Thinking about putting in a new door? It doesn’t matter; it’s upgrading your front entry for better curb appeal, swapping an old interior door, or finally getting those patio sliders you’ve been dreaming about. One of the first questions that comes up is simple: how much will it cost me?
The short answer: door installation isn’t one-price-fits-all. The cost depends on the type of door, the material, and whether you’re hiring a pro or going the DIY route. But don’t worry – we’ll break it all down, with ranges, examples, and tips to help you plan (and save).
Quick cost snapshot
Here’s a fast look at the averages before we go into the details:
| Door Type | Typical Installed Cost | Usual Range |
|---|---|---|
| Most doors (overall average) | ~$750 | $300 – $1,500 |
| Exterior/front door | ~$1,200 | $400 – $2,000+ |
| High-end/custom doors | $2,500+ | Up to $5,000+ |
At-a-Glance Door Installation Costs by Type
Not all doors are created equal – some slip right into place in under an hour, while others need framing work, heavy lifting, and a full afternoon. To give you a bird’s-eye view, here’s a cost breakdown by the most common door types, including the door itself, labor, total installed price, and how long you can expect the project to take.
| Door Type | Typical Door Price | Typical Labor | Total Installed Range | Time to Install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior hinged | $50 – $350 | $120 – $350 | $170 – $700 | 1–2 hours |
| Pre-hung interior | $150 – $700 | $120 – $400 | $185 – $1,100 | 1–2 hours |
| Front/entry | $800 – $2,000+ | $230 – $800 | $400 – $2,800+ | 3–8 hours |
| Patio sliding | $1,500 – $2,500 | $150 – $800 | $650 – $3,500 | 4–8 hours |
| French doors | $1,500 – $4,000 | $200 – $1,100 | $650 – $5,100 | 4–8 hours |
| Pocket door | $200 – $1,000 | $300 – $2,500 | $500 – $3,500 | 4–6 hours |
| Barn door | $200 – $2,000+ | $200 – $3,000 | $400 – $5,000+ | 2–5 hours |
Full Breakdown by Door Type
Here’s where costs really start to shift. Each type of door comes with its own price tag, labor needs, and installation quirks. Let’s break them down one by one:
Interior Standard Doors (Hollow & Solid Core)
- Overview: These are your everyday bedroom, bathroom, or office doors. Hollow core doors are lightweight and affordable, while solid core or solid wood doors add soundproofing and durability.
- Typical door-only cost: $50 – $350 (hollow) | $200 – $500 (solid core/wood)
- Labor: $120 – $350
- Total installed: $170 – $850
- Difficulty: Easy – most can be installed in under 2 hours.
- Common extras: Decorative trim, painting, upgraded handles/locks.
Interior Specialty Doors
Pocket Doors
- Slide into a wall cavity, great for saving space.
- Door-only: $200 – $1,000
- Labor: $300 – $2,500 (high because of wall work)
- Total installed: $500 – $3,500
- Difficulty: Medium to hard – requires framing changes.
- Extras: Soft-close tracks, wall repair/finishing.
Barn Doors
- Trendy sliding doors hung on a track above the opening.
- Door-only: $200 – $2,000+
- Labor: $200 – $3,000 (wide range depending on custom carpentry)
- Total installed: $400 – $5,000+
- Difficulty: Moderate – wall reinforcement may be needed.
- Extras: Custom hardware, decorative finishes.
Exterior Doors
Front/Entry Doors (General)
- First impression of your home, big curb appeal factor.
- Door-only: $150 – $2,000+
- Labor: $230 – $800
- Total installed: $400 – $2,800+
- Difficulty: Moderate – heavier, weatherproofing required.
- Extras: Sidelights ($400 – $2,000+), transoms ($300 – $900).
Steel Doors
- Durable, secure, and more affordable than wood.
- Door-only: $100 – $2,200
- Labor: $200 – $500
- Total installed: $300 – $2,700
- Extras: Insulation core, glass inserts.
Fiberglass Doors
- Energy-efficient, mimics wood grain, and has low maintenance.
- Door-only: $200 – $2,300
- Labor: $200 – $500
- Total installed: $400 – $2,800
- Extras: Decorative glass, insulated cores.
Wood Doors
- Classic and customizable, but higher maintenance.
- Door-only: $400 – $3,500
- Labor: $200 – $500
- Total installed: $600 – $4,000+
- Extras: Carvings, sidelights, weatherproofing.
Iron Doors
- Heavy, ornate, and highly secure, often custom-made.
- Door-only: $1,500 – $5,000
- Labor: $250 – $750
- Total installed: $1,750 – $5,750+
Patio & French Doors
Sliding Patio Doors
- Open horizontally, maximize natural light.
- Door-only: $500 – $2,500
- Labor: $150 – $800
- Total installed: $650 – $3,500
French Doors
- Elegant double-hinged doors swing inward/outward.
- Door-only: $450 – $4,000
- Labor: $200 – $1,100
- Total installed: $650 – $5,100
Garage Doors
- Large and mechanical, often including opener systems.
- Door-only: $700 – $4,500
- Labor: $1,500 – $2,000
- Total installed: $2,200 – $6,500
- Difficulty: High – requires professional install for safety.
Door Installation Cost Factors (Why Prices Vary)
If two neighbors both replace a front door, why might one pay $800 and the other $2,500? It all comes down to cost factors. Here’s what drives the final price:
- Material – Wood (classic but pricey), fiberglass (mid-range, low maintenance), steel (secure, affordable), iron (luxury), aluminum/composite (budget-friendly).
- Pre-hung vs. Slab – Pre-hung (already in a frame) is faster/cheaper to install ($188–$550), while slab doors require extra framing and hardware ($325–$1,150).
- Size & Custom/Oversized – Standard sizes save money; oversized/custom builds skyrocket costs.
- Framing & Structural Work – Moving/widening openings, repairing rot, or adding headers can add $500–$2,000.
- Hardware & Locksets – Basic knobs start at $20, while smart locks run $120–$500.
- Glass, Sidelights & Transoms – Decorative glass can add $300–$1,000+, sidelights $400–$2,000+, transoms $300–$900.
- Insulation & Weatherproofing – Energy-efficient upgrades ($100–$500) improve comfort but increase upfront cost.
- Labor Rates & Regional Differences – Cities/regions with higher labor costs (like NYC or San Francisco) can be double rural prices.
- Disposal & Permit Costs – Old door removal runs $25–$200; permits (when structural work is involved) vary by location.
Example cost scenario:
If you choose a fiberglass entry door ($1,000), add sidelights ($1,200), upgrade to a smart lock ($250), and opt for professional installation ($500), your estimated total is approximately $2,950.
Labor: What Pros Charge & Installation Time
Professional door installation labor is usually charged per door or by the hour. You can expect:
- Hourly rates: $40 – $90 per hour for a handyman or carpenter.
- Flat per-door pricing: $100–$300 for a standard interior door, and $200–$500 for exterior or heavier doors.
- Time to install:
- Interior pre-hung doors: 1–2 hours (prep, jamb/frame check, shimming, trim).
- Exterior or heavier doors: 2–4 hours (including extra sealing, weatherproofing, and hardware).
- Custom doors or complex installs: Half a day to a full day.
- Paint or finishing work: Adds several hours to a full day, depending on coats needed.
Troubleshooting & Added Labor Costs
Some issues can drive up labor and material costs significantly:
- Unlevel floors or walls: Require extra shimming, cutting, or frame adjustment (+$50–$200).
- Rot or mold in framing: May require new lumber, moisture barrier, or full frame replacement (+$150–$400).
- Mismatched jambs or rough openings: Need reframing, sanding, or custom cuts (+$100–$250).
In Short: while a simple interior door might be installed in under two hours, tricky conditions can push the job into a half-day or more, with extra costs for carpentry fixes.
Frame, Jamb, and Opening Work
The price of your door installation depends heavily on whether you’re reusing an existing frame or building a new one.
- Replacing jambs only: $75 – $200 in materials, plus $150 – $300 labor.
- Installing into an existing frame: Cheapest option; labor focuses only on hanging and hardware.
- Widening or moving a door opening: $300 – $800 (requires cutting drywall, reframing, and moving studs).
- Adding rough framing & a header for a new door in a wall: $500 – $1,500 (a carpenter or general contractor is required).
Who to call:
- Handyman → Best for hanging pre-hung interior doors or swapping hardware.
- Carpenter/GC → Needed if you’re altering walls, adding headers, repairing rot, or resizing openings.
Pro tip: Companies like Fusion Windows & Doors don’t just sell a wide variety of doors (from sleek modern to secure entry options) – they also handle professional installation. That means you get both the product and expert labor from one place, saving you the hassle of coordinating multiple contractors.
Hardware & Accessory Costs
Beyond the door itself, the hardware and accessories add to the final bill. Here’s a quick reference table:
| Hardware / Accessory | Typical Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard interior handle/knob | $20 – $50 | Basic privacy or passage sets |
| Deadbolt (single/double) | $30 – $80 | Security upgrade for entry doors |
| Smart lock | $150 – $300 | Keyless entry, Wi-Fi/Bluetooth |
| Hinges (set of 3) | $10 – $30 | Standard brass or steel |
| Weather-stripping kit | $15 – $40 | Essential for exterior doors |
| Kickplate | $20 – $50 | Protects lower door surface |
| Threshold/sill | $30 – $70 | For sealing exterior entryways |
Hardware choices can add anywhere from $50 for basics to $300+ for high-end smart locks and accessories.
Permits, Codes, and Fire-Rated Requirements
In most cases, simply replacing an interior door doesn’t require a permit. But if you’re replacing an exterior door and altering the structure of the wall, moving an opening, or working on a commercial property, local building codes usually require permits and inspections. Always check with your city or county before starting, as fees can range from $50 to $300, depending on the location.
Another cost factor is fire-rated doors. These are required in certain spaces, like between an attached garage and living area, or in multifamily and commercial buildings. Fire-rated doors are heavier, require special hardware, and cost more than standard models – typically $300 to $800 installed.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro (Decision Checklist)
Not every door project needs a professional. Some installs are straightforward, while others require carpentry skills, specialty tools, and knowledge of building codes.
DIY-friendly installs:
- Swapping a slab into an existing frame (if the jamb is square and in good condition).
- Installing a pre-hung interior door in a standard opening.
Best left to pros:
- Exterior door installs (especially with weatherproofing).
- Moving or widening openings (structural work).
- Fire-rated or code-specific installations.
DIY safety checklist:
- Measure the opening carefully – mistakes lead to costly returns.
- Gather tools: drill/driver, level, shims, saw, pry bar, hammer, measuring tape.
- Plan enough time: a simple swap typically takes 2–3 hours, while framing or exterior work requires more time.
- Watch for common pitfalls: uneven floors, out-of-square jambs, and damage to drywall or trim.
- Have a helper; doors are heavy and awkward to maneuver alone.
How to Save Money
Door installations don’t have to break the bank. A few smart choices can lower your costs significantly:
- Buy door-only vs. bundled installs: If your jamb and trim are in good shape, replacing just the slab is cheaper than a pre-hung unit.
- Reuse existing jamb and hardware: Saves on labor and material costs.
- Shop standard sizes: Custom-sized doors cost 20–40% more.
- Time it right: Contractors may offer discounts during off-seasons (late fall/winter).
- Check for local deals: Home improvement stores and installers often run promotions on installation packages.
When to Invest
While saving money matters, sometimes it pays to spend more upfront. Higher-quality doors and professional installs bring:
- Better security: Especially with reinforced exterior doors and upgraded locks.
- Energy efficiency: Well-sealed entry doors reduce heating/cooling costs.
- Resale value: Curb appeal improvements (like a new front door) can yield one of the best ROIs in home renovations.
Hiring a Professional for Door Installation
Door installation may seem straightforward, but proper installation ensures optimal security, energy efficiency, and long-lasting performance. Precision in measurements, hardware fitting, weatherproofing, and alignment can make the difference between a door that lasts and one that causes drafts or damage.
Fusion Windows & Doors provides professional installation services that cover everything from removing old doors to precise fitting and finishing. Their team works with a wide range of door types, including entry, patio, French, and custom designs, ensuring each door meets both functional and aesthetic standards. They offer an extensive range of high-quality doors from renowned manufacturers, including Milgard, Marvin, Andersen, Fleetwood, and LaCantina.
By choosing Fusion Windows & Doors, you’re partnering with a company that prioritizes quality, customization, and customer satisfaction, ensuring that your door installation project is executed to the highest standards.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Installing or replacing a door is more than a home upgrade; it’s an investment in comfort, security, and style. Understanding costs, materials, and installation options helps you plan wisely and avoid surprises.
By considering DIY vs. professional installation, potential upgrades, and labor factors, homeowners can ensure a long-lasting, high-quality result. Thoughtful planning means choosing the right door and installation method for your needs, whether you’re boosting curb appeal, security, or interior style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Replacing a door frame typically adds $120–$350 to the project if it’s a simple interior frame. For exterior doors that require structural reinforcement or rot repair, costs can range from $400 to $700+.
In some cases, yes, but it depends on the condition of the hardware and whether it fits the new door’s dimensions. Many homeowners choose to upgrade to new locks or handles for better function and style. Installers can usually reuse hinges if they’re still in good shape.
Most professional installers include removal and disposal in their pricing, but it’s always worth confirming before signing the contract. If not included, you may be charged an additional $30–$100 for disposal.
Basic interior hollow-core hinged doors are the most affordable, typically costing between $150 and $350 installed. On the other end of the spectrum, custom entry systems, French doors, or garage doors can cost several thousand dollars.
