How much does it cost to install an exterior or front door?
How much does it cost to install an exterior or front door?
The average cost to install an exterior door is $420 to $1,688. Front door replacement costs $505 to $1,898, and garage, side, and back door installations are $288 to $740 on average. Exterior door prices average $200 to $800, while labor costs to install an exterior door is $230 to $1,300.
$500 – $1,900 front door cost installed
$300 – $1,000 garage, side, or back door cost installed
The average cost to install an exterior door is $420 to $1,688. Front door replacement costs $505 to $1,898, and garage, side, and back door installations are $288 to $740 on average. Exterior door prices average $200 to $800, while labor costs to install an exterior door is $230 to $1,300.
Cost To Install Exterior Door
Exterior door installation costs $400 to $1,700. Exterior and front door prices vary drastically from $300 to $5,000 or more depending on the material, type, and labor. Different fees apply for slab vs. pre-hung doors, ironwork, sidelights, or glass panels.
Type | Average Cost Installed |
---|---|
Front Door | $500 – $1,900 |
Double Front Doors | $1,500 – $3,800 |
Front Door w/ Sidelights | $1,800 – $4,500 |
Custom Front Door | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Back or Side Door | $300 – $1,000 |
Security Door | $400 – $800 |
Storm Door | $270 – $1,000 |
Screen Door | $170 – $350 |
Common exterior door styles are single, French or double, sliding, folding, and patio doors which each give a unique look and feel. Door material choices are wood, fiberglass, steel, iron, or composite.
An exterior door:
Boosts a home's value and adds curb appeal.
Increases home security and protects from the weather.
There are thousands of door designs to choose from.
Upgrade with glass panels, mini-blinds, transoms, double doors, engraving, ironwork, or sidelights.
Takes 3 to 8 hours to install on average.
Consult with a door installer to get an accurate price quote, or read our guide below to see what type of door is best for your home and budget.
Average cost to install an exterior door
National Average Cost | $1,100 |
Minimum Cost | $280 |
Maximum Cost | $5,000 |
Average Range | $400 to $1,700 |
New Front Door Prices
Basic front door prices range from $100 to $600, while front doors with decorative glass panels or sidelights cost $700 to $4,100 on average. Door prices vary depending on the material (wood, fiberglass, steel, or iron), and whether the door is a single or double, slab or pre-hung, or has upgrades.
Material | Average Cost |
---|---|
Wood | $400 – $1,800 |
Fiberglass | $200 – $2,700 |
Steel | $100 – $1,000 |
Iron | $2,000 – $12,000 |
Wood + Sidelights | $1,200 – $4,100 |
Fiberglass + Sidelights | $700 – $3,800 |
Steel + Sidelights | $700 – $3,000 |
*Prices for door only. Excluding sidelight varieties unless mentioned.
The overall costs also depend on these feature:
Unique designs or glass work
Double doors
Engraving
Ironwork
Low-E or energy-efficient glass
Internal mini-blinds
Transoms
Sidelights
The front door is the most important and most used door in the house. Consider the pros and cons of each type below and compare the trade-offs between cost, quality, and design.
Wooden Front Doors Prices
Standard wooden front doors cost $400 to $800, while double doors or wooden doors with glass panels range from $1,200 to $4,100 on average. Solid wood doors provide excellent insulation, are easy to custom fit, come in various design styles, and have a beautiful wood-grain look.
Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
Standard | $400 – $800 |
Decorative & Glass | $600 – $1,800 |
Sidelights | $1,200 – $4,100 |
Double | $1,200 – $3,500 |
Wood is a sustainable material and will not rust. However, wood requires active maintenance and sealing to prevent warping and rot. Wood is also susceptible to pest damage, chipping, and natural deterioration over time.
Fiberglass Entry Doors Prices
Fiberglass entry doors cost $200 to $3,800 depending on the type and features. Fiberglass entry doors with sidelights cost $700 to $3,800 on average. Fiberglass doors provide excellent insulation, increased durability over wood, and are low-maintenance.
Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
Standard | $200 – $500 |
Decorative & Glass | $600 – $2,700 |
Sidelights | $700 – $3,800 |
Double | $1,400 – $3,200 |
Fiberglass doesn't rot, warp, crack, or deteriorate like wood doors, and doesn't corrode or rust like steel doors, making them suitable for a broader range of installations.
Steel Front Doors
Steel front doors cost $100 to $400 on average, while steel entry doors with sidelights and glasswork run $700 to $3,000. Steel doors are a good insulator, offers security strength, and are the most affordable option. However, steel doesn't look as appealing, dents and scratches easier, and can rust if not painted over quickly.
Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
Basic | $100 – $400 |
Fire-rated | $250 – $700 |
Decorative & Glass | $500 – $1,000 |
Sidelights | $700 – $3,000 |
Double | $950 – $2,800 |
Wrought Iron Front Doors
Wrought iron front doors cost $2,000 to $12,000 on average. Iron doors are expensive but come in a wide variety of styles, including double doors, decorative glass, sidelights, and transoms. Iron doors look elegant and typically come pre-hung ready to install.
Composite Entrance Doors
Composite exterior doors cost $200 to $2,400, or $500 to $3,000 for a complete installation. Composite doors are typically made of insulating materials housed between fiberglass panels and come in various colors that keep their appearance over time.
Composite doors are stronger than wood, energy-efficient, won't crack or warp, and are low maintenance. However, they can get pricey and are difficult to modify.
Entry Doors with Sidelights Prices
Entry doors with sidelights cost $1,200 to $3,500 on average or $500 to $2,500 more than a basic exterior door. Sidelights are slim glass panels installed to the left, right, or both sides of a door. Glass options are clear, decorated, or frosted, and are typically energy-efficient.
Sidelights are usually full lite or ½ lite—where the glass is only on the top portion. Sidelights that are glassless decorative panels are also available.
Material | Average Cost |
---|---|
Steel | $700 – $3,000 |
Fiberglass | $700 – $3,800 |
Wood | $1,200 – $4,100 |
Iron | $2,600 – $5,000 |
*Door prices only. Entry doors with sidelights cost twice as much to install as their basic counterparts.
Front Door With Sidelights & Transom
The average cost to replace a front door with sidelights and a transom is $1,700 to $3,600. Transoms can be purchased separately for $100 to $400 depending on the material and size. A transom is a horizontal window above the door and its sidelights, and is typically included with the door.
Custom Exterior Doors
Custom exterior doors typically cost between $1,500 and $20,000 or more depending on the degree of customization, materials, dimensions, shape, style, engraving, ironwork, windows, and hardware. Basic custom doors have few options, and hand-built doors may have with unique engraving and carving.
Style | Average Cost |
---|---|
Basic | $1,500 – $5,000 |
Hand-built | $5,000 – $20,000 |
New Back Door Cost
A new back door costs $300 to $1,000 to replace on average, depending on the material and type. Back doors cost $150 to $300 and are typically made of steel, composite wood, or fiberglass. Back doors are usually basic without windows, sidelights, or design features, and are cheaper than front doors.
Type | Materials | Labor | Total Install |
---|---|---|---|
Basic Wood & Steel | $150 – $300 | $130 – $280 | $280 – $580 |
French Wood | $250 – $340 | $200 – $400 | $450 – $740 |
French Steel | $340 – $570 | $200 – $400 | $540 – $970 |
Dutch | $520 – $780 | $180 – $300 | $700 – $1,080 |
Cost To Install Pre-Hung Exterior Door
The average cost to install a pre-hung exterior door is $440 to $1,800, depending on the material and quality of the door. Installing an exterior slab door costs $400 to $1,700 on average. Pre-hung doors are priced higher than a slab, but installation costs are lower since they install faster.
Pre-hung doors come pre-built in its frame and sometimes with all the hardware, while the framing and hardware for slab doors must be bought and installed separately. Pre-hung doors are more popular and ensure the door works flawlessly.
Item | Pre-hung | Slab |
---|---|---|
Install Time | 2 – 4 hours | 3 – 8 hours |
Materials | $200 – $1,400 | $100 – $900 |
Labor | $220 – $400 | $300 – $800 |
Total Installed | $440 – $1,800 | $400 – $1,700 |
Exterior or Front Door Installation Cost
Exterior door installation prices vary by type, material, size, design features, upgrades, and labor. Also, the function and purpose of the door will dictate the overall replacement costs.
Type | Material | Labor | Total |
---|---|---|---|
French | $250 – $4,500 | $300 – $1,100 | $550 – $5,600 |
Security | $120 – $2,300 | $170 – $380 | $290 – $2,680 |
Double | $400 – $8,000 | $600 – $1,100 | $1,000 – $9,100 |
Sliding Glass | $550 – $4,500 | $400 – $1,100 | $950 – $5,600 |
Storm | $100 – $600 | $80 – $300 | $180 – $900 |
Screen | $80 – $200 | $90 – $150 | $170 – $350 |
Patio | $300 – $5,100 | $400 – $1,100 | $700 – $6,200 |
Fire-Rated Steel | $200 – $600 | $250 – $500 | $450 – $1,100 |
Accordion or Folding Glass | $2,500 – $10,000+ | $600 – $2,500 | $3,100 – $12,500+ |
Multi-Slide or Telescoping | $4,500 – $15,000+ | $600 – $2,500 | $5,100 – $17,500+ |
Exterior French Doors
Exterior French doors cost $250 to $4,500 with an additional $300 to $1,100 in labor fees to install. Prices vary considerably depending on the material and design options. French doors can be used for both interior and exterior and have a full-view glass panel from top to bottom.
French doors can be single or double and are elegant to use for a back door that connects to a patio or porch. The addition of glass separates French doors from double doors. Plus, French doors are typically not as wide as double doors.
Exterior Folding & Accordion Doors
Exterior accordion and folding glass doors cost $5,000 to $20,000 to install, or $800 to $1,500 per linear foot depending on the size of the door and whether it's a multi-panel folding or multi-slide telescoping panels. Costs may increase if the opening has to be cut or expanded into the wall.
Folding or telescoping panels are an expensive, high-end, and modern design. These doors act as a removable and transparent wall. Doors either slide past each other on multiple tracks or fold like an accordion, and can be custom-built to extend as far as required.
Security Door Installation Cost
Security door installation costs $400 to $800 on average, depending on the quality, materials, and labor.
Security doors with steel frames and a mesh screen range from $120 to $2,300.
Homeowners spend $200 to $500 for just the door and $300 on labor.
Entry-level security doors act as a visible deterrent which can be seen from the street, and high-end security doors blend with the door look like a wrought iron feature.
Double Front Doors Cost
The average cost of double front doors is $1,500 to $5,000 installed. Double door prices range from $400 to $8,000 depending on the quality, style, and materials with labor adding $600 to $1,100. Low-end styles are steel or composite with no windows, while high-end doors include unique designs, glass, and made with wood, fiberglass, or iron.
Exterior Sliding Glass Doors
Exterior sliding glass doors cost $900 to $3,500 on average to install. Door prices alone are $550 to $4,500 depending on the materials, the number of panels, and the type such as French, barn, or pocket.
Add $400 to $800 to create a larger wall opening or when replacing a single door with a double.
Sliding doors typically come in sizes ranging from 5' to 12' wide in two or three-panel configurations. These doors are common for patios and require no floor space to open fully. Some include Low-E or argon-filled glass for energy-efficiency and options for blinds between the glass.
Exterior Pocket Doors
Exterior pocket doors cost $13,000 to $26,000 to install, or $1,000 to $1,500 per linear foot when building a custom size. These expansive doors typically start with three sections of sliding glass that fit into your wall.
Retrofitting pocket doors to a home with traditional doors could also incur additional costs—from opening up the wall to creating a new wall façade around the pocket that the doors slide into.
Storm Door Cost
Storm door installation costs $270 to $1,000 on average, while the door itself runs $100 to $600. Costs depend on the materials, size, glass, style, and hardware. Storm doors are available in mid, high, and full-view varieties, which may include pet entries, energy-efficient glass, retractable screens, or more.
Storm doors install over your existing door, which provides extra insulation, enhanced security from a second lock, blocks rain and temperature extremes, and enables airflow management while allowing you to see outside.
Screen Door Cost
Screen doors cost $80 to $200 on average, with most homeowners spending $170 to $350 for a complete installation. Screen doors mount directly to the exterior door jamb and provide a cost-effective way to prevent insects from entering the home while letting fresh air in.
Screen doors are cheaper than storm doors and are popular additions to patios and front doors, depending on where you live. Most come as a wooden or aluminum frame with a mesh insert and sliding window.
Patio Doors
Patio doors cost between $300 and $5,100, with the average homeowner spending $700 to $3,000 for a complete installation. Patio doors come in a wide variety of single or double door designs. Look for argon-filled or Low-E glass for energy-efficiency or operable blinds built between two panes of glass.
Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
Single | $300 – $2,700 |
Double | $460 – $4,200 |
Argon-filled Glass | $760 – $4,200 |
Low-E Glass & Built-in Blinds | $650 – $2,500 |
Fire-Rated Exterior Door
Wood or steel fire-rated exterior doors cost $190 to $520 on average, or $450 to $1,100 installed. Each door carries a fire-resistance rating between 20 minutes and 4 hours. The frame and hardware must also be fire resistant and typically include self-closing hinges.
Building codes require adding a fire-door between the garage and the house to enhance safety. Some fire doors are connected to the home's fire alarm system and close automatically during a fire.
Double-Glazed Front Door Cost
A double-glazed or double-pane front door costs $400 to $5,000 depending on the quality, amount of glass, and materials used.
Entry-level wood doors with glass panels or sidelights start at $400.
High-end doors cost $2,700 to $4,900 installed.
These doors come in various styles, such as surrounded by decorative ironwork.
Labor Cost To Install Exterior Door
The labor cost to install an exterior door ranges from $230 to $1,300 on average, depending on the type and size of the door. Installing a new door into a wall or converting a window adds $1,000 to $2,500 or more depending on the size.
Door Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
Exterior Garage, Side, or Back | $230 – $800 |
Front Door | $280 – $1,300 |
Screen or Storm | $100 – $300 |
Sliding Pocket | $1,800 – $2,700 |
*Costs to install a door into an existing opening, such as a replacement or new construction. Not including the door or framing.
Cost factors for installing a new exterior door in a wall:
Structural Integrity – Permits are required when cutting a doorway in an exterior wall or when converting a window to a door. A structural engineer charges $100 to $220 per hour to make sure the structural integrity of the home stays intact and draws up plans for the contractor.
Framing – Exterior door framing costs $7 to $20 per linear foot depending on the material, size, and if installing a load-bearing header.
Waterproofing – Exterior doors require sealing, flashing, and waterproofing membranes, which cost $100 to $200 on average. Additional weather stripping and weatherboard to keep moisture out runs $10 to $40.
Old Door Removal & Disposal – Most professionals will remove the old door for free but charge $40+ to dispose of it.
Hardware & Extras – Upgrading locksets, deadbolts, handles, painting the new door, or adding a pet door incurs additional costs.
Cost To Install Exterior Door In Wall
The average cost to install an exterior door in a wall is $1,400 to $3,500. Prices include permits, a structural engineer’s plans, cutting a door opening in an exterior wall, framing, and installing a new door.
Additional charges up to $1,200 may apply for brick walls or rerouting plumbing and electrical.
Item | Average Cost |
---|---|
Permits & Structural Engineer’s Plans | $550 – $780 |
Cutting A Door Opening In Wall | $400 – $800 |
Framing The New Opening | $230 – $600 |
Installing New Door | $230 – $1,300 |
Total Cost | $1,410 – $3,480 |
Cost To Convert A Window Into A Door
Turning a window into a door costs $500 to $2,000 on average, or $1,200 to $5,000 to convert a window into French or double doors.
You’ll also spend $550 to $780 on building permits and structural engineer’s plans.
Cost to Move or Close Off an Exterior Door
Moving and closing off an exterior door costs $1,700 to $4,100 on average. This involves removing the old door, closing up the opening, cutting a new opening, framing, and installing a new door.
Adding steps, getting permits, or a structural engineer’s plans add $500 to $2,000 to your project.
Step | Average Cost |
---|---|
Permits & Structural Engineer’s Plans | $550 – $780 |
Removing Existing Door | $70 – $260 |
Framing & Sealing Existing Opening | $250 – $500 |
Cutting An Opening For New Door | $400 – $650 |
Framing The New Opening | $230 – $600 |
Installing New Door | $230 – $1,300 |
Total Cost | $1,730 – $4,090 |
Cost to Add a Service Door to a Garage
The average cost to add a side-entry or service door to a garage is $600 and $2,500, depending on if it involves creating an opening in the wall. Adding a steel fire door to an existing opening between the garage and the house costs $700 and $1,100. Prices depend on the materials, quality of the door, and extent of labor.
Installing A Walkout Basement Door
Installing a walkout basement door costs $1,500 to $5,000 if the opening already exists, and $2,200 to $10,000 if the wall must be opened up. Prices depend on the level of digging and cutting, framing, materials, and labor.
Glass Views, Sidelights & Types
Glass in doors comes in different configurations and views based on the size of the glass and it's placement. The type of glass selected determines the overall design and energy-efficiency.
View | Description |
---|---|
Mid-View or ¾-View | Typically 1 to 2 glass panels covering 3/4 of the door, excluding the bottom. Comes in various shapes and styles. |
Half-view or High-View | Solid on the bottom half, featuring 1 or 2 glass panels at the top. Common for front doors. |
Full-View | Features a narrow frame around the perimeter with a full-length glass panel (1 to 15 panes) covering the entire door. Most common with 1 to 2 panes and popular for storm doors. |
Modern-View | Modern doors have various number of glass panels in distinct patterns. Such as three glass squares or a single glass pane running from top to bottom in a curved or straight fashion. |
Sidelights
Glass panels are called lites, and they come in a variety of shapes, including square, rectangle, circular, half-circle, oval, and arched top. Sidelights are typically ½” to 1” thick.
Sidelight | Description |
---|---|
Full Lite | Full panel running top to bottom, with 6” border on the top and sides and 8” to 12” on the bottom. |
¾ Lite | Starting 6” from the top and goes to 18” below the middle of the door, allowing for wood panels (leafs) or other decorative features in the lower ¼ of the door. |
½ Lite | Beginning at around 6” from the top, this lite will go to the middle of the door. |
¼ Lite | Begins around 6” from the top and goes down halfway to the middle of the door. |
Toplite | Toplites typically have a height of 8” to 10”, and are rectangular, round top, or elliptical, and are set into a transom above the door. |
Sidelights | Sidelights are glass panels on one or both sides of the door. Standard sizes include a full lite or a half lite 8” to 22” wide. |
Door lite inserts can also be added to an existing door, available as framed to install new or unframed for replacement. Plain lite inserts cost $50 to $800 for a handcrafted, decorative, unframed, full lite.
Type of Glass
The kind of glass in your door determines it's energy-efficiency, look, and security. Glass comes in a single, double, or triple pane, and may include Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glass to block heat transfer and conserve energy. Some even include operable mini-blinds that are built within the panes.
Type | Description |
---|---|
Clear or Etched | Plain glass or etched patterns and designs. |
Frosted | Frosted or sandblasted glass is translucent, letting in some light while giving you privacy. |
Stained & Decorative | Stained, pressed, or glue chip glass adds ornate elements, colors, or random patterns. |
Energy-Efficient | Energy-efficient glass is double or triple pane and may include Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glass to block heat transfer and conserve energy. |
Where To Buy Exterior Doors?
Exterior doors are available to buy at local home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sears, and online like Amazon. Other places such as local dealers, showrooms, and contractors’ suppliers are often given substantial discounts which they pass on to you.
Before purchasing a new door, consult with a professional to measure the entry and evaluate the door frame to see what material is best for you.
Brand | Authorized Dealers |
---|---|
Pella | View Dealers |
Simpson | View Dealers |
Jeld Wen | View Dealers |
Masonite | View Dealers |
Andersen | View Dealers |
Therma Tru | View Dealers |
Pella Doors Prices
Pella Doors prices are $960 to $9,200 for their entry doors, $400 to $2,200 for the patio or sliding doors, and $250 to $390 for their storm and screen doors. Cost depends on the material, type, and construction series.
Door Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
Storm & Screen | $250 – $390 |
Patio | $400 – $1,500 |
Sliding | $760 – $2,200 |
Entry | $960 – $9,200 |
Architect Series: Wood or fiberglass
Pella Entry Door Series: Fiberglass or steel
Encompass Series: Fiberglass or steel
Simpson Entry Door Prices
Simpson entry doors cost $400 to $1,500 depending on if it's single or double doors, and whether it has sidelights. Simpson exterior doors come in multiple wood choices and styles, including colonial, Victorian, contemporary, traditional, and southwestern. Glass and sidelights are optional in each style.
Jeld Wen Door Prices
The cost of Jeld Wen doors ranges from $500 to $1,000 for fiberglass, $250 to $1,400 for steel, and $600 to $1,600 for wood. Jen Weld’s largest distribution to consumers is through Home Depot and Lowe’s. They offer interior, patio, and exterior doors ranging from 30” to 37” wide.
Doors are available in all-panel, glass-panel, and Dutch styles and made from fiberglass, wood, and steel.
Wood door choices include alder, cherry, mahogany, multi-wood, oak, walnut, hemlock, and meranti mahogany.
Exterior Door Repair Costs
Exterior door repair costs $100 to $300 on average, depending on the extent of the damage. Exterior doors of all qualities require maintenance and repair to keep them performing their best. Common repairs include the handles, locks, hinges, door surface, jamb or trim, insulation, or framing.
Repair | Average Cost |
---|---|
Door Slab | $30 – $300 |
Door Frame | $7 – $20 per linear foot |
Door Jamb | $7 – $15 per linear foot |
Casing and Trim | $2 – $4 per linear foot |
Door Hinges | $10 – $80 |
Door Stops / Plates | $5 – $15 |
Hardware and Locks | $10 – $200 |
Weather Stripping | $10 – $40 |
*Repairs may include a $30 to $100 service fee depending on the size of the job.
Steel requires dents and scratches to be painted over before they rust.
Wood occasionally requires painting or varnishing to provide a high-end look and prevent warping or rotting.
Fiberglass can be painted or stained. These doors can crack under pressure but are typically dent-resistant.
Squeaky doors require lubricant, WD-40, or plumber's grease on the hinges.
Proper insulation may require replacing the weather stripping or adding a weatherboard to prevent water from leaking through the frame base.
Door painting costs $75 to $225, depending on the type.
Exterior door installation FAQs
What Is the Average Entry Door Size?
The standard size of entry and front doors range from 30 to 36 inches in width by 80 inches in height. The standard thickness is 1 ¾ inches.
How Long Does It Take to Install An Exterior Door?
A standard-size pre-hung exterior door takes 2 to 4 hours to install, while front door replacement takes 3 to 8 hours on average. Installing oversized doors, or doors with sidelights takes an additional 2 to 3 hours.
How Much Does Front Door Replacement Cost?
Front door replacement costs $500 to $2,500+ on average, with most homeowners spending $1,400 installed. Prices depends on if it's steel, fiberglass, or wood, if it's pre-hung or slab, the hardware, and any add-ons such as glass, sidelights, or transoms.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Smart Door Lock?
Electronic or smart door locks cost $160 to $600 to install or come pre-installed with new home security systems. New smart locks use Bluetooth, WiFi, and an electronic keypad that can be operated by Android, Apple, and Alexa devices.
How Much Does It Cost to Close Up an Exterior Door?
Closing up an exterior door costs $30 to $60 per square foot and involves framing in a wall, adding insulation, replacing the siding, fixing any electrical work, and installing drywall.
What Is the Best Exterior Door for Direct Sunlight?
The best exterior door for direct sunlight is a fiberglass or steel door, as these are more energy-efficient and provide better insulation over wooden doors. Wood ages quickly when faced with constant sun, which limits their warranty.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Internal Doors?
Interior door installation costs $226 to $824 on average. New bedroom doors cost $155 to $688, and sliding closet or French doors are $383 to $1,711.
Hiring An Exterior Door Installer
Installing an exterior door DIY is a difficult task and requires the knowledge and carpentry skills of a professional door installer or handyman. Tools required are a drill, screwdrivers, shims, caulk, paint, weather stripping, and insulation.
Exterior doors need to be well insulated from the weather and perfectly aligned to provide proper security. Improper installation can lead to mold and rot over time.
Before hiring a pro, be sure to:
Ask friends, family, and neighbors for references or compare pros on HomeGuide.
Get at least 3 price estimates.
Verify reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Never pay upfront, and avoid paying in cash.