How much does front door replacement cost?
How much does front door replacement cost?
$500 – $2,500+ total replacement cost (single door + installation)
$1,500 – $6,500+ total replacement cost (double doors + installation)
Average front door replacement cost
Front door replacement costs $500 to $2,500+ to install a basic single door the same size as your old door. Double door front entrance replacement costs $1,500 to $6,500+ for the doors and installation. The cost to replace an entry door depends on the door size, type, material, features, and installation complexity.
| Front door type | Replacement cost |
|---|---|
| Single | $500 – $2,500+ |
| Double | $1,500 – $6,500+ |
| Fire-rated | $450 – $1,100+ |
| Standard screen | $230 – $600+ |
| Security screen | $300 – $1,300+ |
| Storm | $400 – $1,100+ |
Single doors
A single front door replacement costs $500 to $2,500+ installed. This range covers basic steel doors, around $200 to $600, and higher-end wood or fiberglass doors up to $2,000. Larger sizes, custom designs, or complex replacements involving structural changes can further increase costs by hundreds more.
Combining your front door replacement with other projects can lower the individual project cost. Many contractors reduce the cost per door if you replace several doors at once or hire them for additional services at the same time.
Double doors
Double door installation costs $1,500 to $6,500+ to create a grand, welcoming entrance. The doors alone cost $1,200 to $5,000 on average for solid doors, depending on the size and material. Common widths for double front doors range from 5 to 8 feet.
Double front doors with glass and French front doors cost more than solid doors, especially those with specialty frosted, tinted, or decorative glass. The glass offers increased natural light but is less energy efficient if not properly insulated with double or triple-pane glass.
Fire-rated doors
Fire-rated doors cost $450 to $1,100+ installed and are designed to resist the spread of fire and smoke for a specified duration, making them a crucial safety feature for some homes. Prices depend on the fire rating (20 to 90 minutes) and the door material. Fire-rated doors are typically steel or wood.
Storm & screen doors
Replacing a front screen door costs $230 to $600 installed for a standard screen door or about $300 to $1,300+ installed for a heavy-duty model that provides ventilation and extra security. A storm door replacement costs $400 to $1,100 for continued protection from the elements. Higher-end materials or decorative designs increase costs.
Factors that affect the cost of replacing a front door
Several key factors influence the overall cost of exterior front door replacement:
Door type & quality: A basic single, builder-grade quality door costs much less than a custom-designed double-door entrance made from premium materials.
Door size: The additional labor and materials required for large and non-standard door sizes can add hundreds more to the cost.
Slab vs. prehung: Door slabs are cheaper but more labor-intensive than prehung doors. A slab door, as the name suggests, is the door slab alone with a hole cut for the doorknob and no frame or hardware. A prehung door is the most common type and comes attached to a frame.
Door frame: If you're keeping the existing framing and it's not in excellent condition, door frame repair costs can add $75 to $200+, depending on the issue. If you need to rebuild the existing door frame opening to accommodate the new door, costs range from $7 to $20 per linear foot for framing work.
Old door: Removing and disposing of the existing door typically adds $75 to $200. Some contractors include this in their initial estimate.
Location: Door replacement cost varies regionally due to differences in material costs, labor rates, and permit requirements.
Retailer: Buying a new door from retailers like Home Depot or Lowe's costs much less than buying one from a specialty door company like Pella or Marvin. Custom front door replacement through a specialty dealer can often exceed $10,000, even for a simple door.
Paint: Many new doors come unfinished. The cost to paint a front door ranges from $125 to $225 if you hire a professional. Painting the door and trim costs $150 to $400 for the materials and labor.
Some homeowners choose to paint their new door as a DIY project. This can lower the overall project cost while leaving the most challenging steps of front door replacement to the trained professionals.
Material costs
The front door material is a major cost driver, with prices ranging from $200 before labor for a basic steel single door to $5,000+ for a solid wood double-door entry with ornate designs. Doors with decorative glass typically cost $100 to $1,000+ more than solid door styles.
| Material | Single door price* | Double door price* | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | $200 – $600 | $1,200 – $4,000 |
|
| Fiberglass | $300 – $2,000 | $1,600 – $4,500 |
|
| Solid wood | $500 – $2,500 | $1,500 – $5,000 |
|
| Iron | $1,700 – $3,000+ | $3,000 – $6,000 |
|
*Prehung door price only. Installation not included.
The front door is typically one of the most used doors in a home, so look for a balance of quality, design, and durability within your budget.
Labor
The labor to replace a front door can range from less than $300 to more than $1,500, depending on the door type, installation complexity, and the professional you hire. Labor for a basic single-door replacement averages $300 to $500 for jobs with no framing issues or repairs.
Most front door replacements require a 2-person crew at minimum. Additional labor costs may apply if the replacement involves any structural modifications or changes:
Handyperson rates range from $50 to $80 per hour to replace a front door.
Framing carpenters charge $20 to $60 per hour to repair or replace door framing.
Specialty door installation companies typically charge $30 to $90 per hour.
Electrician rates average $50 and $130 per hour to reroute wiring.
Plumber rates average $75 to $150 per hour if any pipes need rerouting.
Drywall contractors charge $40 to $100 per hour or $2 to $6 per square foot to replace existing drywall.
Use a finish carpenter if the door replacement involves any framing or trim work. Finish carpenters are specially trained for the detail and precision of framing and fitting a door correctly.
Door parts & hardware
Besides the door slab itself, you may need to purchase other parts like hinges, locks, knobs, and jambs, depending on the door type, size, and desired features. Larger doors may require heavy-duty hinges, which increases the cost.
| Part | Average price (materials only) |
|---|---|
| Deadbolt | $15 – $45 |
| Handle or knob & lock sets | $50 – $300 |
| Hinges | $10 – $50 |
| Insulation / weatherstrip cost | $10 – $40 |
| Jambs | $70 – $200 |
| Kickplate | $20 – $50 |
| Smart lock | $100 – $500 |
| Threshold | $20 – $50 |
Prehung doors come as an almost complete package, with weatherstripping and hinges attached to a frame. However, these "ready to install" doors typically still require some additional hardware, like the door handle and lock.
Entry door features
Optional features can enhance aesthetics, functionality, and security, but they increase the overall replacement cost. Other common upgrades include:
| Feature | Average price* |
|---|---|
| Peephole | $20 – $50 |
| Internal miniblinds | $20 – $150 |
| Kickplate | $50 – $200 |
| Transom window | $200 – $1,000+ |
*Not including installation
Sidelights add $500 to $1,500+ per side for the materials and labor, depending on whether the job requires structural work.
An over-the-door awning costs $200 to $500 to install on average to provide shelter from the rain while unlocking the door.
Front door replacement FAQs
Should I replace my front door?
Consider replacing your front door if it's difficult to open and close, drafty, letting in excess light, showing signs of damage from weather exposure, or is 15+ years old. A new door can improve energy efficiency by 10% to 20%, enhance security, and boost a home's curb appeal.
Inspect your front door at least once a year for any signs of rot, damage, draftiness, or operation issues. Addressing small problems early can extend the door's useful life.
How long does it take to replace a front door?
Replacing a basic single front door with one of the same size typically takes 3 to 8 hours, depending on whether it's pre-hung or a slab door. More complex jobs like double doors or full frame replacements may take longer. Removing an existing door, repairing the frame, and adding sidelights or custom features increase the installation time as well.
A new front door also may need to be painted. This adds about 1 hour per side, with one day of dry time between sides.
Can you replace a front door without replacing the frame?
Yes, if the frame is still in good condition and the new door is the exact same size as the old door in length, height, width, and thickness, you can replace it without replacing the frame.
Can I replace my own front door?
Entry door installation is possible as a DIY project if you have experience with construction projects and the proper tools. However, hiring a professional is best, especially for complex installations like double doors, custom sizes, or if the existing frame needs modification to ensure proper fit and operation. Correct installation and alignment are key to a door's smooth operation and long lifespan.
Who replaces front doors?
Most general contractors, handypersons, home remodelers, carpenters, and specialized local door companies replace front doors. Always check their licenses, insurance, and experience before hiring. For basic single-door replacements, a qualified handyperson may be sufficient. For more complex projects, consider companies that specialize in door and entryway installations.
Getting estimates from door installation companies
Follow these guidelines when searching for a local front door company or finish carpenter near you:
Compare 3+ estimates with similar details from entry door installers who have been in business for at least 5 years.
Look for front door installers with consistently positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request a full breakdown of the cost including all materials, labor, any upgrades or customizations, and any taxes or additional fees.
Get a contract and warranty in writing before they begin the replacement.
Avoid extremely low estimates that can indicate a lack of quality or experience.
Don't pay in full until the installation is complete.
Questions to ask a door installer
Ask these questions when evaluating potential front door installers near you:
How long have you been doing door installations and replacements?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured for this work?
Do you give free in-person estimates?
Will you provide a written estimate and contract?
How soon can you get me on the schedule for a front door replacement?
How long do you expect the installation to take?
Do I need to replace the door frame as well?
What door material do you recommend for a front door in this area, and why?
Do you offer a payment plan? Is there a discount if I pay in full as soon as the job is complete?
Do you offer a guarantee or warranty? If so, how long is it, and what does it cover?
Does the estimate include all materials, labor, permit fees, and clean up after you finish the installation?
How will you protect my home during the installation?
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