Top Categories

Interior Renovation

Exterior Renovation

Decorating Ideas All categories

Exterior Renovation

Exterior Door Installation Cost Guide: A Roadmap for Beginners

When factoring in exterior door replacement, the typical price point hovers between $500 and $2,500 nationwide. The final cost is mainly determined by the door's structural complexity, size, selected material type, hardware grade, and any extra work required during installation. If your project includes removing and disposing of an old door, preparing the rough opening, and installing the new door frame, expect to spend an extra $220–$400, depending on local contractor pricing. Features like waterproofing, enhanced thermal and sound insulation, anti-corrosion treatments, automated closing systems, or custom decorative finishes, add to the total cost. If you've never handled the installation or replacement of an exterior door before and need a quick overview of current market pricing, this guide on how much an exterior door costs is for you. It breaks down every component of door replacement costs, including additional service costs, so you can plan your budget correctly and without rushing.

Average Cost of Front Door Installation

The cost to install a door depends on factors like type, size, material, glazing, and hardware. The ranges below show how these choices can affect your budget.

Exterior Door Installation Cost by Type

Depending on the level of energy efficiency, soundproofing, moisture, or fire resistance required, budget-friendly screen doors used mainly for ventilation and light cost between $125 and $750, while high-performance options designed for containment, such as fire-rated steel doors, can reach up to $1,300.

Popular options for backyard access include patio doors ($500 to $4,500), sliding glass doors ($600 to $5,000), and French doors ($900 to $5,800).These options blend style and function, offering plenty of natural light and easy access to patios, decks, and other outdoor areas.

The most pricey options are multi-panel folding systems ($4,600 to $14,000) and basement exit doors ($2,000 to $10,000). They require complex installation and high insulation standards.

Exterior door installation cost by type

Door Type	Average Cost (Material Only)	Average Cost (Installed)
Entry Door	$120 – $2,400	$200–$3,000
Single Door	$150 – $2,900	$250–$3,630
Screen Door	$80 – $450	$125–$600
Double Door	$720 – $4,800	$1,200–$6,000
Sliding Glass Door	$360 – $4,000	$600–$5,000
Multi-Panel Folding Door	$2,800 – $11,200	$4,600–$14,000
Back Door	$180 – $1,000	$300–$1,250
Patio Door	$300 – $3,600	$500–$4,500
Storm Door	$120 – $850	$200–$1,100
French Door	$540 – $4,600	$900–$5,800
Fire-Resistant Steel Door	$240 – $1,000	$400–$1,300
Walkout Basement Door	$1,200 – $8,000	$2,000–$10,000

Exterior Door Installation Cost by Material

The most common exterior door materials are steel, iron, fiberglass, and wood. Steel doors start at $150 (material only), providing high security and durability. Iron doors are built to last and provide strong insulation, but their weight makes installation more difficult. Their prices start at $1,500 and can reach $13,000. Fiberglass doors are mid-range, costing from $200 to $3,200. These doors resist warping better than wood and are lighter to install than their steel and iron counterparts. Wood doors range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the material. High-quality woods, such as mahogany or walnut, are more expensive, but have excellent resistance to temperature changes and increased durability.

Door Material	Average Cost (Material Only)	Average Cost (Installed)
Steel	$150–$1,400	$200–$2,000
Iron	$1,500–$13,000	$1,800–$16,000
Fiberglass	$200–$3,200	$300–$4,500
Solid Wood	$500–$3,000	$700–$4,200

Exterior Door Installation Cost by Size

The standard front door dimensions are 80 inches high and 24-36 inches wide, with a cost of $500–$2,500, depending on the selected material and style. Each inch beyond standard width and height adds $50–$100 to your project. Custom-sized doors require specialized ordering and fabrication, resulting in a higher final price and extended lead times. On top of that, non-standard dimensions often require complex rough opening preparation or modifications to the existing frame, escalating installation labor costs.

Exterior Door Installation Cost by Glazing Options

Glass-paneled entry doors are a popular choice for homes in traditional or farmhouse styles, but they’re also common in modern exteriors.

These doors are valued for their ability to bring more natural light into the entryway. Modern glazing options, such as multi-pane glass units, offer good energy efficiency, while frosted or textured glass helps maintain privacy.

However, they may not be the best option for those living in areas with higher security needs, as glass can be a weak point. In addition, doors with window panels offer less sound and heat insulation than solid designs.

Exterior door installation cost by glazing options

Glazing Option	Average Cost (Material Only)
Clear Glass	$150–$300
Stained Glass	$300–$1,800
Insulated Glass	$200–$400

Exterior Door Installation Cost by Hardware

On average, hardware adds between $25 and $180 to the total cost of replacing an exterior door. The main hardware components needed include:

Door handles: These can range from simple lever or pull handles to high-end sets with electronic controls, fingerprint readers, or decorative finishes. The price depends on the metal quality, brand, and extra features such as built-in security or smart access options.
Hinges: They keep the door securely attached and allow it to open smoothly. Hinges can be standard, adjustable, or concealed. The choice depends on the door’s weight and security needs, and prices rise with durability and added functionality (concealed hinges are usually more expensive).
Locks and latches: Options range from basic mechanical cylinder locks to multi-point locking systems and smart locks. Price is affected by mechanism complexity, security rating (such as resistance to forced entry), and electronic features.

Additional accessories may include peepholes, stoppers, closers, seals, bolts, and decorative plates.

Exterior door installation cost by hardware

Hardware Type	Average Cost (Material Only)
Basic Knobs / Handles	$10–$80 per set
Basic Hinges	$5–$30 per piece
Premium Handlesets	$100–$400 per set
Heavy-Duty / Concealed Hinges	$40–$120 per set
Standard Mechanical Locks	$20–$120 per set
Multi-Point Locking Systems	$150–$400 per set
Smart Locks	$150–$600 per set
Additional Hardware (door closers, peepholes, stops, seals, etc.)	$10–$100 per set

Additional Factors Affecting the Exterior Door Replacement Cost

In addition to the primary materials and hardware, the final cost of the front door is also affected by upgrades and accessories that enhance its functionality and appearance.

Door casing usually costs from $0.60 to $1.20 per linear foot. An ornate type of casing, complex architectural detailing in historic homes, or the use of premium, custom-milled materials may add to the cost.

Those looking for better security or a more attractive appearance may be interested in additional lights around the door. Their installation cost will vary by type, ranging from $75 to $250 on average.

Finally, installing a pet door can add $100–$350 to the total cost of an exterior door, depending on its size and material. The cost of pre-installed pet doors range from $650 to $1,800.

Labor Cost to Remove and Install an Exterior Door

The cost of installing and replacing entry doors varies, as installation usually involves fitting the door into a prepared opening and adjusting the hardware, while replacement also requires removing and disposing of the old door, cleaning the frame, and preparing the surface for new installation.

On average, replacing a standard entry door costs $500 to $1,250, depending on the region, while installing a new door in a prepared opening typically costs $160 to $720, depending on the material and size. When replacing, it’s also important to factor in the cost of removing and disposing of the old door—usually $30 to $125. Any framing modifications can add another $300–$800, so it’s always best to take accurate measurements of the opening and frame, and choose a door that fits properly.

Additional services like painting and finishing can cost $100 to $350, and weatherproofing adds another $50 to $200. Depending on your location, your municipality may also require a permit for door replacement, which can cost $50 or more.

DIY vs Professional Installation of an Exterior Door

The most common project among DIYers is installing single or double exterior doors into an existing frame. These are cases where no structural modifications are needed, and the doors' size and weight allow one person to handle the job.

All other types of exterior door installations require professional expertise. For example, installing walkout basement doors or multi-panel folding doors is considered among the most complex projects. These are multi-step installations that require special tools and technical knowledge. The same goes for heavy metal or steel doors, which can weigh up to 100 pounds and need proper preparation before installation.

Garage door installation should also be left to professionals. These systems contain high-tension springs that can cause serious injuries if mishandled. The potential labor savings of $300 to $600 don't justify the safety risks.

Key Takeaways

Replacing an entry door is a relatively expensive home improvement project that requires professional service but offers a high return on investment. According to recent national reports, door replacement is one of the most cost-effective home upgrades — homeowners can expect to recover about 63%–75% of the initial cost when selling their home. This makes it not just an upgrade, but a smart financial decision.

Here are the main expenses homeowners face when replacing an entry door:

The average national cost ranges from $500 to $2,500. The least expensive replacements include single and screen doors (starting at $125, including installation), while more complex projects like storm or patio doors start at around $500.
The door material also plays a major role in pricing. Metal doors, which offer excellent insulation and durability, typically cost around $1,800 installed, while fiberglass doors are more affordable — starting at about $300 — due to their lighter weight and simpler installation process.
It’s also important to factor in additional hardware costs (hinges, handles, locks, latches, peepholes, stops), which can total up to $300, and door casing, priced between $0.60 and $1.20 per linear foot.
Professional installation usually costs between $160 and $720, excluding additional expenses for removing and disposing of old doors, prepping the opening, or making structural adjustments. In addition, you may need painting and weatherproofing, which can add up to $200 in total.

FAQ

How much should I expect to spend on replacing an exterior door?

While labor and materials for a standard exterior door usually fall within the $500–$2,500 range, extra expenses for framing adjustments and the removal of the previous door are not included. The type and design complexity of the door, as well as its weight and material, also affect the estimated price.

Is it better to take on a door installation yourself or call in an expert?

DIY installation often saves up to $500 in labor costs. Nevertheless, professional installation is still generally recommended for exterior doors as expert installers ensure proper weatherproofing, maintain manufacturer warranties, and help to avoid costly mistakes.

How can I skimp on replacing an exterior door?

If you want to spend less, we recommend selecting a new door that matches the previous one in terms of size and weight. By doing this, you avoid the cost of replacing hinges or modifying the door frame. You can also save by removing and disposing of the old door yourself.

What’s the average labor cost to replace an exterior door?

Budget between $500 and $1,250 for professional exterior door installation. The price varies based on the size and weight of the door, as well as the complexity of the project. If structural repairs or custom framing are required, the total cost can rise to $1,500 or more.

What factors affect the cost of exterior door installation?

In addition to basic factors such as door type, material, and size, the final cost is often influenced by the quality of the hardware. Additional spending on labor often results from frame replacement, weatherproofing, and structural modifications.

Is a prehung door cheaper to install than a slab door?

Yes, a prehung door is usually cheaper and easier to install because it comes with the frame, hinges, and hardware already attached. Slab doors are often less expensive but require trimming and hinge installation, resulting in higher labor costs.

What is the return on investment for replacing an exterior door?

Exterior door replacement often returns up to 75% of its cost when selling your home. This update improves the home's curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency.