How Much Does a Door Cost?

The wide range reflects different materials (wood, fiberglass, steel), styles, and whether installation requires custom work.

Understanding these factors ensures you get the right door for your budget and needs.

Door Costs by Type

Choosing the right door type involves more than just aesthetics.

Each type has unique features and costs that align with its purpose.

Let’s explore the cost breakdown for interior, exterior, and specialized doors to help you make the best choice.

1. Interior Doors

Interior doors typically cost $200–$700, including labor.

These doors are functional, lightweight, and ideal for separating rooms. Popular styles include:

• Pocket Doors: Save space by sliding into the wall, making them perfect for smaller rooms.
• French Doors: Add elegance with glass panes that let light flow between spaces.
• Sliding Doors: Modern and practical, great for closets or connecting rooms.
• Barn Doors: Stylish, space-saving options that slide along the wall.

Interior doors focus more on design than durability, making them budget-friendly.

2. Exterior Doors

Exterior doors are designed to withstand weather and provide security, with costs ranging from $500–$2,500. These include:

• Front Entry Doors: Often the focal point of a home, featuring materials like steel or fiberglass for durability and style.
• Patio Doors: Available in sliding or French styles, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Storm and Screen Doors: Add protection from weather and allow ventilation.

Features like weatherproofing, insulation, and locks make exterior doors a higher investment, but their functionality is unmatched.

3. Specialized Doors

For unique needs, specialized doors provide tailored solutions with varying price ranges:

• Security Doors: Cost $600–$5,000, offering reinforced materials and advanced locks.
• Storm Doors: Typically range from $100–$1,000, adding an extra layer of protection to exterior doors.
• Garage Doors: Start at $2,800, with higher-end models reaching $6,500 for automatic or insulated versions.
• Cellar/Basement Doors: Range from $1,100–$6,000, ideal for utility spaces.
• Double Doors: Cost $750–$5,000, creating a grand entrance with added labor for installation.

Door Costs by Material

The material you choose for your door has a significant impact on its cost, durability, and style.

Let’s break down the most popular options and their pros and cons to help you make an informed choice.

Wood

• Cost: $200–$5,000+
• Pros: Highly customizable, beautiful, and timeless. Great for adding character to both interior and exterior doors.
• Cons: Requires regular maintenance to prevent warping or cracking, especially in humid climates. Higher price for premium designs.

Composite Wood

• Cost: $40–$500
• Pros: A budget-friendly alternative to natural wood. Offers a similar look with increased durability against warping.
• Cons: May lack the authentic feel of solid wood. Limited in terms of luxurious finishes.

Steel

• Cost: $100–$1,000 (up to $5,000 for custom designs)
• Pros: Extremely durable, secure, and weather-resistant. Ideal for front doors where security is a priority.
• Cons: Can dent under heavy impact and may rust if not treated properly.

Fiberglass

• Cost: $250–$5,000
• Pros: Lightweight, weatherproof, and termite-resistant. Mimics the look of wood with less maintenance.
• Cons: High-quality models can be pricey. May crack under severe impact.

Aluminum

• Cost: $100–$2,000
• Pros: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install. Perfect for sliding or screen doors.
• Cons: Less durable compared to steel. Limited insulation properties.

Wrought Iron

• Cost: $1,500–$7,000
• Pros: Luxurious, elegant, and highly durable. Often used for custom designs and high-end entrances.
• Cons: Heavy and expensive. Requires professional installation and periodic maintenance to prevent rust.

Choosing the Right Material

When selecting a material, consider your budget, the door’s location, and the level of maintenance you’re comfortable with.

Whether you want the warmth of wood or the durability of steel, there’s a material to suit every need.

Factors Influencing Door Costs

When planning a door installation, understanding the factors that affect pricing is crucial.

From size to installation complexity, here’s what can influence the final cost.

1. Size and Customization

• Standard Sizes: Common dimensions (like 36×80 inches) are typically more affordable, costing between $200 and $700 for standard interior doors.
• Customization: Opting for unique dimensions, intricate designs, or tailored materials can increase costs by $500 to $10,000. Custom doors are ideal for adding character but require a bigger budget.

2. Additional Features

• Features like sidelights or transoms can add anywhere from $400 to $4,000, enhancing aesthetics and natural light.
• Smart locks and specialty finishes can range from $150 to $500, offering convenience and a sleek, modern look.

3. Labor and Installation Complexity

• Simple Replacements: Replacing a door in an existing frame is straightforward, costing $100 to $300 in labor.
• Complex Installations: Installing new frames, adjusting walls, or cutting openings can push costs to $700–$2,500 due to added materials and time.

4. Door Framing and Jambs

• Framing Costs: If the existing frame is damaged or doesn’t fit the new door, replacing it can cost $150 to $400.
• When to Replace: Frames showing signs of rot or warping need replacement to ensure the door’s functionality and durability.

Labor Costs

When planning your door installation, labor costs play a significant role in the total expense.

Let’s break down what you can expect.

Understanding Labor Rates

• On average, labor costs range between $70 and $150 per hour. These rates depend on the project’s complexity and your location.
• For simpler tasks like replacing a door in an existing frame, costs are typically lower, around $100 to $300 total for labor.

Basic Installations vs. Complex Projects

• Basic Installations: Installing a pre-hung interior door or replacing an existing door is relatively quick and affordable, often completed in 1-2 hours.
• Complex Projects: Tasks like cutting into walls for a new door, adjusting frames, or handling heavy materials like wrought iron or custom wood doors can increase labor costs significantly. These projects can take 3-8 hours and cost $700 or more, including framing adjustments.

Additional Costs to Consider

When budgeting for a door installation, don’t forget about the extra expenses that may come along with it.

These costs might seem small but can add up quickly if overlooked.

Removing Old Doors

Before installing a new door, you’ll need to handle the old one.

• The cost of removing and disposing of old doors ranges from $40 to $200, depending on the size and complexity of the removal.
• For interior doors, disposal tends to be more affordable, while exterior doors, especially those with additional framing, may cost more.

Repairs and Maintenance

Once your door is installed, regular upkeep ensures it stays functional and looks great. Common maintenance expenses include:

• Repainting or refinishing: $75–$200, depending on the door material.
• Weatherstripping replacement: $5–$30 for materials.
• Hardware repairs or replacements, such as knobs or hinges: $10–$300, depending on the complexity and material quality.

Cost-Saving Tips

Looking to upgrade or replace a door without overspending?

These cost-saving strategies can help you stay within budget while still achieving great results.

Use Existing Frames

If your current door frame is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it.

This simple choice can save you $150–$300 in materials and labor.

Ensure the new door fits the existing frame for a seamless installation.

Choose Budget-Friendly Materials

Opt for materials like composite wood, which is not only cost-effective but also versatile.

It mimics the appearance of natural wood at a fraction of the cost, offering durability and style without breaking the bank.

Compare Quotes

Get multiple quotes from contractors to find the best price.

Don’t settle for the first option—take the time to evaluate costs and reviews.

Bundling multiple projects, like replacing several doors at once, can often lead to discounts.

Make Smart Choices

By planning ahead and prioritizing what matters most, you can cut unnecessary expenses while achieving the door of your dreams.

Small adjustments can lead to big savings!