Replacing one garage door panel typically costs $250–$1,000 installed, and most single-panel jobs land around $500–$600. Two panels run about $520–$1,800 and three about $780–$2,700 (Angi, HomeAdvisor and This Old House data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 2 more. National US estimates.
A dented bottom section from a bumper tap, or one cracked or rotted panel, doesn't always mean you need a whole new door. On sectional doors, a technician can swap the damaged section and keep the rest of the door, track and springs.
The catch is availability and matching: replacement sections must come from the same manufacturer and model, and on older doors they may be discontinued. This guide covers per-panel prices, what drives them, and the point where replacing the door is smarter. For whole-door prices, see our garage door replacement cost guide.
Average cost
Installed prices for replacing sections of a residential garage door, as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One standard steel section (sectional door) | $250–$900 | Most common job; often the bottom panel |
| Two panels | $520–$1,800 | Price roughly doubles; check full-door quotes too |
| Three panels | $780–$2,700 | Often close to the cost of a new single-car door |
| Custom wood or special-order panels | $1,000+ per panel | Long lead times, staining or paint matching |
Cost per panel by door style
| Door style | Cost per panel, installed |
|---|---|
| Roll-up | $155–$415 |
| Sectional | $260–$515 |
| Side-hinged | $210–$825 per side |
| Side-sliding | $255–$1,030 |
| Tilt-up (canopy) | $415–$1,445 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for replacing the bottom section of a standard single-car steel sectional door. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement panel (materials) | $155–$600 | Matching section from the original manufacturer |
| Labor | $75–$300 | About 1–2 hours at $75–$150 per hour |
| Paint or finish matching | $0–$100 | Touch-up or repainting to blend old and new |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $25–$75 | Bent hinges, rollers or weatherseal |
| Estimated total | $260–$1,100 | Before any discounts or rebates |
The panel is usually the biggest cost; labor for a single swap is often only one to two hours.
What affects the price
- Panel type and size. Sectional door panels typically cost about $260–$515 per panel installed, roll-up slats less, and tilt-up or side-sliding single-panel doors much more. Basic steel sections run about $500–$900 depending on size in some markets.
- Matching the door finish. A new panel rarely matches a weathered door perfectly. Repainting to blend it costs about $1–$10 per sq. ft., and custom stain or paint matching adds more.
- Age of the door. Panel swaps make the most sense on doors under about 15 years old. On older doors the exact section may be discontinued, require special ordering, or have a minimum order of two sections.
- Insulation. Insulated steel sections cost roughly 10%–20% more than basic steel panels, and the new panel must match the thickness of the existing ones to fit the hinges and track.
- Labor. Labor runs about $75–$150 per hour, with 1–3 hours per panel. Rush or emergency service adds about $100–$250.
Ways to save
- Get at least three written quotes, and ask each company to confirm the replacement section is available for your exact door model before you pay a deposit.
- If more than two or three panels are damaged, get a price for a new door at the same time; a whole door often costs about the same and comes with new hardware and warranty.
- Schedule the repair during regular hours unless the door won't close; emergency calls add about $100–$250.
- Combine the panel swap with any needed track or spring work in one visit to avoid paying two service calls.
- Ask whether the company will haul away the old panel at no extra charge; disposal fees can add up.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask at least three garage door companies for a written quote. Give them:
- The door's brand, model and approximate age; the label is often on the inside edge of a section.
- Which panel is damaged (bottom, middle, top), its size, and whether the door is insulated.
- Photos of the damage and of the inside of the door, including hinges, rollers and track.
- Ask about panel lead time, paint matching, disposal and the warranty on parts and labor.
FAQ
Is it worth replacing a single garage door panel?
Yes, if the door is fairly new, the matching panel is available and only one or two sections are damaged. Beyond two or three panels, a new door usually gives better value.
Can you replace just the bottom panel of a garage door?
On most sectional doors, yes. The bottom section is the one most often replaced, typically for $250–$900 including labor, as long as the manufacturer still makes it.
How long does garage door panel replacement take?
The swap itself usually takes about 1–3 hours per panel. Waiting for the section to be ordered can take days or weeks, especially for older or custom doors.
For the big picture, start with our complete garage door spring replacement cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Garage Door Panel Replacement Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Jul 28, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does Garage Door Repair Cost? (updated Jun 20, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- This Old House — Garage Door Panel Replacement Cost (2026 Price Guide) (updated Apr 16, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all exterior cost guides.