How Much Does Door Installation Cost?

Door Installation Cost Factors

How much is a door installation? The biggest factor to consider is the actual door price, but you should also factor in additional parts and hardware, whether you can use the existing frame or need to install the door in an existing wall, and more.

Most of the time, the project requires a professional, in which case you need to factor in labor costsas well.

Interior vs. Exterior Doors

Door Parts and Hardware

A slab dooris a basic door sold without a frame. When installing, you can attach it to an existing frame or create a new frame. Individual sides of a door frame (two sides and the top) are called jambs.

A prehung door comes pre-attached to a door frame via hinges on one of the jambs. If you purchase a prehung door, you will still need to purchase a knob, strike plate, and locks. Prehung doors are typically more expensive than slab doors.

• Jambs: $150–$250,including materials and labor. Created on-site, custom jambs include the stop, routering, and holes drilled for hardware.

• Hinges: $2.50–$30 each. Each door requires two or three hinges, depending on the type. Because of their weight, solid core and entry doors typically require three hinges; lighter hollow core doors usually only need two hinges.

• Knobs, strike plates, and locks: $10–$300. Typically sold as a set, knobs, strike plates, and locks can vary greatly in price. You can find a simple exterior keyed knob for as low as $30, and you’ll spend even less on an interior knob, especially without a lock: $10–$30. Exterior entry kits with electric codes and smart locks can exceed $300.

Deadboltsfor exterior doors are sometimes sold separately from knobs and can cost from $15 to $300. To seal out the elements and improve energy efficiency in your home, you should also factor in door insulationfor exterior doors, which costs from $5 to $25. Doorbell systemscan range from $30 to $350.

New vs. Existing Frame

If you are using an existing frame (and it’s still in good condition) in a standard size, you can typically find a replacement door easily. Standard sizes are 30, 32, or 36 inches in width by 80 inches in height; these doors are typically 1.25 inches thick.

When installing a standard door in an existing frame, some homeowners are able to tackle this project as a DIY install with minimal tools. However, a contractor should almost always handle the project if it requires a custom door size or a new frame.

Solid vs. Hollow Core

Labor costs for solid core doors and hollow core doors are similar, at roughly $100 to $300 per installation. However, solid core doors are more expensive—expect to pay $50 to $200 more for a solid core door.

Hollow core doors are lighter and easier to install than their solid door counterparts. However, they are less durable and block less sound. 

Note: Solid core doors are typically made of wood particles or foam; these are different from (much more expensive) solid wood doors.

Wall Materials

If you are installing a door in a new location (i.e., in an existing wall), your project will require drywall work, electrical, and potentially plumbing. Consult with a contractor for details on your project, but in general, you can plan on these average labor costs:

• Drywall installation costs: $50–$100 per hour

• Electrician costs: $50–$100 per hour

• Plumber costs: $45–$200 per hour

Customization

A basic door installation costs between $200 and $1,800, but if your project requires any customization, like security systems, sidelights, and transoms, the project cost can grow considerably, from $500 to $10,000 or more, depending on the materials and amount of labor required.

Custom doors alone can cost from $1,000 to $10,000 before labor costs.

To further customize your entryway, the cost to install door trim is around $150 per door.

Door Prices by Type

The type of door you are installing has a major impact on the final installation cost. The table below demonstrates how much it costs to install a door of each type; prices include the cost of the door, materials, and labor.

*These prices represent average costs. Some extreme examples and custom work may fall outside these ranges. Labor will vary by market.

French Doors

French doors cost $600 to $5,800 to install into an existing frame. The price of labor can grow significantly if cutting into an interior or exterior wall for new installation.

French doors refer to any doors that offer full-view windows via several smaller glass panes. Though often installed as a pair of double doors, French doors can operate as a single door, especially inside the home. Homeowners often use the French style as double exterior throughways to patios and porches.

Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated door prices range from $400 to $1,300 and can vary depending on the material (wood or steel). Building code requires fire-rated doors between a garage and living space.

Ratings for these doors typically range from 45 minutes to 3 hours of fire resistance; the higher the resistance rating, the more expensive the door will be.

Sliding Doors

Sliding door installation costs between $1,050 and $3,250. Most homeowners can expect something closer to the average price of $2,150.

Sliding glass doors, usually for patio and deck access, typically include two glass doors and can also feature a screen.

A basic sliding door can cost as little as $300 (not including installation), but homeowners will pay more for specialty types, like soundproof, double pane, automatic, and hurricane impact.

Homeowners concerned about safety can purchase security sliding doors; however, security doors cost more than basic sliding doors.

Bifold Doors

Bifold doors cost $150 to $500. Homeowners typically install these in closets. If you are replacing a bifold door and can utilize the existing frame, you can potentially DIY this project, meaning your only cost is the door itself.

Though prices can vary, a basic hollow-core bifold door costs as little as $50.

Double Doors

The cost of double doors ranges from $750 to $5,000 or more for installation with an existing frame. Exterior installation, particularly in load-bearing walls, can increase labor costs, as this is a more time-intensive installation.

Though French doors often occur as double doors, not all double doors are French doors. Many double doors, especially exterior entry doors, are solid panels (like wood) without any glass panes.

Bulkhead Basement or Cellar Doors

For a complete installation, the cost of a bulkhead basement or cellar door ranges from $1,100 to $6,000. The typical door alone costs between $600 and $1,200 at big-box home improvement stores.

The bulkhead door installation process is three-fold: Remove the existing door, install the new door, and dispose of the old door. Each stage, including removal, carries its own price tag.

You may want to consider hiring a door professional near you for this installation. While all door installations require careful, exact work for protection against the elements, bulkhead doors, in particular, depend on precise installation to avoid leaks that could result in basement water damage costs.

Door Prices by Material

Door prices can range from $40 for a basic hollow-core door to $7,000 or more for a high-end wrought iron door. Sidelights and transoms can enhance the curb appeal of a front door but add $600 to $2,000 to the total door installation cost.

Door materials are usually the largest cost factor when installing a new door—and the type of door you choose may also affect the labor hours required for installation.

Remember that slab doors are typically more affordable than prehung, no matter the door material.

*These prices represent average costs. Some extreme examples and custom work may fall outside these ranges. Labor will vary by market.

Wood

Interior wooden doors cost as low as $40 when you go with composite wood, but the price increases when using solid wood; interior solid wood doors cost between $200 and $500.

At the top of the range, an exterior solid wood door can cost up to $5,000, especially when the project includes double doors, sidelights, transoms, glass, or internal mini blinds.

Solid wood doors are a good choice for an exterior door, as they are resistant to scratches and dents. Though longer lasting than other door materials, wooden doors will require occasional painting and varnishing to maintain curb appeal.

Composite Wood

Composite wood doors cost between $40 and $500, making them among the most economical door varieties. Composite wood is made from wood particles that are adhered using heat, pressure, and glue.

Steel

Steel doors cost as little as $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on features. Installing a steel door, inclusive of labor and materials, typically costs from $500 to $1,230, but installation for steel entry doors with sidelights or decorative glass can cost upwards of $3,000.

Wrought Iron

High-end wrought iron doors run anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000. Double wrought iron doors will increase the material and labor costs.

Wrought iron doors are among the most expensive doors available. Homeowners typically purchase wrought iron doors prehung with knobs and locks included.

These doors utilize a steel base, but their elegance lies in the wrought iron details that cover the glass. Wrought iron doors don’t require much maintenance, so don’t expect to pay much beyond the initial investment.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors can cost anywhere from $150 to $5,000 with sidelights and other premium features. However, most single-entry fiberglass doors range from $250 to $2,000.

Fiberglass is a good low-maintenance option for an entry door. These doors are generally durable and offer better insulation than steel, but they’re also more expensive.

Aluminum

Aluminum door prices can range from $100 to $2,000. Some homeowners may choose aluminum for an entry door, though aluminum doors often work as screen and storm doors and even closet doors.

Cost to Install or Replace a Door Frame

If your door installation project requires building a new door frame (or replacing an old frame), factor in the cost of the frame plus the labor to install it. In general, replacing a door frame costs an average of $250, plus the cost to dispose of an existing frame, if applicable.

A new door frame itself can cost from $50 to $70 (steel frames will cost more), and installation may take 1 to 3 hours. Interior frame installation is generally more affordable than exterior frame installation.

FAQs

How much does it cost to move a door?

Moving a door costs the same as the price of installing a new door ($470 to $1,595); costs will be higher if you are creating a new opening. Moving a door also involves a second expense—filling in the hole left by the old door—which costs an average of $1,800.

How much is it to replace a door jamb?

Replacing a door frame costs an average of $250, plus disposal costs. If you only need to replace one section of the frame (a jamb), the cost may be lower.

Door jambs often require replacement due to rot and damage from use, but if you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to pay a contractor to repair it. The cost to repair a door is much more affordable than replacing one.

Can I DIY a door installation?

Installing an interior door into an existing frame can make an excellent DIY project if you have the patience, discipline, and general skills with tools. If the project requires a new frame, hire a door installation professional.

Installing a prehung interior door may seem more straightforward than a slab door, but even a simple prehung door installation requires skill to ensure it swings properly and lines up flush with the frame and stop.

For almost every exterior install, use a professional contractor. Exterior doors must be weathertight and provide proper security. If you attempt to DIY an exterior door installation, you risk expensive water damage to the walls, floors, and basement—and could create a threat to your home’s security.

How much does commercial steel door installation cost?

Installing a commercial steel door can vary greatly in price, from $1,500 to $15,000 or more. Material costs alone start at $600—with individual hinges priced at $100 or more.

Why does commercial steel door installation cost so much more? Material costs and the more complicated installation are both factors. For example, commercial steel doors require steel jambs, which are more expensive than a typical wood frame. These are usually a thicker gauge, which makes them heavier but better for security.

Costs of commercial door installation will vary depending on location and size, whether the frame is a knock-down, and whether the job is done during initial construction or as a retrofit.

How much does it cost to cut a doorway into a brick wall?

Cutting a door into a brick wall costs $300 to $2,200, not including materials. Expect to pay more for double doors or custom work. In general, exterior wall work falls on the higher end of the cost spectrum, especially when you are creating a new doorway in an existing wall.

How can I save money on door installation costs?

To save money on your door installation cost, find a door that fits your existing frame; you may even be able to install it yourself. If you need to replace the frame, shop around for less expensive door materials, like composite wood doors, and opt for a slab door instead of a prehung one. Get multiple quotes from door installation professionals to find the most affordable option.

But remember, if you cut corners on your door installation, you may have to spend more money down the line, whether to have a contractor fix a poor installation you did yourself or to pay for higher utility bills because you chose a lower quality door with poor insulation.

What door style should I choose for my project?

Homeowners can buy doors in a variety of styles. Here are some of the most common door styles for exterior and interior doors:

• Flush: Flush doors have no designs and are good for garages and back and side entries.

• Paneled: Panels might consist of wood or fiberglass.

• Arched: These doors have an arch-shaped at the top and require custom framing.

• Glass: Doors can have glass (even stained glass) windows or insets.

• Pocket: Pocket doors slide into the wall; because their sliding mechanisms are built inside the wall, pocket doors cost more to install and repair.

• Bifold: Homeowners commonly install bifold doors, which fold in half, for closets.

• Bypass or sliding: Sliding doors are common solutions for patio or deck access.

• Decorative: For a higher price, homeowners can purchase doors with wood or metal scrollwork.