avg. $275)
Smaller interlocking slats instead of large panels. Individual slat replacement is cheaper and easier. Common for commercial or modern residential doors. Multiple damaged slats increase the total cost.
Tilt-Up One-Piece: $700 – $1,900 (avg. $1,200)
Single solid panel that tilts up. The entire door must be replaced, so full door replacement is often a better option. Outdated style and harder to automate.
Side-Hinged: $400 – $1,200 per panel (avg. $700)
Two panels swing outward like French doors. Each side can be replaced independently. Often made of wood, so the materials are pricier. Panels are heavy, but installation is straightforward.
Custom Sectional: $600 – $2,500 per panel (avg. $1,100)
Unique size, material, or design. Panels are made to order, with a 4–8 week lead time. Color matching is critical, and installation may require specialized skills. At the high end, a full door replacement can be cheaper than replacing individual panels.
Panel Replacement Cost by Material
The material of your garage door panels significantly impacts replacement cost and availability.
Steel Non-Insulated: $300 – $700 per panel (avg. $450)
Lightweight, affordable, and widely available. No insulation reduces cost, but panels dent easily and can rust in Houston’s humidity if the coating is damaged. Quick replacement with standard sizes.
Steel Insulated: $400 – $950 per panel (avg. $600)
Foam core between steel layers improves dent resistance and energy efficiency. Heavier and more expensive than non-insulated steel. Most common choice for attached Houston garages. Good availability.
Aluminum: $350 – $900 per panel (avg. $550)
Rust-resistant and lightweight, good for coastal areas. Dents more easily than steel. Modern look works well with glass inserts. May require a special order for specific styles.
Wood (Cedar or Redwood): $800 – $2,500 per panel (avg. $1,400)
Premium appearance but expensive to replace. Susceptible to warping in Houston humidity. Color matching is difficult—may require refinishing the whole door. Often custom-made.
Composite Faux Wood: $500 – $1,500 per panel (avg. $850)
Looks like wood but resists warping and moisture. Less expensive than real wood, but color matching can still be tricky. Good balance of appearance and practicality.
Vinyl: $350 – $800 per panel (avg. $500)
Resists dents and rust. Limited styles may fade or become brittle in extreme heat. Budget-friendly if matching panels are available. May require special order.
Fiberglass: $400 – $1,100 per panel (avg. $650)
Translucent panels allow natural light, a unique look for modern homes. Can yellow or crack over time. Limited availability and longer lead times; few contractors are experienced with installation.
Panel Replacement Cost by Damage Type
The type and severity of damage determine whether panel replacement is possible and cost-effective.
Minor Cosmetic Dent: $350 – $750 (avg. $500)
Small surface dents that don’t affect operation. Steel and aluminum may sometimes be repaired ($75–$150), but wood and composite panels must be replaced.
Major Structural Dent: $400 – $950 (avg. $600)
Deep dents that bend the panel frame and affect operation. Cannot be repaired—replacement required. May need extra hardware.
Cracked or Split Panel: $450 – $1,100 (avg. $700)
Visible cracks compromise the structure and can let in water, causing rust or insulation damage. Replacement is mandatory; adjacent panels may also be affected.
Extensive Rust Damage: $400 – $1,000 (avg. $650)
Rust has eaten through the steel coating, often on lower panels. Requires panel replacement and possibly weatherstripping or drainage fixes. Multiple panels may need inspection.
Severe Impact Damage: $500 – $1,300 (avg. $800)
Damage from car impact, falling objects, or major collisions. Multiple panels, tracks, springs, hinges, or rollers may need replacement. Insurance is often involved.
Storm or Hail Damage: $450 – $1,100 (avg. $700)
Dents from hailstorms usually affect several panels. Insurance typically covers replacement minus deductible. Matching color is important.
Warped from Heat: $400 – $950 (avg. $600)
Panels bent or twisted by extreme heat are common on south-facing doors. Vinyl and composite panels are most affected. Causes air leaks and cannot be repaired. Replacement is needed.
Labor Costs for Panel Replacement
Labor represents 40 to 60 percent of the total panel replacement cost, depending on complexity.
Labor for garage door panel replacement varies based on the type of door, accessibility, and how many panels are being replaced. Because panel work is generally smaller and less complex than full door replacement, labor is typically more affordable and faster.
Typical Labor Cost Range: $100 to $300 per panel
- Simple panel swaps on standard sectional doors usually take 1–2 hours.
- More complex panels (carriage house styles, custom sizes, or decorative trims) may take 2–3 hours.
- Damage near tracks, hardware, or springs can add time if adjustments are needed during the panel swap.
Garage Door Panel Replacement Cases (Examples)
Case Study 1: Minor Dent on Aluminum Door
A homeowner near The Woodlands called Easy Garage Door after a small tree branch fell during a storm, leaving a dent on one of the bottom panels of their aluminum garage door. The door still functioned properly, so the damage was cosmetic.
The homeowner wanted a fast, affordable fix without replacing the entire door. We installed a matching aluminum panel with a quick 2-hour service, restoring the door’s appearance.
Cost breakdown:
- Aluminum panel: $680
- Labor: $85
- Total cost: $765
Case Study 2: Two Panels Replaced on 12-Year-Old Steel Door ($1,475)
A Houston homeowner had two dented steel panels from a baseball accident. The door was 12 years old and still functional, but the dents were very noticeable.
Easy Garage Door replaced the two matching steel panels with new insulated sections. The homeowner chose a slightly upgraded color to better match the weathered finish of the older door. The job took about 3 hours and restored the door’s appearance without replacing the whole unit.
Cost breakdown:
- Steel panels (2): $1,100
- Labor: $250
- Painting/color matching: $125
- Total cost: $1,475
Should You Replace the Panel or the Entire Door?
This is the most important decision you’ll make. Panel replacement isn’t always the right answer. Sometimes, full door replacement costs less and delivers better results. Check out this comparison table.
| Factor | Panel Replacement | Full Door Replacement |
| Single-panel cost | $350 to $900 | $1200 to $2500 |
| Two panels cost | $700 to $1800 | $1200 to $2500 |
| Three panels cost | $1050 to $2700 | $1200 to $2500 |
| Four panels cost | $1400 to $3600 | $1200 to $2500 |
| Panel availability risk | High if door older | No risk new door |
| Color matching issues | Common on doors 5 plus years | No matching needed |
| Warranty coverage | Panel only 1 to 3 years | Full door 10 to 15 years |
| Energy efficiency | Unchanged | Improved with new insulation |
| Hardware condition | Old hardware remains | All new hardware |
| Timeline | 2 to 4 hours | 3 to 5 hours |
FAQs on Garage Door Panel Replacement
How long does panel replacement take?
Single panels usually take 1.5–3 hours. Two to three panels take 3–4.5 hours, and multiple panels with spring or track work may take 4–6 hours. Special-order panels can take longer. Most in-stock panels are replaced in a single visit.
Will new panels match old panels?
Color matching is the biggest challenge with panel replacement. It makes exact matches difficult on panels older than 5 years. White and light colors show the difference the most. Professional repainting ($200–$600) ensures a uniform look, but some homeowners accept a slight mismatch to save costs.
Is panel replacement worth it for old doors?
Usually, panel replacement is not worth it for doors over 15 years old. Panels may be discontinued, color matching is hard, and old hardware likely needs replacing, making costs close to a full new door. Panel replacement is best for doors under 10 years old in good condition.
How often should garage door panels be replaced?
Panels don’t need replacement on a schedule. Replace panels only when damaged from impact, weather, rust, or structural failure. Well-maintained garage doors last 15 to 30 years without panel replacement. Inspect your door twice yearly for damage. Look for dents, cracks, rust, warping, or separation. Address small issues before they become major problems. Regular maintenance (lubrication, hardware tightening, weatherstripping replacement) prevents many panel problems.
Sum Up
Panel replacement typically costs $350–$900 per panel, including installation. Final cost depends on door type, material, number of panels, and availability of matching panels.
- Single panel: Best if the door is under 10 years old and the damage is isolated.
- Multiple panels: Only cost-effective if the door is newer and in good condition. Replacing four or more panels often exceeds the cost of a full door.
We, at Easy Garage Door, serve Houston and the surrounding areas, offering free inspections and advice on whether panel replacement or full replacement makes the most sense.
