How Much to Fit a New Front Door and Frame
Hide
In this guide
Exterior Door Cost by Type
Entry Door Prices by Material
Front Door Costs by Part
Entry Door Costs by Size
Exterior Door Installation Cost
Cost to Replace an Exterior Door
Solid Core Exterior Doors
Storm Doors
Cost to Install a Front Door with Sidelights
Inswing vs Outswing Exterior Door
Custom Front Door Cost
Convert a Window into an Exterior Door Cost
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Additional Considerations
FAQs
References
Exterior Door Cost by Type
Exterior doors come in many different styles. Some are designed for your front entryway, while others may be a better choice for a patio, deck, or yard. All types come in various materials and styles to match your home's curb appeal and general aesthetic:
| Type of Door | Average Costs (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Pre-hung | $300-$2,000 |
| Sliding | $300-$4,000 |
| Security | $400-$3,000 |
| French | $500-$4,000 |
| Bi-Folding | $600-$5,000 |
| Accordion | $600-$5,000 |
| Double Entry Doors | $800-$4,000 |
| $900-$1,400 |
Pre-Hung Exterior Door
Pre-hung exterior doors are the most common type for the home's front door. Pre-hung means that the door comes hinged and framed. This designation separates doors from "slab doors," which can be installed in an existing frame but do not come hinged. Pre-hung exterior doors come in all materials and many styles. They cost between $300 and $2,000, depending on the material.
External Sliding Door Prices
Exterior sliding doors are a great choice for doors adjoining patios, decks, and other recreational outdoor spaces. They are also a good choice if you have a nice view or want to create an indoor/outdoor living space. They are typically made of glass but can be made of other materials as well. Their frames may also be made of a range of materials. One door is meant to slide past the other, and the other remains stationary. Expect costs ranging from $300 to $4,000 on average.
Security Door
A security door is a harder, more durable, and more secure exterior door. They are usually pre-hung, and they come in various styles and materials. Often, you cannot tell that you are looking at a security door because they can be indistinguishable at first glance. These doors are usually thicker and heavier than standard doors. Security doors range between $400 and $3,000.
Exterior French Door Cost
French doors make a beautiful statement wherever they are installed. These are a set of double, paned glass doors that can be opened singly or together. They often lead to patios or decks and make an attractive alternative to basic sliding doors. They are easier to use than some sliding doors because there is no track, and they can both open at once. They cost between $500 and $4,000 on average.
Exterior Bi-Folding Door
Bi-folding doors are a newer style for home entry. They are most commonly used with patios, decks, and any area to create an indoor/outdoor living area. They fold up along a track, so they open farther than sliding doors and use less space than French doors. They are very modern and, when open, appear to be a floor-to-ceiling window wall. They cost between $600 and $5,000.
Accordion Doors Exterior Cost
Accordion doors are bi-folding doors on the exterior. While some interior doors can collapse like an accordion, this particular style does not work on the exterior because the folding material is not secure. An exterior bi-fold door or exterior accordion door folds up into sections when open. You can open up a small portion of the wall or the entire thing for different looks. They cost between $600 and $5,000 on average.
Double Entry Door Prices
If you want to boost your curb appeal, consider installing double entry doors. Double entry doors lock into another without a center frame or stile. They may also lock at the top and bottom of each door for added security. You can open one at a time or both to widen your entryway as needed. Expect costs to range from $800 to $4,000.
Exterior Pocket Door
Pocket doors are a unique type of sliding door. Rather than sliding along a track to cover a wall or a stationary panel, they slide into the wall. This saves space and creates an accessible opening. Installation is difficult in a retrofit because the walls may need to be fully opened to install the track. They cost between $900 and $1,400 on average.
Get free estimates from entry door installers near me
Entry Door Prices by Material
Entry doors also come in many materials. Like any other part of your home, the material influences how your entry door looks, performs, and costs. Each has positive and negative attributes to consider and a cost range.
| Material | Average Costs (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Vinyl | $300-$900 |
| Steel | $300-$3,000 |
| Aluminum | $400-$1,200 |
| Fiberglass | $400-$3,000 |
| Composite | $500-$3,000 |
| Wood | $800-$4,000 |
| Iron | $1,500-$6,000 |
Vinyl Exterior Door
Vinyl is a popular material for low-maintenance and inexpensive entry doors and entry door frames. Vinyl does not need to be painted, and it can give your door or frame a simulated wood look. However, vinyl is a poor insulator, and it warps and cracks, depending on the climate. It does best in moderate temperatures. Vinyl doors cost between $300 and $900 on average.
Steel Exterior Door Prices
Steel is a common material for entry doors. It is strong and durable, and some steel doors can be given a foam core for better insulation. However, steel rusts and tends to fade, so it is not as popular. Steel is stronger than aluminum, and solid steel can be a popular choice for security doors. Costs range from $300 to $3,000.
Aluminum Exterior Door
Aluminum is another popular material for exterior doors. It is lighter than steel but resists rusting and corrosion. Aluminum can also have a foam core for better insulation, and in some cases, aluminum doors are more available than steel. Aluminum doors dent, and they are not as secure as steel, fiberglass, or other materials. They cost between $400 and $1,200 on average.
Fiberglass Entry Doors Prices
Fiberglass entry doors are considered the gold standard in the industry for looks, durability, and efficiency. Fiberglass doors are often indistinguishable from wood doors in terms of looks and feel. They are good insulators and do not rust or corrode like steel or aluminum. They come in various styles, making them one of the most frequently used and recommended door materials. Fiberglass entry door costs are $400 to $3,000 on average.
Cost of New Composite Front Door
Composites are a relative newcomer to the entry door market. They are not as reputable as fiberglass, but they can give you many of the same benefits. Composites are made with varying mixtures of wood pulp, resins, and pigments. They can resemble wood doors but are very low-maintenance. These doors are often custom-made, and you may have trouble finding options in stock sizes. They have costs starting at between $500 and $3,000.
Wooden Front Door Cost
There is nothing like a real wood front door. Wood has a look and feel to it that could not be replicated for years. Newer materials like fiberglass and composites match wood for style, but some love the warmth of real wood. Wood doors require heavy maintenance, including painting, scraping, and checking for rot, but wood is a good insulator and comes in many colors and patterns. Wood doors cost around $800 to $4,000 on average.
Iron Entry Door Prices
There is nothing like an iron door. Iron doors have been around for centuries, and for many people, they are the ultimate in security and appearance. Iron doors come in many styles, from traditional to contemporary, and they are extremely strong and durable. They are prone to rust, so they require some maintenance. Prices range from $1,500 to $6,000.
Fiberglass vs Steel Exterior Doors
Fiberglass and steel offer a quality, low-maintenance, durable entry door. Of the two, fiberglass is often considered the superior material. It requires no maintenance and does not rust or corrode like steel. It also looks and feels more similar to real wood. However, steel can make a superior security door, and many steel doors offer better insulating value. Fiberglass is more expensive, costing $400 to $3,000, while steel is $300 to $3,000 on average.
Fiberglass vs Wood Front Door
From a visual standpoint, both fiberglass and wood doors are similar. Fiberglass doors are now being produced to look and feel like wood. But unlike wood, fiberglass requires no maintenance, and it will not rot or develop issues with insects or moisture. Wood is still the superior choice for hand-carved and custom doors, and for those who want a natural material, wood is often the first choice. Of the two, fiberglass is less expensive, costing between $400 and $3,000, while wood costs between $800 and $4,000 on average.
Find the best exterior door installers near me
Front Door Costs by Part
If you are interested in installing a new entry door, many other parts need to be considered. The pricing for these parts is based on an entry door of standard size 6'8" tall and 3' to 6' wide. If these parts need to be replaced or purchased, this adds to the total cost of door installation:
| Part | Average Costs (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Hinges 1 | $10-$20 |
| Knob | $20-$600 |
| Lock | $20-$1,200 |
| Jamb | $35-$50 |
| Frame | $150-$250 |
Exterior Door Hinges
Door hinges are metal pieces installed on a door and frame. These ensure the door opens and closes properly. Essentially, your door is hanging on its hinges. For a pre-hung door, it comes with the hinges installed. If you need to order new ones, basic hinges cost $10-$20.
Main Door Knob Price
A knob is the piece of metal used to open the door. A new knob for an entry door ranges from $20-$600 dollars, depending on the type of set you are purchasing, whether they have door plates, come with locks, or are simple basic knobs. Below is an average cost of doorknobs and entry sets based on the finish.
| Knob Color | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Brass | $20-$600 |
| Bronze | $24-$600 |
| Nickel | $24-$600 |
| Gold | $62-$600 |
| Black | $65-$140 |
| Chrome | $75-$420 |
Front Door Jamb
A door jamb is the two upright parts of the door frame, where the door is hung. When purchasing a new, pre-hung door, it comes with the front door jamb. The door will already be installed with the hinges included. However, you can purchase a slab door and a jamb separately. On average, purchasing a basic new door jamb costs $35-$50.
Front Door Frame
Door frames are prone to damage and are usually replaced with the entry door. Since door frames warp and swell, replacing a door frame increases the door's security. The door frame must accommodate the new type of entry door you plan to install. Door frames are usually wood or composite. Composite frames cost more than wood but are resistant to mold, rot, and insects. Wood door frame replacements cost around $150, while composite door frames have an average cost of $250. Pre-hung doors include the door frame and do not require a separate frame.
Exterior Door Locks
Your entry door is not secure without a good lock. Lock installation is usually included in the installation cost, but you may need to purchase a lock separately, depending on the door and if the lock came standard. There are several locks to consider. They all secure your home, although they work in different ways. Below are some of the most common styles and their average cost ranges. Locks may cost anything from $20 to $1,200 depending on type and how it works.
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Door Lever | $20-$290 |
| Deadbolt | $25-$400 |
| Grip Set | $80-$150 |
| Keypad Lock | $100-$300 |
| Smart Lock | $100 - $1,200 |
| Touchpad Lock | $150-$500 |
| Fingerprint Lock | $400-$1,000 |
Entry Door Costs by Size
Most entry doors fall into one of a few standard sizes. The most common size for an entry door is 80-inches high by 36-inches wide. However, you can also find stock door sizes of 30-inches wide, 32-inches wide, and 96-inches high. Outside of these stock sizes, you will likely have to order a custom door. When ordering a stock door, the size has little impact on cost. The highest costs come from the material, style, and extras, such as doors with glass panels or extra security features. All stock sizes of doors cost $300 to $2,000 on average.
If you make a custom door, size becomes much more important, but costs still vary based on the other features.
Whether you are using a stock door or a custom one, make sure you have the correct measurements.
Measure your door's width from the left edge to the right edge horizontally. Take this measurement from three points and record the smallest.
Measure the height from top to bottom vertically three times at three points, and record the smallest measurement. Do not include weatherstripping in your measurement.
Measure the door jamb last to get the door's depth from the interior trim to the exterior trim.
Exterior Door Installation Cost
Installing a door requires knowledge and experience, so hiring a professional to install the door is a good idea. Door installation usually begins with removing the old door and opening the frame. The new door is fit and caulked, then shimmed and fastened. The jamb and frame are secured, and any insulation, caulk, or weatherstripping is added. The trim is installed last, and the door is finished.
The entire installation takes 1 - 3 hours on average and costs roughly $250 to $275 per door for pre-hung and security doors. Costs for sliding doors and bi-fold doors are $300 to $500, and pocket door installations range from $200 to $2,000, depending on whether this is new construction or a remodel.
For a pre-hung fiberglass door, the labor takes up roughly $250 to $275 of the $1,200 total.
Door and Frame Installation Cost
The door and the frame are installed at the same time, with pre-hung doors being the fastest and easiest method of installation. The cost is between $250 and $275 on average for the door and frame. If you want to separate costs, the door installation is usually around $175, while the frame is roughly $75 to $100. Assuming that you purchased a door and frame together, the total cost is around $1,200, including installing a fiberglass door.
Cost To Install a Pre-Hung Exterior Door
Pre-hung exterior doors are the most common type. It is also the fastest and easiest installation, so the installer often prefers it. It costs around $250 to $275 to install a pre-hung exterior door, level it, and install the trim around the frame's exterior. For a pre-hung fiberglass door, this costs around $1,200.
Cost to Replace an Exterior Door
Replacing a door has similar costs to installing a new one. The difference is you must remove and dispose of the old door before the new one can be installed. This has an average cost of around $50 per door. So, your total for replacing an exterior door would be around $1,250 for a pre-hung fiberglass entry door.
Solid Core Exterior Doors
Interior doors can have a solid core or a hollow core, meaning that the door is a shell or has material all the way through. For some people, hollow-core doors make a good choice because they are lightweight and inexpensive.
But a hollow-core exterior door only presents problems. Hollow-core doors do not pass home inspections in most areas. They cannot be weather-stripped, and because nothing is insulating the door, your energy bills go up. Hollow-core doors are not considered secure because the thin shell can be easily broken.
True exterior doors are always solid-core. Do not attempt hanging an interior hollow-core door on the exterior of your home because this leads to future issues.
Compare quotes from entry door installers near me
Storm Doors
If you want to add additional insulation in the winter and insect-free breezes in the summer, add a storm door. This is a second door that hangs in front of your entry door. It can have glass panels for additional insulation against energy transfer or screens against insects. Often the panels are interchangeable, so you can swap them out as needed. Storm doors may also be hung for part of the year and removed as needed. A storm door costs around $250 to $800 on average, depending on the frame material and whether it is made of glass. They cost around $100 to have hung on your existing frame.
Cost to Install a Front Door with Sidelights
If you want to improve your home's curb appeal and make the front door a focus, install a door with sidelights. Sidelights refer to the thin glass windows installed on either side of the door, often sharing the same frame and frame material. Sidelights are purchased with the door, and they are all installed at the same time. The average cost for this installation is between $2,000 and $4,500, including around $500 for labor and $1,500 to $4,000 for the door and sidelights.
Inswing vs Outswing Exterior Door
When installing a new door, you need to decide if you want to install an inswing or outswing door. An inswing door is a door that opens inward and provides good safety and security. Inswing doors tend to dominate the market. Due to their availability, it is easier to find the right one, and it will be less expensive. An outswing door is a door that opens outward. It still offers good protection and safety because the hinges are covered on the outside. Most people install outswing doors when they need to save room on the inside. Outswing doors can be more difficult to find because they are not as popular, so they cost more than an inswing door.
For an inswing door, the hinges are installed on the inside, whereas for an outswing door, the hinges are installed on the outside. There is no price difference between installing an inswing or outswing door.
Custom Front Door Cost
If your door does not accept a stock size, or you want an unavailable color, style, or material, order a custom door. Many wood, composite, and iron doors are custom made. The company takes detailed measurements of your door and works with you to find the right look, style, and material. Expect to pay between $5,000 and $20,000 for a custom door.
Convert a Window into an Exterior Door Cost
Converting a window to a door is a fairly common project. Windows are often converted into large sliding, French, or bi-fold doors that provide the same amount of light but with new access to the outdoors.
This project involves removing the window and frame and enlarging the opening. This may involve needing to re-side around the new door when you are done. Expect to pay $600 to $800 in labor, plus the door's cost for a total of $900 to $5,800 on average, depending on the door type.
Hire entry door installers near me
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Lighting
Adding lighting to your entry doors can enhance the appearance. There are many styles of outdoor lighting. Path lights illuminate walkways, plants, and doors and cost $75-$100 each. Floodlights attach to buildings and light large places. They cost $75-$150 each. Wall lanterns are a very popular choice. They attach to the wall and add light to a certain area, usually beside the door. The average cost is $100-$150 each.
An electrician charges an average of $40 - $120 per hour for installation.
Screen Door Cost
A screen door is installed between the exterior door and the inside of your home. It acts as a barrier to protect against bugs, pests, and insects and allows for better airflow. This is a common door enhancement project that people often complete during renovations. The average cost to install a 36-inch screen door averages $250-400. This includes the price of the door and labor fees.
Paint
Adding a fresh coat of paint to a current exterior door can change the look of your house. The project's cost depends on the door, style, paint, number of doors, but the average is roughly $75-$290 to paint an exterior door. This includes materials (primer) $20-25 per gallon and labor fees for a professional painter of $25-35 per hour.
Door Insulation
Properly insulating an entry door protects it from the elements outside, especially in the winter. Door insulation trim is usually charged per door, and a contractor charges $100-300 per door, including the installation fees and materials. If you purchase your own materials, labor for a carpenter is around $70 per hour. It takes about 1-2 hours to install insulation for a standard-size door.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Removal and disposal of an existing door costs about $50 per door.
- Make sure that the new door has the same measurements as the old one to refrain from creating extra work.
- Repairing a pre-existing door frame adds additional costs anywhere from $300-$700, depending on the door location and work time.
- Purchase the door before installation to save money.
- Back door prices are identical to front door prices. Sliding, pocket, and bi-fold doors are more commonly used on the back of the house.
- Some companies offer a discounted price to install multiple doors, so it is a good idea to install all doors at once.
- When installing a new door, make sure there is no water damage in the opening that needs repairing. If it needs repair, it costs $50-$300.
- Familiarize yourself with your door warranty. Different brands offer warranties from 1 year up to 25 years.
- Some pre-hung doors have doggy doors already installed, and they average $800.
FAQs
- How do you measure a door for replacement?
First, you want to start by measuring the width (from the left edge of the door to the right edge, horizontally.) Next, you want to measure the height of the door (from top to bottom, vertically.) Do not include the weatherstripping in the measurements. Lastly, you want to measure the door jamb (depth of the wall), from the interior trim to the exterior trim.
- What is the best exterior door for direct sunlight?
Fiberglass is the least likely to fade from UV light and the least likely to warp or develop other issues.
- What is the average entry door size?
The most common entry door size is 36-inches wide and 80-inches high, but there are other common sizes ranging from 30 to 32-inches wide and up to 96-inches tall.
- How long does it take to install an exterior door?
Installation takes about 1 to 3 hours for a standard door, assuming there are no issues.
- Can you just replace a door without replacing the frame?
You can if the frame is in good condition and matches the new door's size, depth, and material.
- Better Homes and Gardens. "Fool-Proof Tips for Choosing the Best Front Door Color."
https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/door/exterior/best-colors-for-front-doors/ - Bob Vila. "What Type of Door Is Best for Your Entryway?"
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-choose-an-entry-door/ - Consumer Reports. "Entry Door Buying Guide."
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/entry-doors/buying-guide/index.htm - Craftsman Book Company. National Home Improvement Estimator, Ed. by Ray F. Hicks (Carlsbad, CA, 2021).
- FIXR Cost Guides and Cost Database.
- Glass.com. "Replacing Your Entry Door: Which Material Should You Choose?"
https://info.glass.com/replacing-entry-door-material-choose/ - Lowe's. "Exterior Door Buying Guide."
https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/exterior-door-buying-guide - Pella.com. "Entry Door Features and Options."
https://www.pella.com/ideas/doors/entry-doors/features-options/ - Remodeling. "Entry Door Replacement | Steel."
https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/entry-door-replacement-steel - The Home Depot. "Front Doors."
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Doors-Windows-Exterior-Doors-Front-Doors/N-5yc1vZar90 - The Home Depot. "How Much Does it Cost to Install Doors?"
https://www.homedepot.com/c/cost_install_doors - This Old House. "All About Fiberglass Entry Doors."
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/doors/21017795/all-about-fiberglass-entry-doors - This Old House. "Wood Entry Doors: Cost, Safety, and Buying Tips."
https://www.thisoldhouse.com/doors/21015419/all-about-wood-entry-doors
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.
See full cheat sheet.
1 Hinges: A type of joint that attaches two items together but allows one of them to swing back and forth, such as a door attached to a door frame
How Much to Fit a New Front Door and Frame
Source: https://www.fixr.com/costs/entry-door-installation