Automatic Garage Door Prices, Openers & Installation Guide

Automatic Garage Door Prices, Openers & Installation Guide

Automatic Garage Door Prices, Openers & Installation Guide

An automatic garage door is simply a roller, sectional or tilt door paired with an electric opener so it lifts and lowers at the press of a remote, wall button or your phone. The motor does the heavy lifting, safety sensors stop the door if something’s in the way, and optional extras like battery back‑up keep you moving during blackouts. You can buy a complete new door with automation, or convert a well‑balanced manual door you already own.

This guide gives you clear, Australia‑specific numbers and plain‑English advice for 2025. You’ll see average installed prices for single and double doors, learn the difference between roller, sectional and tilt, and understand motor types, power and noise. We’ll cover smart features, remotes and safety accessories (with typical costs), the factors that push quotes up or down (size, materials, wind rating and location), and a full installation breakdown including electrical and old door removal. You’ll also get a quick take on DIY vs professional fitting, how to convert a manual door, how to measure for an accurate quote, Australian standards and wind compliance, running costs and servicing, where to buy and how to compare suppliers, plus money‑saving tips, lead times and delivery. Let’s make budgeting—and choosing—the right automatic garage door straightforward.

Average automatic garage door prices in Australia (2025)

Here’s the quick, Australia‑wide snapshot for 2025. Installed figures below include GST and a standard automation package (motor + two remotes). As a broad rule, a fully‑installed automatic garage door lands around $1,200–$4,500 for a single and $2,400–$6,800 for a double, depending on door style, size and spec.

Door style Single (installed) Double (installed)
Roller (steel) $1,200 – $3,000 $2,000 – $4,200
Sectional/panel‑lift $1,800 – $3,800 $3,200 – $6,000
Tilt (one‑piece) $2,200 – $4,000 $3,500 – $6,200

Supply‑only runs lower if you’re DIY or engaging your own installer: basic roller singles start from about $775, sectional singles from $1,290, and tilt singles from $1,600. Designer or cyclone‑rated automatic garage doors can push past $9,000 once you add premium finishes, insulation or higher wind categories. Use these bands as a sanity check—if your quote sits well outside them, it likely includes upgrades (e.g., wind‑locking, insulation, custom colours) that we’ll break down next.

Door styles explained: roller, sectional and tilt

When you’re choosing an automatic garage door, the style determines how it moves, how much headroom you need and the overall look. Australia’s three go‑tos are roller, sectional and tilt. Each suits different openings and budgets, and each pairs with an opener to deliver smooth, safe, push‑button access.

  • Roller: A single steel curtain that coils above the opening—tough, forgiving on imperfect sheds and the most compact. Automatic roller doors are easy to motorise, and wind‑locked variants are available for exposed or cyclone‑prone regions.

  • Sectional (panel‑lift): Four to six panels glide on overhead tracks for crisp kerb appeal. This automatic garage door style takes insulation and window options, runs quietly with the right opener, but needs ceiling backroom.

  • Tilt: One solid panel that pivots out then parks under the ceiling. Great where headroom is tight or for carports, but it needs some clear space in front during operation.

Openers and motors: types, power and noise levels

The opener is the engine of your automatic garage door. Match the motor type to the door style and weight first, then choose the drive for the noise level you want. In 2025, entry kits and premium units span a wide range: basic supply‑only motors start around $330–$480, quiet belt/shaft drives $550–$900, while brand packages from major door makers are often quoted at $750–$1,300 for the motor alone (ex‑install).

  • Roller door openers (drum‑mount): Side‑mounted units that drive the axle directly; compact, reliable and tidy. Choose higher‑torque versions for wind‑locked or over‑height roller doors.

  • Sectional/tilt trolley openers: Ceiling‑rail motors in two flavours:

    • Chain‑drive: Best value and robust, but the noisiest.
    • Belt‑drive: Quieter operation with soft‑start/soft‑stop, ideal under bedrooms.

  • Jackshaft/shaft‑drive: Wall‑mounted premium option that frees ceiling space and handles heavy timber or tall doors with very low noise.

  • Power/torque guide: ~550 N suits balanced single sectional doors; ~800–1,000 N is safer for doubles, insulated panels, tilt or timber. If in doubt, size up—an under‑spec motor is noisy and short‑lived.

  • What really affects noise: Drive type (belt < shaft < chain), DC soft‑start motors, and door balance. A well‑balanced, lubricated door with nylon rollers will run quieter than any overworked opener.

Smart features, remotes and safety accessories (with typical costs)

The right add‑ons turn an automatic garage door into a smarter, safer entry point. Think hands‑free phone control, extra ways to get in without keys, and safety devices that protect kids, pets and your motor. Here are typical 2025 prices (GST‑inclusive) so you can budget upgrades with confidence.

  • Wi‑Fi control: Plug‑in bridge $80–$150; third‑party retrofit modules $70–$120; many premium motors include Wi‑Fi at no extra cost.
  • Extra remotes & access: Additional handset $40–$70; wireless keypad $90–$180 for PIN access.
  • Battery back‑up: $120–$250, giving roughly 10–20 cycles during a power outage.
  • Safety beams (photo‑eyes): $80–$120; often mandatory on new sectional installs in NSW and VIC and strongly recommended for all automatic doors.
  • Auto‑reverse & soft‑start: Included on quality openers; they reduce impact force and wear.
  • Lighting & alerts: Integrated LED courtesy lights are usually included; app alerts when the door is left open are part of most Wi‑Fi setups.

These upgrades add convenience and compliance without blowing out your quote—and they’re easy to bundle with a new install or a retrofit opener.

What affects the total price (size, materials, wind rating and location)

Two quotes for the same opening can differ by thousands because your automatic garage door price is a stack of measurable inputs: the hole size, door material/finish, wind rating, opener spec and where you live. Use this simple budget string to decode any quote and see what’s pushing your number up or down.

total = (base door × material multiplier) + wind upgrade + insulation + opener + freight + labour
  • Size & weight: For roller doors, every extra 100 mm of height is roughly +$180; oversize sectional springs add $250–$400; higher‑torque motors $120–$250.
  • Materials & finish: Custom colour $120–$250; timber‑look $450–$750; real cedar $2,000+; windows $350–$800; insulation from $350 (single) / $700 (double).
  • Wind rating: Wind‑locked (N3/N4) adds $400–$700; cyclone categories typically lift the package by 15–25%.
  • Opener spec & noise: Quiet belt/shaft drives add about $200–$550 over entry kits; heavy doubles often need 800–1,000 N units.
  • Location & freight: Delivery $150–$450; regional labour can sit +10–20% with common travel levies of $100–$200.

Dial these levers back—standard colours, right‑sized motor, only the wind rating you need—and your automatic garage door cost stays on target.

Installation costs: labour, electrical and old door removal

When you’re pricing an automatic garage door, installation day costs fall into three buckets: fitting and commissioning, electrical work, and safe disposal of the old door. These typical 2025 figures (GST‑inclusive) will help you sanity‑check any “supply & fit” quote.

  • Labour to install: Roller door $300–$600; sectional/tilt $450–$800. Allow an extra hour ($80–$120) for wide spans (>5.5 m) or raked ceilings.
  • Electrical (power for the opener): GPO already in the ceiling $0; add a new GPO off an existing circuit $150–$200; run a new circuit from the board $250–$300. Hard‑wired wall buttons/keypads add $50–$120 in labour.
  • Old door removal & disposal: Roller $100–$150; sectional/tilt $150–$250 (includes safe spring de‑tensioning and tip fees in metro areas).

Regional installs may include a travel levy ($100–$200). Ask if a post‑install adjustment within 30 days is included—many reputable installers provide one free call‑back.

DIY vs professional installation

If you’re comfortable on the tools, a DIY automatic garage door can trim roughly 10–25% off a turnkey quote, especially for made‑to‑measure roller doors with clear instructions and a ceiling power point ready. Sectional and tilt doors add spring tensioning and precise track alignment, so professional fitting often pays for itself in time saved, safety and a smoother, quieter result.

  • DIY suits: Straightforward roller doors, square openings, two people to lift, drilling/levelling confidence, existing GPO within 1 m, following PDF guides.
  • Hire a pro when: Sectional or tilt doors, wind‑locked/cyclone ratings, over‑height or double doors, spring re‑tensioning, no power point, facade modifications, or you want full labour warranty.

A hybrid route works too: buy supply‑only, then book a local installer and sparkie.

Converting a manual door to automatic

Already have a solid door? In most cases you can motorise it and enjoy the same convenience as a new automatic garage door. Budget $600–$1,100 for a single: motor kit ($330+) + brackets (~$50) + labour ($160–$300), with spring re‑tensioning adding $100–$150 if needed. This works for roller, sectional and tilt doors provided the door is in good condition and well balanced.

  • Match the opener: Use a drum‑mount for roller doors; trolley (chain/belt) or jackshaft for sectional/tilt. Heavy or over‑height doors may need 800–1,000 N units.
  • Power ready: A 10 A ceiling GPO within ~1 m; a sparkie typically charges $150–$300 if you need one added.
  • Balance first: Installer should test springs and tracks; re‑tensioning protects the motor and warranty.
  • Safety gear: Fit photo‑eyes ($80–$120) and confirm auto‑reverse. Beams are often mandatory on new sectional installs in NSW/VIC.
  • Finish & setup: Program remotes/keypad, set travel limits, and log the install for future servicing.

How to measure your opening and get an accurate quote

Ten careful minutes with a steel tape can turn a ball‑park into a firm automatic garage door quote. Accurate measurements also ensure the door, tracks and opener you choose will fit first time, run quietly and comply with wind and safety requirements. Measure in millimetres, write down anything that’s out of level or obstructed, and take a few clear photos.

  1. Width (jamb‑to‑jamb): Measure at top, middle and bottom; record the largest. Note jamb material (brick, steel, timber).
  2. Height (floor‑to‑lintel): Measure left and right; note lintel type and uneven floors or ramps.
  3. Headroom: Lintel to ceiling/lowest obstruction across the span (lights, beams, pipes).
  4. Sideroom: Space from each reveal to side walls or obstacles (shelving, meters).
  5. Backroom (depth): Opening to rear wall/obstruction for tracks and the opener.
  6. Squareness/level: Check diagonals corner‑to‑corner; note any variance and floor fall.
  7. Site factors: Coastal/high‑wind exposure, preferred door style, power point location, plus photos of inside/outside.

Submit your details like this:

Width (max): ___ mm
Height (max): ___ mm
Headroom: ___ mm
Sideroom L/R: ___ / ___ mm
Backroom: ___ mm
Jamb: brick/steel/timber | Lintel: ___
Wind exposure: standard/high | Power point: yes/no
Notes/photos: ___

Standards, wind ratings and compliance in Australia

Compliance isn’t optional. Your automatic garage door must be specified for the local wind category and fitted with safety gear that meets state requirements. In exposed or coastal postcodes the Building Code commonly demands higher wind ratings; expect non‑cyclonic N3/N4 or cyclone C2/C3 categories, and roller doors may need wind‑locked upgrades with deeper guides and clips. Safety sensors matter too—photo‑electric beams are mandatory on new sectional installs in NSW and VIC, and quality openers should be set up with automatic reverse and tested on handover.

  • Confirm wind rating: Get the wind category (e.g., N3/N4 or C2/C3) stated on the quote for your exact opening size.
  • Wind‑locked hardware: Use wind‑clips/deeper guides where required; budget the upgrade in advance.
  • Safety devices: Fit photo‑eyes (mandatory on new sectional in NSW/VIC) and verify auto‑reverse works.
  • Electrical compliance: Provide a 10 A ceiling GPO positioned per the opener manual; use a licensed electrician.
  • Approvals: Like‑for‑like replacements are usually exempt; facade changes or new openings may need council sign‑off.

Running costs, servicing and warranties

Owning an automatic garage door is cheap to run if you keep it tuned. Modern DC motors sip power—roughly 150–300 W while moving and under 6 W in standby—so even with daily use you’ll typically spend under $15 a year on electricity. Plan a routine service every 12–18 months to keep springs balanced, safety reverse calibrated and noise down; it also protects your warranty and the opener’s 10–15 year lifespan.

  • Servicing (2025): Roller $120–$180; sectional/tilt $150–$220. Includes spring tension check, safety tests and lubrication.
  • Consumables: Battery back‑up cell ~ $90 every 3–5 years; remotes $40–$70; bottom seal $40–$90; springs $180–$350.
  • Repairs: Minor call‑outs $120–$200; replacement motor head after 10–15 years $350–$900.
  • Warranties: Typical opener cover is 5–10 years on parts (labour varies). Keep a service log; skipped services can void cover.

Budget around $150 per year for servicing and small parts to keep your automatic garage door smooth, quiet and compliant.

Where to buy and how to compare suppliers

You can buy an automatic garage door via three main channels: online specialists (made‑to‑measure, DIY‑friendly, often with free metro delivery), local dealer/installers (onsite measure and quote, turnkey fitting), and big hardware stores (stock motors and some standard doors). Whatever route you choose, compare quotes line‑by‑line so you’re judging like‑for‑like on door spec, opener, wind rating and what’s actually included.

  • Door spec: Style (roller/sectional/tilt), exact size, wind rating (e.g., N3/N4 or cyclone), insulation, and whether it’s Australian‑made Colorbond steel.
  • Opener package: Torque rating (e.g., ~550 N vs 800–1,000 N), drive type (chain/belt/shaft), included remotes, Wi‑Fi/APP control.
  • Inclusions/exclusions: Safety beams, keypad, battery back‑up, old door removal, commissioning, and whether electrical (GPO) is included.
  • Labour, freight & lead time: Install fee, any travel levy, delivery cost, and production/delivery timeframe.
  • Warranty & servicing: Door and motor parts cover, labour terms, service cadence, first 30‑day call‑back.
  • Compliance & paperwork: Wind category stated on the quote, safety testing on handover, licensed/insured installer.
  • Payment terms & support: Deposit, progress payments, cancellation fees, spare parts availability and response times.

Money-saving tips without cutting corners

You can trim hundreds from an automatic garage door without sacrificing safety, warranty or street appeal. Use these proven, Australia‑specific tactics to keep your quote lean and focused on what you’ll actually use.

  • Go DIY supply‑only: Order made‑to‑measure online and save 10–25% versus turnkey installs.
  • Time your buy: Shop EOFY/spring/Black Friday; expect $150–$400 off or a free smart hub.
  • Choose standard Colorbond: Custom colours add $120–$450; skip windows/bling (+$300–$800) unless they’re must‑haves.
  • Bundle smart: Door + motor deals and combining doors/accessories can unlock 5–10% and a single freight charge.
  • Right‑size the opener: Every extra 250 N ≈ +$120—don’t over‑spec if you don’t need whisper‑quiet.
  • Specify only the wind rating required: Wind‑locked adds $400–$700; cyclone categories can add 15–25%.
  • Measure twice: Custom automatic garage doors aren’t returnable for mis‑measures—avoid costly re‑orders.
  • Prep power: Using an existing ceiling GPO avoids a $150–$200 sparkie visit.

Timeline, lead times and delivery

Most made‑to‑measure automatic garage doors follow a simple path: manufacture, freight, then installation. Production typically runs at about 3 weeks, after which doors are shipped to the nearest branch/depot for local delivery. Allow roughly 5–7 working days to NSW, Tasmania, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, and around 10 days to Far North QLD and the NT. Home delivery can be arranged (often quoted separately), or you can pick up from major warehouses in Clontarf QLD, Revesby NSW, Kilsyth VIC and Malaga WA.

  • Order placed → manufacture: ~3 weeks
  • Dispatch → metro delivery: 5–7 working days (10 to FNQ/NT)
  • Collection options: local depot/branch or warehouse pick‑up
  • Book install after dispatch notice; typical on‑site time 2–4 hours (roller) or up to a day (sectional/tilt)

Frequently asked questions

Here are concise, Australia‑specific answers to the most common questions people ask when budgeting, buying or upgrading an automatic garage door in 2025.

  • How much to automate my existing door? Typically $600–$1,100 for a single: motor kit + brackets + labour. Spring re‑tensioning adds $100–$150.
  • What does a new automatic garage door cost? Singles $1,200–$4,500; doubles $2,400–$6,800. Roller is usually cheapest, tilt the highest, sectional sits between.
  • How much is an opener on its own? Entry kits $330–$480; quiet belt/shaft drives $550–$900. Sectional motors are often quoted at $850–$1,300.
  • How noisy are they? Chain drives are loudest; belt and jackshaft are quiet. Correct door balance and DC soft‑start reduce noise.
  • Do I need safety beams? Yes—strongly recommended and often mandatory on new sectional installs in NSW/VIC. Budget $80–$120.
  • What power do I need? A 10 A ceiling GPO within ~1 m of the opener. Sparkie costs $150–$300 if one must be added.
  • What are the lead times? About 3 weeks to manufacture, plus 5–7 working days metro freight (around 10 to FNQ/NT).
  • What will it cost to run? Usually under $15 per year; 150–300 W in motion and <6 W standby.
  • How long do openers last and what’s the warranty? Expect 10–15 years’ life; typical warranties are 5–10 years. Service every 12–18 months ($120–$220).
  • Do I need council approval? Like‑for‑like replacements are usually exempt; facade changes/new openings may need permits (~$200–$450 in fees).

Final thoughts

You’ve now got the numbers, the moving parts and the trade‑offs to choose an automatic garage door with confidence. You know the typical price bands, what pushes a quote up or down, how to match a quiet, durable opener to your door, and which smart and safety extras are worth it. Keep those sanity‑check ranges handy and question anything outside them.

From here, measure your opening carefully, snap a few photos, decide on door style and wind rating, and note where your power point will sit. If you want a sharp, tailored price on an Australian‑made door with DIY or install options, friendly support and straightforward delivery, visit DoorSupply. We’ll help you pick the right spec, avoid costly over‑upgrades and lock in a schedule that suits. Hit the button with confidence—the right setup will run quietly, safely and reliably for years.