How Much Does It Cost To Install An Exterior Door?

How much does installing an exterior front door cost?

Front door installation cost depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of door, frame or trim replacements, and fitting. Your cost will also increase if you’re paying to remove the original door. Homeowners typically spend roughly $1,100 on a new exterior door, but that cost can range anywhere from $400 to $1,700. The cost of the front door may vary wildly, with prices going from as little as $300 to as high as $5,000 and upwards. The average labor cost to remove and install an exterior door is roughly $500, depending on your needs.

Exterior door installation cost

The labor cost to install an exterior door is roughly $500, but that can range from $200 to $1,300 on average for replacing a door. If you want to turn a wall or window into a door, you can expect to add roughly $1,000 to $2,500 to that cost for a professional to frame and waterproof the new door. Labor generally costs between $40 to $90 per hour, with the average price landing around $70 per hour. Before you try to save on entry door installation costs, keep in mind that installing exterior doors is a skilled job, as it has to be flush to prevent drafts, weather, and bugs from entering.

How to measure a door

Before you order a door, remember the old adage of measure twice, cut once. Double-check your measurements before you If you’re doing a simple replacement of your door, you’ll want to know how large your original is before you purchase a new one. First, you’ll need to take the width of the door. This needs to be a straight line, so use the top or bottom of the door as a straight edge, then measure the height the same way. Check multiple spots on the door for both measurements, in case some areas have warped over time, and always take the smaller measurement. Don’t include any weatherstripping. Finally, for thickness, measure from your interior trim to your exterior trim. This will give you the numbers you need to replace your current door.

Inswing or outswing?

One of the factors when anticipating how much to install an exterior door is whether the door swings into the home (inswing) or outside of the home (outswing). The main difference between the two is where the hinges are located. Most people believe the hinges should remain inside the home, as it makes the door more secure. Inswing doors have far more options and can be purchased cheaper due to popularity. Outswing doors are secure and can be a great choice if you don’t have much room in the entryway.

Installing exterior door material costs

When it comes to exterior door installation, more can go into it than simply grabbing a new door and popping it in. A variety of components make up a door, and you’ll want to consider each of them in your costs.

For the door itself, most doors are 6’8” high and between 3’ to 6’ wide. If your door is not average, it may cost more to find one that fits. You’ll want to consider the following components:

Door frame cost

The frame connects your door to your home and can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 on average to replace. There are two types of materials you can choose from, wood or composite. Composite is more expensive but resists weather, mold, rot, and bugs far better than its wooden competitors. The frame, where you secure your hinges and latch, fits into the rough frame built into the home. If you wish to change the size of your door, you’ll need to change the framing, which requires consulting a structural engineer.

Door jamb cost

The door jamb utilizes two upright parts along your door frame, from which you hang your new door. You’ll have these on either side of the door, and they cost between $35 to $50.

Door hinges cost

Your door has two or three hinges. One part of each hinge is installed on the frame, and the other on the door. You connect the pieces to hold your door and ensure it swings smoothly. For a set of hinges, you can expect to pay between $10 to $20, but your cost may increase if you want something designer.

Door knobs and locks cost

The cost for a doorknob and lock can vary wildly, as there’s no shortage of choices available. Expect to pay anywhere between $20 to $200, or potentially higher, based on what you prefer. Simple bolt locks work well, but others prefer more elaborate options. The same goes for doorknobs, which can differ based on shape, style, finish, and material. Keyless locks are rising in popularity and are also an option.

Glass cost

Glass inserts can cost anywhere from $50 to $800, depending on what you’re looking for. The cost difference depends on several factors, including how many panes you want or whether the glass is toughened for security. You may need more insulation or soundproofing, or you may want distorted, frosted, etched, or stained glass.

Labor cost to install an exterior door

Expect labor costs to run between $40 to $90 per hour. A typical door takes roughly six to seven hours to install onto an existing frame. If you want to save labor costs, you can buy pre-hung doors. These come with the frame already attached and take a skilled laborer only two to three hours to install properly. If your rough frame or threshold requires maintenance or repair, your cost will increase. Buying a pre-hung door is a great way to save on costs.

Cost to install exterior door by type

You’ll find a variety of doors available to you. To save labor costs, various pre-hung options are available in each type. These pre-hung doors come with all the fixings attached, including the frame, door jamb, and hinges. They’re designed so you can easily install your own standard locks and doorknobs. A basic pre-hung door can cost between $100 to $150, but if you want a specific type, that price will change.

French doors cost

French doors cost between $400 to $4,000 to purchase and an extra $300 to $1,100 to install. There are a wide variety of options available, all of which offer an elegant touch to your home.

Security doors cost

Security doors offer peace of mind. They usually come with a steel frame and can range anywhere between $200 to $500, with an average of $300 for labor costs to install.

Doors with sidelights or side panels cost

Sidelights, or side panels, are the slim decorative spaces beside an exterior door. They look beautiful and can be part window, all window, or a variety of each. These can add an extra $500 to the total cost.

Double doors cost

Double doors look great and can be quite useful. They cost anywhere from $700 to $7,000, depending on the look, style, and complexity of the door. Labor can cost between $600 to $1,100.

Patio or sliding doors cost

For exterior sliding doors, expect to spend $550 to $4,500 on the door itself. If you need to add a larger wall opening or upgrade a single door to a double, expect to add up to $800 to that cost.

Multi-panel doors cost

Multi-panel doors are a series of panels that open up, creating an effect of removing an entire wall. These doors go up in cost depending on the panel and cost a minimum of $1,000.

Storm doors cost

Storm doors run between $100 and $600. They install over existing doors to provide extra shelter from the weather while maintaining visibility. Labor can cost between $250 to $1,000.

Screen doors cost

Screen doors attach to the exterior door frame and cost between $80 to $200. Labor can cost between $170 to $350. Screen doors are great for letting in the breeze, but not the bugs.

Door materials and prices

The material that makes up your door also is a factor in the door’s cost. Wood and aluminum tend to be the cheapest, while wrought iron is among the most expensive door materials available. Fiberglass doors tend to hold up the best for their price point. They’re cheaper on average than a composite door, and unlike wood, they’re resistant to rot and similar deterioration. Unlike steel, they don’t rust or show scratches easily. Each door comes with unique attributes, and you can see their prices listed below.

DIY vs Hire a Pro

Generally, it’s considered an intermediate to advanced DIY project to replace your exterior door, but only under specific conditions. Consider DIY if you’re replacing your current door with one of the same size or if you’re installing a pre-hung door as a replacement. This should take roughly two to three hours but may go a bit longer if you’re new to the job. For anything else, it’s recommended that you hire a professional to complete the task.

Doors seem pretty simple, but there’s close attention to detail and a high skill level involved in the installation. Labor costs for installing a door are relatively low compared to most renovation jobs. They’ll ensure your frame is level, your trim is pristine, and the door latches properly when closed. A professional will also be trained to spot problems surrounding the rough frame, should any exist that require attention.