Changing an entrance door is one of the simplest and fastest ways to update your front door, but the cost of a new exterior door can vary greatly depending on several different factors. The price depends on the type and material of the front door, its size, local labor costs, the condition of the existing frame, and additional materials or tools needed.
At the same time, it should be noted that the process of installing a new front door is usually not difficult and takes 2-4 hours. The average cost of labor for installing an exterior door per hour for a homeowner can range between $950 and $2,400 for materials and labor combined.
It should be noted that the indicated values are average statistics, a particular contractor, the selected materials, and additional requirements for the installation process will affect the final cost.
H2: The Big Influences of the Cost
- Door type: Single entry doors tend to be the cheapest, double doors, sliding patio units or multiple panel doors add to the cost.
- Materials: Steel and fiberglass generally fall at the lower end of the price range, while wood and iron require a higher budget.
- Labor: Contractors usually charge $30 to $90 per hour for their work, which comprises 30-35% of the bottom line.
- Framing: Expect to pay $130 to $380 for a frame replacement.
- Removal and disposal: The old door and its removal usually account for $40 to $260 .
- Hardware: Locks, deadbolts, sidelights or additional accessories may add up to $10 to well over $4,000 to the installation cost, depending on the complexity and size of the chosen accessories.
H2: Typical Exterior door Installation Cost Overview
Typical installed costs are:
| Project Item | Typical Price Range |
| Single entry door | $230 – $3,630 |
| Double exterior door | $1,250 – $6,030 |
| Storm or screen door | $125 – $1,100 |
| Frame replacement | $130 – $380 |
| Door removal and disposal | $40 – $260 |
| Labor (per hour) | $30 – $90 |
H2: Exterior Door Material Comparison
When choosing a material for the new door, balance the upfront cost and the maintenance frequency. Below is a brief overview of the benefits and drawbacks of the most popular exterior door materials.
- Steel costs: around $300 to $1,400 They are generally durable, fire-resistant, secure but can dent and corrode over time.
- Fiberglass: usually falls between $400 to $3,000 and is a good choice if you’re considering extreme weather conditions. The doors are highly resistant to moisture but otherwise require little maintenance.
- Wooden doors: usually cost between $500 and $3,000 . However, they require regular sanding and staining to maintain their appearance.
- Iron doors: This is the most costly per unit of measurement ranging from about $1,500 to $13,000. Thick, heavy iron doors offer the most security but require the most maintenance.
- Panels of glass or decorative accents affect the price in any category. If you live in a cold climate, the upfront price for energy efficient insulation might be worth the reduced heating costs.
Prehung and Slab Doors
A prehung door is mounted on a frame and only requires minor adjustments upon installation. A slab door is a door panel without a frame. Unless the existing frame is in excellent condition and matches the future door’s width, the cheapest alternative is to hire someone to hang your slab door.
A professional installation typically adds $300 to the final bill versus doing it yourself. With a proper seal and a warranty, professional installation outweighs the costs several times over.
Consider DIY installation if you have experience and the existing frame is not damaged. Otherwise, incorrect leveling and sealing during installation may reduce the lifespan of the new entrance or invalidate the warranty.
Permits are sometimes required, usually if the overall rough opening dimensions differ from the installation plan. Consult with your local contractor or building authority before scheduling the work.
Common Additional Expenses
While most contractors will disclose obvious expenses, several extra costs tend to drive up the final price:
- Carpentry repair : Warping around the existing door or incorrect rough opening dimensions may require additional work from a carpenter before door installation.
- Frame reinforcement: Expect $130 to $380 if the existing frame needs to be rebuilt instead of reused.
- Permits and cleanup: Includes permit fees, disposal costs, trim work, thresholds, weather stripping and insulation.
Ask for an itemized estimate and double check it for potential expenses before signing a contract with a contractor.
How to Reduce the Installation Cost
- Stick to standard sizes: While doors come in a variety of widths and heights, 30″, 32″ or 36″ are the most common. Extra modifications to the rough opening add significantly to the final price.
- Consider less expensive materials: Forego wood and iron for fiberglass or steel if you want to reduce the final cost.
- Self installation: Exterior doors are much heavier than interior doors, so think about the work involved, and make sure the door frame is not damaged, before attempting a DIY installation.
- Request at least three separate quotes for the same scope of work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average cost to install an exterior door?
Most homeowners will spend between $950 and $2,400 on an exterior door replacement, including materials and labor, with the national average being $1,457 per door
- Is steel cheaper than fiberglass?
Compared to fiberglass, steel generally falls within a lower price range from $300 to $1,400, while fiberglass door costs usually range from $400 to $3,000.
- Do most quotes for an exterior door replacement include frame replacement?
Not always. Most estimates assume that the existing frame will stay. If the frame is repaired or replaced, plan on additional $130 to $380.
- How long does an installation take?
Installation of an entry door typically takes two to four hours. Larger jobs and any rework to accommodate the new door dimensions may take a day or two.
- Can I install an exterior door myself to save on Exterior Door Installation cost?
DIY installation can save you on labor costs, which typically start around $398, but incorrect installation may lead to sealing problems and void your warranty. If you’re not experienced, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
- Which is better, prehung or slab doors?
In most cases, opting for slab doors is a risk. They only make sense if your existing frame is undamaged and matches your planned door’s size. A prehung door is a safer choice and has fewer potential issues during installation.
- Does installing an exterior door require a permit?
Permits are usually only required if the job involves significant changes to the overall rough opening dimensions or other structural elements. Always check with your local building department.
Conclusion
For most homeowners, the overall Exterior door installation cost is between $950 and $2,400, but the national average is about $1,457 per door. There are factors that can affect the final price, such as the material. Steel and fiberglass are the most affordable, and wood and iron need more maintenance and cost more.
Before finalizing the choice of materials and contractors, ask for multiple itemized estimates, confirm if any frame repairs are necessary and plan the scope of work required for the new entrance. A small amount of research ahead of time can be the difference between a fair price and an unexpectedly high final cost.
