Garage door installation time varies from 3-4 hours for a single-car to 4-6 hours for a double-car garage door, but many factors affect this time, such as the spring system chosen and the condition of the garage.
The average garage door opens 3-5 times a day for a total of around 1,500 times a year, according to GarageLiving.com. That’s why your garage doors must work well; otherwise, you’ll end up wasting a lot of time.
If you’re planning to replace or install a new garage door, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: How long will the installation take? While garage door installation is usually a same-day project, the exact timeline can vary depending on several factors, including the type of door, the condition of your garage, and whether additional upgrades are involved.
Understanding what affects a garage door installation timeline can help you plan your day, set realistic expectations, and ensure the process goes smoothly.
Average Garage Door Installation Time
In most cases, a standard garage door installation takes 3 to 6 hours. This includes removing the old door, installing the new door and tracks, setting up springs, and testing the system for proper operation and safety.
Here’s how long to install a garage door, on average:
- Single-car garage door: 3-4 hours
- Double-car garage door: 4-6 hours
More complex installations may take longer, especially if structural adjustments or custom components are required, which will increase garage door repair costs as well.
New Installation vs. Replacement
Replacing an old door with a new one of a similar size and style is typically faster. The existing opening, tracks, and mounting points often require minimal adjustment.
In these cases, installation usually stays within the lower end of the time range, provided there are no unexpected issues like damaged framing or outdated hardware.
A brand-new installation, such as adding a garage door to a newly built structure, can take longer. Additional steps may include:
- Framing the opening
- Installing support structures
- Aligning tracks from scratch
First-time installations can take 6 hours or more, depending on complexity.
Factors That Affect Installation Time
Many factors affect garage door installation time. They are:
Type of Garage Door
Different door styles require different levels of labor:
- Standard sectional doors are the quickest to install
- Custom wood doors take longer due to weight and precision requirements
- Carriage-style doors may involve additional alignment and hardware
Heavier or specialty doors often require extra setup and testing time.
Garage Door Size
Larger doors naturally take longer to install. Double-width or oversized garage doors require:
- More panels
- Stronger springs
- More precise balancing
This adds time compared to smaller, single-car doors.
Spring System
Garage doors use either torsion or extension springs. Installing torsion springs is more common and generally efficient for professionals, but precise tensioning is critical and takes time.
Upgrading to high-cycle springs may add a small amount of installation time but improves long-term durability.
Opener Installation or Replacement
If you’re installing a new garage door opener or replacing an old one, expect the job to take longer. Opener installation can add 1 to 2 additional hours, depending on wiring, ceiling height, and smart features.
Condition of the Garage
Hidden issues can affect installation time, such as:
- Rotted or damaged framing
- Uneven floors
- Outdated electrical wiring
- Bent or misaligned tracks
If repairs are needed before installation can proceed safely, the project may take longer or require a follow-up visit.
Weather and Scheduling Considerations
While most garage door installations are done indoors, extreme weather can still impact timing. Cold temperatures may affect materials, while storms can slow work or delay scheduling.
Additionally, peak seasons, such as spring and summer, may affect availability but not necessarily the length of the installation itself.
What Happens During Installation
A professional garage door installation typically follows these steps:
- Removal of the old door (if applicable)
- Inspection of the garage opening and hardware
- Installation of tracks and mounting brackets
- Assembly and placement of door panels
- Installation and tensioning of springs
- Smart garage door opener installation (if included)
- Safety testing and final adjustments
Each step is essential to ensure smooth, quiet, and safe operation.
Why Professional Installation Saves Time
While some homeowners consider DIY installation, garage doors are heavy, and spring systems are under extreme tension. Professional installers have the tools, training, and experience to complete the job efficiently and safely.
Professional installation helps:
- Reduce installation time
- Avoid costly mistakes
- Ensure warranty compliance
- Improve long-term performance
What might take a professional a few hours could take a homeowner an entire weekend-or longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There Any Way You Can Take Better Care of Garage Doors?
There are many ways customers can ensure their garage doors last longer, and they save money. This includes conducting regular inspections on the garage doors to ensure everything is running well, lubricating all the hinges and other such parts, and performing safety checks on the garage parts. Tighten hardware as well regularly to prevent loosening of nuts and bolts from daily vibration and usage.
If you feel like you need to get regular maintenance on your garage door because you use it more than normal, speak to a professional garage door company in your area about it.
How To Prepare For Garage Door Installation Day?
To keep the process on schedule:
- Clear the garage and driveway area
- Remove vehicles and stored items near the door
- Ensure access to electrical outlets
- Keep pets and children away from the work area
Preparation helps installers work efficiently and safely.
Get Ready for Your Garage Door Installation
Now you are prepared for your upcoming garage door installation. As long as you choose an expert garage door company, you are in safe hands.
Meadows Garage Doors, LLC, has over 40 years of combined experience and is one of the highest-rated garage door companies in the Dallas-Fort-Worth area. We offer honest up-front pricing and provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on our jobs. We have over 1000 5-star reviews on Google.
Contact our team to learn more about our varied garage door services, like designing custom garage doors, repair and installation, and more.
