How much are tempered glass garage doors?

When considering installing a new garage door, one of the most popular options on the market today is tempered glass. Tempered glass garage doors provide a stylish, elegant look for your home while also being very durable and secure. But how much do tempered glass garage doors cost? In this article, we’ll provide an overview of tempered glass garage doors, their benefits, what impacts the costs, and price ranges you can expect to pay.

What are Tempered Glass Garage Doors?

Tempered glass garage doors are made from safety glass that has been heat-treated to increase its strength and durability. The tempering process involves heating the glass to extremely high temperatures, around 1200°F, then cooling it rapidly. This creates compression in the exterior of the glass and tension on the interior. As a result, if the glass breaks, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces rather than large, dangerous shards.

For garage doors, tempered glass provides safety and security just like standard garage doors, but with the added aesthetic appeal of glass panels. Tempered glass garage doors allow natural light into your garage while maintaining privacy with frosted or tinted glass options. The glass is set into aluminum, vinyl, or steel frames in sectional panel formats that operate just like traditional garage doors.

Benefits of Tempered Glass Garage Doors

There are many reasons to consider installing tempered glass garage doors:

• Aesthetics – The gorgeous, sleek look of glass can dramatically enhance your home’s curb appeal and give your garage an abundance of natural light.
• Durability – Tempered glass is 4-5 times stronger than annealed glass, resisting impacts and temperature changes.
• Security – When properly installed, tempered glass doors are as secure as steel or wood doors.
• Options – Glass can be frosted or tinted in various ways to increase privacy while allowing light.
• Insulation – Insulated tempered glass provides thermal efficiency for conditioned garages.

The combination of strength, beauty, and functionality make tempered glass an excellent choice for homeowners wanting to upgrade their garage doors.

Factors Impacting Tempered Glass Garage Door Costs

Several factors influence the total costs of tempered glass garage doors:

• Door size – Larger double or oversize doors require more glass material and hardware.
• Design – Decorative door styles and intricate panel patterns cost more.
• Glass features – Frosted, tinted, insulated, or low-E glass raises costs.
• Materials – Steel, aluminum, vinyl, and wood frames have different price points.
• Weatherstripping – High-quality weatherstripping improves insulation and seal.
• Hardware – Heavy-duty tracks, springs, rollers, and hinges add safety and durability.
• Automation – Automatic openers, wifi capability, and smart features increase convenience.
• Professional installation – Hiring a certified pro ensures proper installation and functionality.
• Warranties – Longer manufacturer warranties provide coverage for potential defects or issues.

These different specifications result in a wide range of prices for tempered glass garage doors. Basic, contractor-grade doors typically start around $800, while high-end custom doors can be over $5,000. The average homeowner, however, is looking at spending around $1,500 to $3,500 for a quality tempered glass garage door installed.

Tempered Glass Garage Door Costs

Here is an overview of estimated price ranges you can expect for tempered glass garage doors:

Door Type	Starting Price Range (Installed)
Single car door (9′ x 7′)	$1,500 – $2,500
Double car door (16′ x 7′)	$2,000 – $3,500
Oversized double door (18′ x 8′)	$2,500 – $4,500

These prices reflect basic contractor-grade doors installed. More customized, high-end doors with premium features and materials can range from $4,000 up to $8,000 or more. When getting quotes, consider what door size you need, as well as what glass features, opener, and warranty you want included.

Single Car Tempered Glass Garage Doors

For single car garages, a 9×7 foot door is most common. Contractors grade single tempered glass doors start around $1,500 installed. They typically feature:

• 1/8″ thick tempered glass panels
• Galvanized steel or vinyl frame
• Insulated panels for energy efficiency
• Durable rollers and hardware
• Opaque or mirrored glass for privacy
• 5-10 year material warranties
• Manual operation

Moving up to higher end models in the $2,000 to $2,500 range, you get thicker 3/16″ or 1/4″ glass, sturdier aluminum frames, quieter operation, and more glass design options. Automated garage door openers would be an additional $500-$1,500.

Double Car Tempered Glass Garage Doors

Double car garages are usually 16 feet wide and require larger doors. Basic contractors grade steel or vinyl framed double tempered glass doors range from $2,000 to $3,500 installed. Upgrades from a single car door include:

• More glass panels for wider door
• Heavier duty hardware and tracks
• Additional struts and reinforcement
• More insulation for larger door
• Higher price for more materials and labor

Premium double doors from $3,000 to $4,500 feature sturdier aluminum or composite frames, higher quality rollers, better insulated or low-E glass, and quieter operation. Automatic garage door openers add $500-$1,500 to the total costs.

Oversized Double Garage Doors

For extra wide garages, doors up to 18 feet wide and 8 feet high are available. Because of their larger size, oversized double tempered glass garage doors range from $2,500 up to $4,500 for basic models installed. Additional upgrades needed include:

• Reinforced framing for larger door
• More tempered glass panels
• Heavy duty tracks and hardware
• Additional struts and braces
• More labor for installation

Premium oversize tempered glass doors from $4,000 to $6,000 feature sturdy frames, higher end rollers and tracks, quiet motors, and maximum insulation. Automated door openers for oversize doors usually cost $700-$2,000 installed.

Tempered Glass Garage Door Price Comparison Table

Door Type	Low-End	Mid-Range	High-End
Single Car	$1,500	$2,000	$2,500
Double Car	$2,000	$3,000	$4,500
Oversized Double	$2,500	$4,000	$6,000

This table summarizes the average price ranges for low, mid, and high quality tempered glass garage doors. Factors like door size, materials, and features impact exact costs. Luxury custom doors with premium upgrades can also far exceed these ranges.

New Garage Door Installation Costs

In addition to the door itself, the full costs of installing new tempered glass garage doors includes:

• Removal and disposal of old door and hardware – $50-$150
• Delivery fees for new door – $50-$200
• Structural preparation and modifications – $200-$500
• Wiring for electric openers and lights – $100-$300
• Professional installation labor – $400-$800

With basic contractor installation, expect to pay around $1,000-$1,500 total for single car doors, and $1,500-$2,500 for double car doors, on top of the door’s cost. Complex installations or custom work can be $2,000 or more.

DIY vs Professional Installation

Some homeowners consider DIY garage door installation to save on labor costs. However, this is only recommended for experienced, handy homeowners. Risks and challenges include:

• Doors are heavy, bulky, and hard to maneuver into place.
• Springs and tension hardware require special tools and knowledge to install and adjust safely.
• Getting doors level and tracks aligned takes skill.
• Injuries or damage are more likely with amateur installations.

That’s why many homeowners prefer hiring professional garage door installers, who are trained and experienced. Reputable companies like Clopay, Sears, and Lowes offer installation services at reasonable prices. Professional installers ensure your door operates smoothly, safely, and securely for maximum satisfaction. If opting for DIY, have someone experienced assist you.

Conclusion – Smart Investment at $1,500 to $4,000 Average Cost

Tempered glass garage doors provide aesthetics, natural light, insulation, durability, and enhanced curb appeal. While basic contractor doors start around $1,500, most homeowners invest $2,000 to $4,000 for mid-range models with higher quality materials and features like automatic openers. This results in reliable, long-lasting doors that add beauty and value to any home.

The latest advances make tempered glass garage doors affordable for most homeowners. Despite higher initial costs compared to steel or vinyl, they represent a smart investment given their excellent performance and sheer visual appeal. Just be sure to get quotes from reputable brands and work with professional local installers. Your gorgeous new tempered glass garage doors will upgrade your home’s look and function for years to come.