Average door repair cost in 2026

Door repair costs $132 to $372 on average, with most homeowners paying around $239 for a typical repair. Simple fixes like tightening loose hinges or filling small holes can cost as little as $50, while major structural work such as door frame alterations can reach $700 or more. Your final price depends on the door material, type of damage, and whether you need parts replaced.

Cost measure	Amount
National average	$239
Typical range	$132 – $372
Low end	$50
High end	$700+
Average hourly rate	$38 – $80

These figures cover both interior and exterior doors and include labor, materials, and minor hardware. Garage door repairs fall into a separate category and tend to cost more due to specialized components like springs, cables, and motors.

Factors that affect door repair costs

No two door repairs are the same. A quick hinge adjustment costs a fraction of what a full frame rebuild runs. Understanding the main cost drivers helps you budget accurately before calling a professional.

Cost factor	Impact on price
Labor	70% – 90% of total cost
Materials	10% – 25% of total cost
Disposal fees	Up to $20 per door
Door material	Heavier/specialty materials cost more
Door type	Exterior doors cost more than interior
Severity of damage	Structural repairs exceed cosmetic fixes
Location	Higher cost of living raises labor rates

Labor vs. materials breakdown

Labor accounts for 70% to 90% of the total bill on most door repairs. The actual hardware and supplies are usually affordable; it's the time and skill required that drive costs up. A job that takes two hours versus thirty minutes can double or triple the final invoice.

Materials typically make up 10% to 25% of the total. A basic hinge replacement might only add $5 to $20 in parts, while a high-end smart lock or decorative knob could contribute $50 to $300.

Disposal fees

If the technician needs to haul away broken pieces or an entire replaced door, expect a disposal fee of up to $20. This amount increases if you're repairing or replacing multiple doors in one visit.

Severity of damage

Minor cosmetic damage like small dents, scratches, or squeaky hinges sits at the low end of the price range. Structural issues, including cracked frames, rotted wood, or misaligned jambs, require more time and specialty materials, pushing costs toward the higher end.

Door repair cost by material

The material your door is made from significantly affects repair pricing. Lightweight materials like hollow-core panels are quick and inexpensive to fix, while heavy or specialty materials like solid oak, glass, and wrought iron demand more labor and specialized tools.

Door material	Average repair cost
Hollow-core door	$75 – $250
Vinyl or aluminum door	$85 – $275
Wood door	$100 – $500
Steel door	$100 – $300
Glass door	$120 – $600
Fiberglass door	$150 – $500
Iron or wrought iron door	$200 – $500
Solid oak with beveled glass	$1,000+

Hollow-core doors

Hollow-core doors are the least expensive to repair at $75 to $250. Made from thin wood veneers over a paperboard or plastic core, they're lightweight and easy to work with. Common repairs include patching holes and fixing warped edges.

Wood doors

Solid wood door repairs cost $100 to $500 depending on the extent of damage. Repairs may involve sanding, filling cracks, treating rot, sealing, or refinishing. Hardwood species like oak or mahogany sit at the upper end because they require more careful workmanship and matching stains.

Glass doors

Glass door repairs range from $120 to $600, though costs can exceed $1,000 if tempered safety glass panels need full replacement. Larger glass doors, such as patio sliders, increase both material and labor costs substantially.

Steel and iron doors

Steel door repairs typically run $100 to $300 and may include dent removal, rust treatment, or insulation fixes. Wrought iron doors cost $200 to $500 or more due to their weight and the welding or rust mitigation work they often require.

Fiberglass doors

Fiberglass repairs cost $150 to $500. These doors are durable but can crack or fade over time. Repairs often involve patching, refinishing, and color matching to restore a seamless appearance.

Door repair cost by type

Where the door is located and how it operates play a major role in repair costs. Exterior doors cost more than interior doors because they use heavier materials, better hardware, and weatherproofing components.

Door type	Average repair cost
Interior door	$100 – $300
Exterior/entry door	$150 – $400
Sliding door	$100 – $350
French door	$150 – $400
Pocket door	$150 – $450
Storm door	$100 – $300
Screen door	$75 – $200
Garage door	$150 – $1,000+

Interior doors

Interior door repairs average $100 to $300. These doors are typically hollow-core or lightweight solid-core, making them easier and cheaper to fix. However, if trim work, wall repairs, plastering, and painting are also needed, costs can climb to match exterior door prices.

Exterior and entry doors

Exterior door repairs run $150 to $400 including parts and labor. These doors use premium materials, heavy-duty hinges, weatherstripping, and high-security locksets, all of which increase repair complexity. According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report, replacing your old front door can provide a return on investment of around 65% at resale.

Sliding and patio doors

Sliding door repairs typically involve tracks, rollers, or alignment issues, costing $100 to $350. These doors are often larger and heavier than standard swing doors, which increases labor time. Roller replacements alone are relatively affordable, but full track rebuilds add significant cost.

Pocket doors

Pocket doors slide into the wall cavity, making repairs more complex. Accessing hidden tracks and rollers often requires opening the wall, which pushes costs to $150 to $450. Learn more about fixing a pocket door and the factors that affect pricing.

Garage doors

Garage door repairs are the most expensive category, ranging from $150 to over $1,000. Simple dent or mechanical fixes start around $150. Opener repairs average $50 to $325, while spring replacement costs $150 to $500. Full garage door installation runs $500 to $9,000.

Common door repairs and their costs

Most door repairs fall into a handful of common categories. Here's what you can expect to pay for the most frequent issues homeowners encounter.

Repair type	Estimated cost
Hinge replacement or repair	$50 – $150
Door knob/handle replacement	$50 – $200
Lock repair or replacement	$75 – $300
Hole or dent patching	$50 – $200
Sticking/swollen door adjustment	$75 – $200
Door frame repair	$100 – $325
Door frame replacement	$150 – $500
Weatherstripping replacement	$50 – $150
Sliding door roller replacement	$75 – $250
Locksmith service	$75 – $200

Hinge and hardware repairs

Fixing or replacing a door hinge costs $50 to $150, with the hinge itself running only $5 to $20. Most of the expense comes from labor. Sagging hinges are one of the most common door problems and can cause misalignment, sticking, and latch issues.

Lock and knob repairs

Replacing a standard door knob costs $50 to $200, while lock repairs or locksmith services run $75 to $300. Smart locks and high-end decorative hardware push material costs toward the upper end of these ranges.

Door frame repairs

Door frame repairs cost $100 to $325 and typically require a carpenter charging $25 to $75 per hour. The work usually takes four to eight hours depending on how much wood is damaged. If the entire frame needs replacing, expect to pay $150 to $500.

Hole and dent patching

Patching holes and dents in doors is one of the most affordable repairs at $50 to $200. Hollow-core doors with punch-through damage can often be filled and refinished quickly. Solid wood doors with deep gouges may require more extensive work.

Labor costs for door repair

Handyman and door repair professionals typically charge $38 to $80 per hour, depending on their experience level and your location. Most door repairs take one to three hours, making the labor portion of a typical job $75 to $240.

Professional type	Hourly rate
Handyman	$40 – $80
Carpenter (for frame work)	$25 – $75
Locksmith	$50 – $100
Door specialist	$50 – $90

Many professionals charge a minimum service fee covering one to two hours of work, even for quick fixes. If you have multiple door issues, scheduling them in a single visit helps you get the most value from that minimum charge.

Door repair costs by location

Where you live significantly impacts what you'll pay. Cities with a higher cost of living tend to have higher labor rates. Below are average hourly rates and typical project totals from major U.S. metros.

City	Average hourly rate	Average project total
New York City	$64	$157
Washington, D.C.	$66	$182
Boston	$65	$181
San Francisco Bay Area	$58	$176
Seattle	$53	$164
Austin	$55	$150
Chicago	$53	$149
Miami	$51	$150
Los Angeles	$46	$131
Denver	$49	$126

Washington, D.C. and Boston tend to be the most expensive markets, with average project totals of $182 and $181 respectively. Denver and Los Angeles fall on the lower end at $126 and $131. For a more precise estimate, get two to three quotes from local professionals.

DIY vs. hiring a professional

Some door repairs are straightforward enough for a confident homeowner, while others require professional tools and expertise. Choosing the right approach can save you money or prevent costly mistakes.

Repair	DIY feasibility	Professional recommended?
Tightening loose hinges	Easy	No
Replacing a door knob	Easy	No
Lubricating squeaky hinges	Easy	No
Patching small holes	Moderate	Optional
Adjusting a sticking door	Moderate	Optional
Replacing weatherstripping	Moderate	Optional
Door frame repair	Difficult	Yes
Lock or deadbolt replacement	Moderate	Recommended
Hanging a new door	Difficult	Yes
Garage door spring replacement	Dangerous	Always

Simple tasks like tightening screws, replacing knobs, or applying lubricant cost virtually nothing in materials and require only basic tools. Patching holes in hollow-core doors is also manageable with a repair kit costing $10 to $30.

For frame repairs, door hanging, and anything involving garage door springs, hiring a professional is strongly recommended. Accurately hanging a door requires precision, and DIY attempts often lead to misalignment that worsens over time.

How to save money on door repair

Door repairs are already among the more affordable home maintenance projects, but a few strategies can help reduce costs further.

• Bundle multiple repairs. If you have several doors or other small fixes, schedule them in one visit to maximize the professional's minimum service charge.
• Hire a handyman. For non-specialty repairs, a handyman at $40 to $80 per hour is often more affordable than a specialized contractor.
• Check your warranty. Newer doors, especially garage doors and premium entry doors, may still be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
• Get multiple quotes. Always request two to three estimates to compare pricing and ensure fair rates in your area.
• Consider replacement for cheap doors. If you have an inexpensive hollow-core door with significant damage, replacing it entirely for $200 to $500 may cost less than extensive repairs.
• Handle simple fixes yourself. Tightening hinges, lubricating squeaky hardware, and replacing basic knobs are easy DIY tasks that require minimal investment.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to repair a door?

Most homeowners pay $132 to $372 for door repair, with an average of $239. Simple repairs like hinge adjustments or hole filling start at $50, while major frame work can reach $700 or more.

When should I replace a door instead of repairing it?

Replacement makes more sense when repair costs approach or exceed 50% of a new door's price. For inexpensive interior doors costing $200 to $500 to replace, extensive repairs may not be worth the investment. Exterior door replacement also offers a solid return on investment at resale.

How much does door frame repair cost?

Door frame repair costs $100 to $325 depending on the extent of damage. Full frame replacement runs $150 to $500. A carpenter typically charges $25 to $75 per hour, and these jobs usually take four to eight hours.

Who should I hire to fix a door?

A handyman can handle most standard door repairs, including hinge adjustments, knob replacements, and minor frame work. For complex frame reconstruction, hire a carpenter. For lock issues, call a locksmith. Garage door repairs should always go to a specialized garage door technician.

How long does a door repair take?

Most door repairs take one to three hours. Simple fixes like hinge tightening or knob replacement may take under an hour. Frame repairs, door re-hanging, and structural work can take four to eight hours or longer.

Are exterior door repairs more expensive than interior?

Yes. Exterior door repairs average $150 to $400, while interior door repairs cost $100 to $300. Exterior doors use heavier materials, more complex hardware, weatherproofing, and higher-security locks, all of which increase repair costs.