A garage door takes up a big portion of your home’s curb appeal — and when one panel gets damaged, it can feel like the whole door needs replacing. The good news? In many cases, you can replace just a single section instead of the entire door. Let’s look at when that makes sense, what it costs in 2025, and how the process works.
Can You Replace Just One Section of a Garage Door?
Yes. If the rest of your garage door is in good shape, you can often replace only the damaged panel. This is a common fix for dents from vehicles, weather damage, or wear at the bottom of the door.
That said, if multiple panels are damaged, the frame is bent, or your garage door is nearing the end of its life, a full replacement may be more cost-effective.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Garage Door Section?
On average in 2024–2025, replacing one section of a garage door costs $250 to $800. For context, general garage door repairs often range from $150–$300, with certain fixes like springs, cables, or openers costing anywhere from $99–$650. We’ll always provide you with a free estimate before any work begins so you know exactly what to expect.
Factors that affect the price:
- Material: Steel is usually the most affordable, while wood, composite, or fiberglass panels can be more expensive.
- Labor: Professional installation ensures safety and a proper fit.
- Availability: For older garage doors, matching a specific color or finish can add to the cost.
👉 Looking for a complete replacement? Explore our garage door repair services to compare your options.
Garage Door Panel Replacement Process
Here’s what happens when you hire a professional to replace a damaged garage door section:
- Inspection – A technician confirms whether a single panel can be replaced or if a new door is needed.
- Matching – The correct panel (material, color, and finish) is sourced. This can be challenging for older doors.
- Removal & Replacement – The damaged panel is removed, and the new one installed with aligned tracks and hardware.
- Safety Testing – Once the panel is installed, we test the system for proper balance, smooth movement, and safe operation to ensure your door runs reliably and securely.
💡 Tip: DIY panel replacement isn’t recommended. Garage doors are heavy, and the springs are under high tension — a professional can do it safely.
Should You Replace One Panel or the Whole Garage Door?
If only one panel is damaged and the rest of the door is newer, replacing the section makes sense.
But if:
- Multiple panels are worn,
- The hardware is outdated, or
- The door is more than 15 years old,
…then investing in a new garage door may be more cost-effective. A replacement not only fixes the problem but also upgrades your home’s safety, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.
How to Match a Section to an Existing Garage Door?
When it comes time to find a replacement panel for your garage door, it’s helpful if you can find out the manufacturer and model of the door so that one of our garage door repairmen can check with the manufacturer to see about finding the right replacement part.
We carry and are familiar with all the major garage door companies including Clopay and Amarr but locating a replacement panel can be challenging, especially if the door is older.
In most cases, we can find similar parts that we can match up using specific paint made for exterior doors. Doing a complete repaint may be necessary if the replacement section is not an exact match but you still want the garage door to look nice from the outside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garage Door Section Replacement
Can sections of a garage door be replaced?
Yes, if the rest of the door is structurally sound, you can replace just the damaged section.
Can you buy just one section of a garage door?
In many cases, yes. Manufacturers sell replacement panels, though availability depends on the brand, style, and age of your door.
Can you replace only one panel of a garage door?
Yes. One panel can be swapped out, but keep in mind the color and wear may not match perfectly with the rest of the door.
Can you replace just the bottom part of a garage door?
Yes, this is one of the most common panel replacements since the bottom section often suffers from water damage or rot. The weather seal is usually replaced at the same time.
How much does it cost to replace a garage door section?
Most homeowners spend between $250 and $800 to replace a single garage door panel, depending on the size, material, and labor involved. For comparison, standard garage door repairs typically fall between $150 and $300, with certain fixes like springs, cables, or openers ranging higher. We always provide a free estimate so you’ll know the cost upfront.
Should I replace one panel or the whole door?
If only one panel is damaged and your door is relatively new, replacing that section makes sense. However, if multiple panels are cracked, warped, or your door is outdated, a full replacement is usually more cost-effective.
Conclusion
Bottom line: if your garage door is relatively new and the damage is minor, replacing a single panel is often the most cost-effective choice.
If your door is older or the damage is extensive, a full replacement may be the smarter investment. Not only will you get a brand-new door, but you’ll also enjoy the added value, improved safety, and modern features today’s garage doors offer.
The expert garage door specialists at Premium Living Victoria can walk you through every option and provide fair, upfront pricing on repairing or replacing all or part of your garage door.
