Page Contents
Quick Answer
The cost of a frosted glass garage door ranges from $800 to $4,000 for a 16×7 foot single car door. Double car garage doors run $1,600 to $8,000. The price depends on the type of glass, thickness, custom designs, brand, and professional installation. Expect to pay $3,500 on average for a frosted glass garage door installed.
What is a Frosted Glass Garage Door?
A frosted glass garage door has a textured, opaque glass surface that obscures visibility while still allowing light to filter into the garage. Frosted glass comes in a variety of textures and levels of obscurity. The most common types are sandblasted, acid-etched, and fluted. Sandblasted glass has a matte, pebbly texture. Acid-etched glass has a smoother matte finish. Fluted glass has a waved pattern.
Frosted glass diffuses natural light, providing privacy without sacrificing brightness. It has a stylish, modern look well-suited to contemporary home designs. Frosted glass garage doors can make an attractive, high-end statement.
Benefits of Frosted Glass Garage Doors
– Provides privacy while still allowing light to enter the garage
– Variety of textured glass options like sandblast, acid-etch, and fluted
– Contemporary, stylish look suits modern architectural designs
– Durable and low maintenance glass material
– Can incorporate custom artwork or patterns
– Available in energy efficient double pane glass
Cost Factors
Several factors determine the total cost to buy and install a frosted glass garage door:
Door size – Larger doors cost more. A 16×7 foot single car door costs less than a double car door.
Glass type – Textured glass costs more than standard clear glass. Sandblasted and acid-etched have added fabrication costs.
Glass thickness – Thicker 1/4 or 1/2 inch glass is more durable but costs more than thin 1/8 inch glass.
Insulation – Double pane insulated glass is more energy efficient but costs about 30% more.
Designs – Custom artwork, patterns, or color tinting add to cost.
Brand – Upscale brands like Clopay and Haas cost more than basic options.
Professional installation – Hiring an experienced installer ensures proper fitting but adds about $300-$500 to the overall project cost.
Frosted Glass Garage Door Costs
| Door Size | Low End | High End | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8×7 Single Car | $800 | $1,500 | $1,200 |
| 16×7 Single Car | $1,200 | $3,000 | $2,100 |
| 16×8 Double Car | $1,600 | $5,000 | $3,300 |
| 18×7 Double Car | $2,000 | $6,000 | $4,000 |
| 20×7 Large Double | $2,400 | $8,000 | $5,200 |
As shown in the table, on average expect to pay:
– $1,200 for a single 8×7 foot door
– $2,100 for a 16×7 single car door
– $3,300 for a 16×8 double car door
– $4,000 for an 18×7 double
– $5,200 for a large 20×7 double
Keep in mind that custom artwork or intricate patterns will increase costs. Unique glass garage doors can cost $4,000 to over $10,000 or more.
Type of Frosted Glass
Choosing the right frosted glass texture impacts the aesthetics, durability, and cost.
Sandblasted Glass
Sandblasting sprays an abrasive medium onto the glass pane to create a coarse, pebbled texture. Benefits include:
– Provides the most privacy and obscurity
– Creates a bold, decorative statement
– Most slip-resistant frosted glass surface
– Costs range from $2-$6 per square foot installed
Acid-Etched Glass
The glass surface is treated with hydrofluoric acid to etch a velvety, matte texture. Benefits include:
– More transparency than sandblasted glass
– Smooth, soft look
– Less slip resistant
– Costs $1-$3 per square foot installed
Fluted or Reed Glass
Fluted glass has thin, parallel ridges across the surface. Benefits include:
– Classic decorative look
– Wave pattern filters light beautifully
– Costs $3-$8 per square foot installed
Impact on Energy Efficiency
Standard single pane frosted glass garage doors have poor insulation. This allows outdoor temperatures to transfer through the glass.
Upgrading to double pane insulated glass with argon gas fill significantly improves energy efficiency. It has an insulating R-value between 2-6 depending on the glass thickness. This cuts down on cold or hot air transfer, saving on heating and cooling costs.
Other energy saving options include tinted or reflective glass to reduce solar heat gain. Adding weatherstripping to the door frame also helps seal out drafts and improves air tightness.
Energy Efficient Frosted Glass Options
– Double pane insulated glass – costs 30% more but has 2-6 times better insulation.
– Low-E glass coatings – reduces heat gain from sunlight by 50-70%. Adds $35-$100 per door.
– Tinted glass – cuts glare and heat gain. Blue, green, gray tints available.
– Reflective mirrored glass – reflects solar radiation to prevent heat transfer.
– High R-value vinyl or composite frames – insulates the door edges.
– Weatherstripping – air seals the perimeter to prevent drafts. Add $50-$150.
Investing in energy efficient glass and seals pays off over time through lower utility bills and improved comfort.
Frosted Glass Designs
Beyond the texture, frosted glass garage doors can incorporate custom designs, artwork, patterns, and colors. This creates an eye-catching focal point to your home.
Some top design options include:
Custom artwork – Any artwork, logo, or pattern can be sandblasted into the glass. Costs range from $300-$1000 depending on complexity.
Privacy bands – Horizontal translucent bands maintain privacy on the lower portion while allowing light through the top portion.
Color tinting – Tint the glass blue, bronze, gray, or other hues. Costs $100-$500.
Etched patterns – Choose from abstract patterns like circles, stripes, waves, leaves, etc. etched into the glass. Costs around $500-$1500.
Frosted windowpanes – Incorporate sections of frosted glass within clear glass panels.
Mirrored panels – Reflective mirrored sections add modern style.
Coordinate the glass design with the garage door frames and hardware fixtures for a cohesive aesthetic. Get creative with mixing textures, colors, and patterns that complement your home’s architecture.
Top Brands
The brand you choose impacts the quality, customization options, and cost. Some top frosted glass garage door brands include:
Clopay – Known for durable construction and energy efficiency. Customizable designs. Costs $2,500 to $4,000 on average.
Haas – High end architectural doors with intricate detailing. Costs range from $3,000 to well over $10,000.
Wayne Dalton – Variety of glass styles from wavy to reflective. Costs about $1,800 to $3,500.
Amarr – Reliable doors with good warranties. About $1,500 to $3,000 installed.
C.H.I. – Affordable prices from $1,200 to $2,500 with many glass options.
Travat – Unique overlapping and sectional glass door designs. Average cost around $4,500.
Research brands to find the right combination of quality, custom designs, and value for your budget. An experienced dealer can show you product samples to get an idea of the glass textures and lighting effects.
Installation Costs
While a DIY garage door installation is technically possible, it’s highly advisable to hire a professional installer for a frosted glass door. This ensures proper fitting, weather sealing, fastener reinforcement, and safety protocols.
Professional installation averages $400-$500 for a single door, or up to $800 for a double door. Additional charges may apply for:
– Removing old door and disposing – $50-$150
– Structural repairs if the frame needs reinforcement – $200-$500
– Electrical wiring for automatic openers and smart features – $100-$250
– Adding new door hardware and handles – $50-$150
The total installation cost ranges from 10-25% of your total project budget. While a significant expense, it guarantees your unique glass door has the proper structural support, alignment, and weatherproofing to last for years.
DIY vs Professional Installation
DIY Installation
– Costs less, around $100-$300 in tools and materials
– Requires good handiwork skills
– Risk of glass breakage or damage
– Difficult to seal properly leading to leaks
– Long process of dismantling old door first
– May void manufacturers warranty
Professional Installation
– Costs $400-$800 on average
– Ensures proper alignment and sealing
– Reduces risk of damage during install
– Experts handle tricky structural issues
– Faster overall process
– Maintains door warranty protections
Though pricier, professional installation is strongly advised for frosted glass garage doors. The risk and hassle of DIY often outweighs the cost savings.
Maintenance
Basic maintenance keeps your frosted glass garage door functioning smoothly. Regular tasks include:
– Inspecting for cracks, damage, or cloudiness in the glass. Replace any broken panes.
– Testing that the auto-reverse safety feature is working properly if you have an automatic opener.
– Applying lubricant to the rollers and hinges every 6 months.
– Sealing any gaps around the frame with weatherstripping to prevent air leaks and drafts.
– Checking for loose or corroded hardware. Tighten any loose fasteners.
– Cleaning the glass 1-2 times per year using soft towels with mild soap and water or glass cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Catching minor issues early prevents more costly repairs down the road. Schedule a professional garage door tune-up every 1-2 years to keep components running their best.
Safety Tips
Frosted glass garage doors pose some safety concerns due to the potential for cracked or broken glass. Follow these tips to maintain safety:
– Only hire experienced professionals for installation and any repairs to avoid improper support or fittings.
– Inspect the glass monthly for any cracks or damage and replace immediately.
– Reinforce all glass panels with backing plates or horizontal struts for added structural stability.
– Choose thicker 1/4 or 1/2 inch glass rather than thin 1/8 inch glass to reduce breaking.
– Have tempered safety glass for all frosted glass panels to minimize shattering if they fracture.
– Test the auto-reverse function monthly by placing an object underneath while closing. The door should immediately reverse direction on contact.
– Keep the door tracks clean and lubricated so the door opens and closes smoothly.
– Have balanced tension on the torsion springs to prevent the heavy glass door from free falling.
– Use protective eye gear when performing any DIY repairs. Sharp glass shards can cause injuries.
While beautiful to look at, frosted glass garage doors need special care and reinforcement to keep them secure. Follow these precautions for safe, long-lasting service life.
Conclusion
The cost to buy and install a frosted glass garage door ranges from $800 for small single car doors up to $8,000 or more for large custom double car doors. The average homeowner spends around $3,500.
Key factors determining the price include the door size, glass texture, thickness, insulation quality, custom designs, brand, and professional installation.
While frosted glass garage doors cost more than traditional steel or wood doors, they provide a beautiful contemporary look that adds value and appeal to any home. Taking measures to reinforce the glass properly and maintain the door’s hardware ensures safe, reliable function for years.