A standard residential garage door installation usually takes 4-6 hours when done by certified professionals. Commercial installations require 6-8 hours, while custom doors may take 8-10 hours. Door type, property conditions, and whether you’re replacing an existing door all affect the timeline.
What Factors Affect Garage Door Installation Timelines?
When your garage door needs replacing, one of the first questions is: “How long will this take?” Whether you’re planning around your schedule or coordinating with contractors for a new build, knowing the timeline helps set realistic expectations.
We’ve been installing garage doors at Stewart Overhead Door since 1964, giving us extensive experience with residential, commercial, and industrial properties. This expertise lets us provide accurate timelines based on industry standards and our knowledge.
How Long Does Garage Door Installation Take by Door Type?
The type of garage door you choose greatly affects installation time. Below are ball park estimates based on previous projects we’ve completed.
Residential Steel Doors: 4-6 Hours
This is the most common garage door installation timeframe. It includes:
- Removing the existing door (if needed)
- Installing tracks and hardware
- Assembling and hanging door sections
- Installing the spring system
- Basic opener installation and programming
- Safety testing and adjustments
Commercial Rolling Doors: 6-8 Hours
Commercial installations take longer because of:
- More complex track systems
- Heavier materials need extra personnel
- More rigorous safety mechanism installations
- Fire-rated component integration (when required)
- More extensive testing procedures
Custom Wood Carriage Doors: 8-10 Hours
These premium doors require extra time for:
- Precise alignment of decorative elements
- Hand-finishing components
- Installing custom hardware
- Additional weatherproofing
- More detailed adjustments
What Factors Can Change Garage Door Installation Time?
While the estimates above provide a general guideline, several factors can lengthen or shorten your installation time:
1. New Installation vs. Replacement
Replacing an existing door is usually faster than a first-time installation because the opening is already framed, electrical connections for openers may be in place, and mounting points are often predetermined.
New installations in buildings need extra preparation, adding 1-2 hours.
2. Opener Integration
Adding an automatic opener adds time:
- Basic opener installation: 1-2 extra hours
- Smart home integration: 30-60 extra minutes
- Battery backup systems: 15-30 extra minutes
Modern pre-assembled components can reduce this time.
3. Property Conditions and Access
The physical environment where your garage door operates matters. For example, limited workspace can slow the process. An older home may need structural adjustments. Narrow driveways or landscaping obstacles can complicate equipment setup.
4. Weather Conditions
Most installations happen inside the garage, but the weather can still affect the process.
Extreme temperatures impact material handling, especially steel doors. High humidity affects electronic component installation. Severe weather may pause work for safety.
5. Special Features and Customizations
Extra features or customizations to your garage door system can add time, such as extra insulation, windows, or decorative hardware, custom paint or finishes, or extreme weather reinforcements.
What Are the Steps in Professional Garage Door Installation?
Knowing the installation steps helps explain the time needed:
1. Preparation
- Protecting the surrounding area
- Removing the existing door (if applicable)
- Inspecting the opening and framing
- Verifying measurements
2. Track and Hardware Installation
- Assembling horizontal tracks
- Installing vertical tracks
- Securing hardware to the walls and the ceiling
- Ensuring proper alignment
3. Door Section Assembly
- Laying out the door panels in order
- Installing hinges, rollers, and brackets
- Lifting and securing panels one by one
- Connecting sections properly
4. Spring System Installation
- Installing the spring assembly
- Adjusting tension precisely
- Securing safety cables (for extension springs)
- Testing the balance system
5. Opener Installation
- Mounting the motor unit
- Installing the rail assembly
- Connecting to power
- Programming remotes and keypads
- Setting force and travel limits
6. Safety Testing and Adjustments
- Testing auto-reverse mechanisms
- Checking the balance and smooth operation
- Making final adjustments to tracks and hardware
- Verifying weather seals
Why Is Professional Garage Door Installation Faster and Safer?
While DIY guides exist, professional installation saves time and improves safety. When doing post-installation safety testing, professionals perform these tests efficiently and thoroughly. Professional installers also use purpose-built tools that speed up the process. Experienced professionals reduce the occurrence of errors, and if they arise, they can quickly fix these issues, which might stall a DIY project for hours or days.
How Can You Prepare for Garage Door Installation?
To make your installation go smoothly:
- Schedule a professional assessment before ordering your door to spot any potential issues
- Clear the workspace of vehicles, storage items, and obstacles before installation day
- Ensure electrical access if you’re adding an automatic opener
- Check weather forecasts when scheduling your installation
- Be available during installation to make any necessary decisions
Why Choose Stewart Overhead Door for Garage Door Installation?
With over 60 years of experience serving Ontario communities, Stewart Overhead Door offers unmatched expertise on every project. Our certified technicians follow industry best practices to ensure your garage door is installed correctly, efficiently, and safely.
Whether you’re installing a standard residential door or a complex commercial system, our team provides reliable timelines and excellent results. Contact us today to schedule your professional garage door installation assessment.
Summary: How Long Does Garage Door Installation Take?
When done by professionals, garage door installation usually takes 4-6 hours for residential doors and 6-8 hours for commercial ones. Various factors can extend this timeline, but working with experienced installers like Stewart Overhead Door ensures the most efficient process while maintaining safety and quality.
Understanding what affects installation time can help you better plan your project and set realistic expectations. Investing in professional installation saves time and ensures your garage door works properly and safely for years.