Garage doors serve important functional and aesthetic purposes as part of your home. They provide entry and exit for vehicles and help to secure your possessions, but they also contribute to your home's kerb appeal.

If you need a new or replacement garage door, get quotes from garage door installers on hipages, or learn more about:

• Why do you need to hire a garage door installer?
• What are typical services involved in garage door installation?
• What are the different types of garage doors?
• How much does garage door installation cost?
• What factors affect garage door installation costs?
• How long does it take to install a garage door?
• How often do garage doors need to be replaced?
• What licences or qualifications does a garage door installer have?
• Questions to ask when hiring a garage door installer

Why do you need to hire a garage door installer?

Whether you choose a manual or motorised garage door, it should be installed by professionals. They have the training and experience to make sure the door is fitted correctly, in accordance with safety standards.

Some garage door warranties may be dependent on the door being installed by a professional. They will also check that all components work, preventing most common problems.

If you're building a garage, your garage builder may be able to install the door, or you may need to hire an installer separately, depending on the job.

What are typical services involved in garage door installation?

Your garage door installer will check the precise measurements of your garage and can recommend the best garage doors for your property, depending on your needs and preferences. They can then install your new garage door or doors and all related components, making sure of a secure and perfect fit.

Your installer will inspect the garage door and all mechanisms after installation. Garage doors can be very heavy, depending on the type and material, so installers will normally work in teams.

What are the different types of garage doors?

There are different styles and variations of garage doors to choose from. The most common options are:

• Roller doors: These are the most common type of garage door in Australia, and generally the cheapest. Roller doors move on tracks, with the door being stored in a roll when open.
• Tilt doors: These doors have a single panel that tilts on a spring-loaded mechanism and articulates to fold up and out. They can be a space-saving solution for smaller garages.
• Sectional doors: These garage doors are panels that fold away, either horizontally or parallel with the roof or ceiling of the garage. They are generally a more expensive option.

All of these styles are available as either single or double garage doors, and with or without motorisation.

How much does garage door installation cost?

The cost to install a garage door includes the cost of the door or doors and the labour cost of installation. Garage door installers may charge between $45 and $70 per hour, or around $60 on average. This can vary depending on the type of installation, your location and other factors.

The total cost to buy and install garage doors in Australia can range from:

• Roller door - $600–$1,850
• Tilt door - $1,700–$2,750
• Sectional door - $2,000–$6,000

This includes prices for single and double garage doors. If you have an automatic garage door, your installer or electrician may charge an extra $350 to $450 to wire it up safely.

Read more: How much does a garage door cost?

What factors affect garage door installation costs?

How much your garage door installation costs can depend on things like:

• Type of garage door: Roller doors are generally cheaper than tilt or sectional doors. A custom garage door will cost more.
• Garage door size: Larger or double garage doors cost more than single doors.
• Garage door material: Aluminium and steel can be more affordable than a solid timber garage door.
• Manual or automatic: A motorised garage door will cost more to purchase and install, including controls.
• Your location: Local rates vary in different parts of Australia, from $45–$55 per hour in Queensland to $60–$70 per hour in Western Australia.
• Access issues: You may also pay more if you live in a remote or less accessible area.

How long does it take to install a garage door?

Professionals can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours to install a garage door, with larger doors and motorised doors at the longer end of the scale. Your installer should give you a reliable idea of how long it will take when calculating your quote.

How often do garage doors need to be replaced?

You can expect your new garage door to last between 15 to 30 years when it's well maintained. Its lifespan will also depend on its quality, the material it's made of, and the type of conditions it is exposed to. Some parts may wear out sooner and need to be replaced, so check that your garage door and components are covered by a warranty.

What licences or qualifications does a garage door installer have?

Garage door installers are not normally required to hold a licence. The exception is if they will be installing a motorised door, which requires an electrician's licence. However, requirements can vary by state and may depend on the total size of the project.

Questions to ask when hiring a garage door installer

Before you agree to a quote, there are some details you might want to check with local installers, to make sure they're right for your job. These questions could include:

• Are you qualified and experienced?
• What types of garage doors can you install?
• Are you insured to work on my property?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• What costs are included in the quote?
• Can you provide references?
• How long will the job take?