You notice peeling paint around your garage. The corners look swollen. Maybe there’s a small gap where water keeps sneaking in. It doesn’t seem urgent… until it is. Suddenly, what looked cosmetic starts turning into rot, repairs, and rising costs.
Maybe you’re upgrading the exterior. Maybe you just noticed cracked trim around the garage and don’t want it turning into something bigger. Either way, a new garage door trim is your solution.
Here, we will walk through what you can realistically expect to pay for garage door trim, how labour is priced, and what pushes the numbers higher than most homeowners anticipate. But, before we get into the details, a quick estimate for you.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer
Garage door trim replacement costs vary based on the project details. Here’s how that breaks down:
Project Type | Average Installed Cost |
Low-end (composite/PVC, simple profile) | $350 – $425 |
Mid-range (treated wood) | $425 – $525 |
High-end (hardwood, aluminium wrap, custom build-up) | $550 – $800+ |
If you only need a quick number, budget $500 per door. It falls under the safe range.
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
Garage Door Trim Cost Breakdown
You need to calculate materials, installation, and removal if you are replacing existing trim. Now, let’s get to numbers.
Garage Door Material Cost Per Linear Foot
Below are the most practical materials for garages. No interior-only fluff.
Material | Exterior Material Cost (Per Linear Foot) |
Composite / MDF | $0.75 – $6 |
PVC | $0.75 – $30 |
Hardwood | $4 – $10 |
Metal / Aluminum | $3 – $6 |
Pressure-Treated Lumber | $2 – $5 (market average) |
Don’t know what is suitable for you? Contact George Living. Here, we help homeowners make choices based on real site conditions, not just showroom samples. Our trim recommendations are shaped by what actually holds up against weather, moisture, and time.
Labour Cost to Install Garage Door Trim
Most carpenters charge:
- $125 – $175 per door (exterior trim labour)
- Or $65 – $140 per hour
Garage installations cost more than interior casing for three reasons:
- Larger openings mean more cuts.
- Exterior-grade fastening and sealing take longer.
- Weatherproofing requires precision.
For context, the labour cost to remove and install an exterior door and frame is significantly higher because it involves structural framing. Trim work is cosmetic but still requires skill to avoid water intrusion.
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
Garage Door Removal & Replacement Costs
Replacing existing garage door trim usually costs 10% to 20% more than a new installation. Why?
- Old trim must be carefully pried off.
- Caulk and adhesive may need scraping.
- Rot may extend into the sheathing.
Extra costs may apply if:
- Rot has spread into the framing
- Adhesive removal is difficult
- Siding cracks during removal
Expect an additional $30–$50 per door if they need repair.
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
Interior vs Exterior Door Trim Cost Comparison
This is where many homeowners get confused.
Interior Door Trim Cost
Interior trim averages $150 – $250 per door installed. It is the same as the cost to install door casing. Materials are lighter and primarily decorative.
Exterior Door Moulding Cost
Typical exterior door moulding pricing is $200 – $500 per door. Exterior trim must resist moisture, insects, and sun exposure. That means thicker boards, primed surfaces, and sealed joints. Garage trim falls into this exterior category but typically costs more due to its width and scale.
If you’re planning multiple exterior upgrades, reviewing the rough framing details first is helpful. This guide on rough opening for a 36 door explains sizing mistakes that often lead to trim issues later.
From our experience on real projects, garage trim costs often increase due to missed measurements, hidden rot, or siding complications. Planning for material type, waste factor, and proper sealing upfront prevents most budget surprises.
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
Garage Door Trim Cost by Material
Let’s simplify it into practical tiers.
Budget Options (Composite, PVC)
Composite and PVC are popular for modern builds.
- Moisture resistant
- Easy to cut
- Low maintenance
- Affordable
PVC can look like painted wood without cracking. It has proven reliable in wet or humid weather, provided it is installed and covered appropriately. It would last up from 15 to 25 years with good caulking.
Mid-Range (Treated Wood)
Treated wood withstands moisture more than regular lumber. It is powerful, a good paint taker, and affordable. However, it can warp if not sealed properly and needs repainting every 5–7 years. It is the most common material used around garages.
Premium (Hardwood, Aluminium, Custom Wraps)
Hardwoods and aluminium wraps deliver durability and a cleaner edge.
- Hardwood offers a rich finish if stained.
- Aluminium wrap eliminates repaint cycles.
- Custom-built-up trim enhances the look.
For homeowners upgrading entry systems alongside trim, reviewing modern door panel options like George Living door collections can help coordinate finishes.
Garage Door Trim Styles
You don’t need dozens of style categories. Focus on what fits your home.
Flat & Minimalist Trim
Clean edges. Simple boards. Modern look. It works best for contemporary homes.
Craftsman & Ranch Style
Slightly thicker boards. Subtle detail lines. It is great for traditional and suburban homes.
Decorative & Built-Up Mouldings
Layered pieces create depth. Sometimes include pediments or rosettes. It is more labour-intensive with higher cost but has a strong curb appeal.
If your home includes wide openings such as patio systems, reviewing sliding glass door dimensions helps maintain proportional trim sizing across elevations.
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
How to Measure Garage Door Trim Correctly?
One of the largest causes of over-budget projects is not taken properly. Even the slightest error will result in wasted boards, additional visits to the store and conspicuous seams when they are not intended. Here’s the right way to measure garage door trim.
Step 1: Height (Both Sides) Measurement.
Measure carefully from the upper inside edge of the opening to the finished ground level. A small ¼ inch allowance on each side helps ensure a clean fit.
Multiply by two.
Example:
- Height = 84 inches
- Add ¼ inch → 84.25 inches
- Multiply by two → 168.5 inches total
Step 2: Width (Head Casing) Measurement.
Measure across the top from jamb to jamb. Add ½ inch to allow for clean edges and alignment. This top piece is your head casing. It protects the top seam and prevents water intrusion.
Step 3: Calculate Linear Footage
Add:
- Left side
- Right side
- Top
Convert total inches to feet.
Most single garage doors require 16–20 linear feet. Double garages can require 30–40+ linear feet, depending on width.
Step 4: Add a Waste Factor
Whenever calculating waste, bad cuts, and defects, always add 10 per cent of the whole. Contractors automatically include this. DIYers often forget it.
If you’re installing trim around a newly framed opening, confirm structural sizing first. Poor framing alignment leads to uneven reveals and trim gaps later.
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
Factors That Increase Garage Door Trim Cost
Some garages are simple. Others are not. Here’s what raises the final price.
Double Garage Doors
Wider openings mean:
- More material
- More fastening points
- Extra garage door trim sealing
The costs are likely to rise by 40-60 per cent per door.
Decorative Pediments
Arched tops, decorative headers, and layered profiles add labour. Custom builds can add $100 – $300 to the total.
Integrated Lighting
If lighting fixtures are installed through or near the trim, extra cutting and sealing are required.
Siding Type
The type of sliding you choose also affects the overall cost.
- Brick and stucco require specialised anchoring.
- Vinyl siding may require J-channel adjustments.
- Aluminium siding sometimes needs trimming back before installation.
Custom Moulding Profiles
Built-up trim layers cost more than flat boards. Each layer adds:
- Material
- Cutting time
- Installation time
Seasonal Contractor Pricing
Late fall and early winter often bring better labour rates. Contractors have fewer exterior jobs and may offer discounts. Spring and summer? Expect peak pricing.
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
DIY or Professional: Which Makes More Sense?
Installing garage door trim looks simple. It is not always simple. Here is what you need to know before picking up the tools yourself.
When Does DIY Make Sense?
DIY saves on labour, which averages $125 – $175 per door. Here is when it makes sense.
- You’re replacing flat stock boards.
- The old trim is removed cleanly.
- No rot or siding damage exists.
- You own proper tools.
Does it make sense for your situation? Read this guide on how to replace f
Risk Factors
- Improper flashing leads to water damage.
- Gaps allow pests and moisture inside.
- Uneven reveals look obvious from the street.
- Paint failure if boards aren’t sealed correctly.
Exterior trim is not the same as interior casing. The installation standards are stricter.
For comparison, many homeowners underestimate the cost of installing a door because they ignore structural alignment and weatherproofing. Trim has similar hidden details.
If your garage trim touches masonry or shows rot, hire a professional. The cost of repairing water damage later far exceeds the savings from installation.
In our experience, issues come from small planning shortcuts, not bad products. Poor measurements or ignoring moisture exposure tend to cause real headaches later.
Garage Door Trim Repair & Life
Well-installed garage door trim should last 15 to 30 years, depending on the material. Here’s how to protect it.
Annual Inspection
Check for:
- Cracks in caulk
- Soft spots
- Paint peeling
- Gaps near the head casing
Do this once a year.
Repainting Cycles
- Wood: every 5–7 years
- Composite: 7–10 years
- PVC: rarely needed, but inspect the finish
The painting costs range from $1 – $6 per linear foot if done professionally
Caulking
Reapply exterior-grade caulk when cracks appear. Water almost always enters from failed joints.
Water Damage Prevention
The following are the preventions of water damage:
- Keep gutters clean.
- Ensure drip edges direct water away.
- Avoid letting snow pile directly against the trim.
Smathe’s habits prevent large repairs.
Labour
Skilled labourers have a huge effect on the overall renovation cost. Why? They are hard to find and costly. Good contractors are booked out for months, so you need to book them in advance.
If you rush to hire the only crew available next week, you’re gambling. Poor tile slopes. Crooked vanities. Leaking pans. All of it at an even higher cost.
Permits
Most homeowners pay a few hundred to around $1,500 for permits. The bigger issue isn’t the fee. It’s what happens if the work gets flagged after everything is finished. These may include:
- Failed inspections during resale
- Reopening of finished walls
- Insurance claim issues
- Fines
If plumbing or electrical moves, pull the permit. Period.
Layout Changes
This is the budget killer. Keeping the existing layout is always cheaper. Once you move:
- Toilet drain
- Shower location
- Main plumbing stack
When your house is built on a slab, shifting drains isn’t just a quick fix—it means cutting into concrete, which can easily blow up your budget before you even pick your tiles. For small bathroom dimensions, like a 5×10, it becomes a real puzzle since every inch counts.
Before we move ahead, if this remodel is part of the bigger home renovation, you may also want to read this guide on whole-home remodelling. It is really valuable in terms of budget planning.
FAQs
What is the Difference Between Door Trim and Casing?
Door trim is a general term for any decorative moulding around a door, whereas casing specifically refers to the framing that covers the gap between the door jamb and the wall.
What is the Best Material For Garage Door Trim?
Cellular PVC is widely considered the best material for garage door trim because it is completely impervious to moisture, rot, and insects. It performs well in harsh weather conditions as well.
What is the Trim Around a Garage Door Called?
The trim around a garage door is most commonly called casing or brickmold, though the specific piece that seals the opening is known as stop moulding.
How Much to Install a Door?
On average, it costs between $150 and $600 to install a standard interior or exterior door. However, it can reach up to $1000 or even higher, depending on local labour rates and the door’s complexity.
Final Thoughts
Plan for about $500 per door, and you’ll be close in most cases. Basic replacements may sit near $350. Others push past $800 when premium materials or custom detailing are involved.
What shifts the number isn’t the trim board alone. It’s what’s underneath it. Poor measurements and hidden moisture damage are where budgets drift.
Before ordering anything, take a few minutes to inspect and measure carefully. It’s boring work, but it prevents expensive surprises.
Garage door trim isn’t dramatic. It’s practical. And when it’s done properly, it keeps water out and the exterior looking sharp for years.
