Exterior Door Installation Cost by Type
Exterior doors come in many different styles. They can be installed in the front or side of your home to allow entry. They can also be installed on the back of your home for patio, deck, or lanai access. This means you have many styles, from sliding patio doors to security. You also have a range of styles and materials within each type to consider, such as French doors to enter a patio versus bi-folding. They can also range in costs depending on the material and size, so each type has a range of costs for purchase and installation. Below are the various types and their costs.
| Type | Average Costs (Materials Only) | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Pre-Hung | $300 - $2,000 | $500 - $4,000 |
| Security | $400 - $3,000 | $600 - $5,000 |
| Pocket | $400 - $2,000 | $1,000 - $4,000 |
| Double | $800 - $4,000 | $1,200 - $6,000 |
| French | $1,000 - $4,000 | $1,250 - $4,500 |
| Sliding | $300 - $1,600 | $1,400 - $4,000 |
| Custom | $2,000 - $20,000 | $2,500 - $24,000 |
| Bi-Folding | $3,600 - $15,000 | $4,000 - $17,000 |
| Accordion | $3,600 - $15,000 | $4,000 - $17,000 |
Cost to Install a Pre-Hung Exterior Door
Pre-hung exterior doors cost between $300 and $2,000, depending on the material. Installed, they cost between $500 and $4,000. They are the most common type. Pre-hung means that it comes hinged and framed. This designation separates doors from “slab doors,” which can be installed in an existing frame but do not come hinged. They are available in wood, steel, and fiberglass, and many can also come framed with side panels, windows, and other accessories and additions.
Front Security Door Price
Security doors range between $400 and $3,000 each. They average $600 to $5,000 installed. They are harder, more durable, and more secure exterior doors. They are usually pre-hung, and they come in various styles and materials. Often, you cannot tell that you are looking at security doors because they can be indistinguishable at first glance. They are usually thicker and heavier than standard ones. They may also use more specialized hardware for installation and locking.
Exterior Pocket Door
Exterior pocket doors cost $400 to $2,000. Installed, they range from $1,000 to $4,000, with costs depending on whether this is new construction or a retrofit. They are a unique type of sliding style. Rather than sliding along a track to cover a wall or a stationary panel, they slide into the wall. This saves space and creates an accessible opening. Installation is difficult in a retrofit because the walls may need to be fully opened to install the track. They can be difficult to insulate because they do not fit as tightly. It is recommended that you install insulation beneath your siding to help keep energy costs down.
Double Front Door Installation Cost
Double front exterior doors average $800 to $4,000. They cost $1,200 to $6,000 installed. If you want to boost your curb appeal, consider installing this type. They lock into another without a center frame or stile. They may also lock at the top and bottom of each one for added security. You can open one at a time or both to widen your entryway as needed. They can be highly decorative and may also have side panels for glass or other details. You need additional hardware to operate them, increasing costs.
Exterior French Door Installation Cost
Exterior French doors cost $1,000 to $4,000. Installed, they average $1,250 to $4,500. They make a beautiful statement wherever they are installed. These are a set of double, paned glass doors that can be opened singly or together. They often lead to patios or decks and make an attractive alternative to basic sliding doors. They are easier to use than some sliding ones because there is no track, and they can both open at once. They are also available in other styles, including sliding, but this is not as common as the traditional two-door style.
Cost to Install an Exterior Sliding Glass Door
Exterior sliding doors range from $300 to $1,600. They average $1,400 to $4,000 installed. They are a great choice for doors adjoining patios, decks, and other recreational outdoor spaces. They are also a good choice if you have a nice view or want to create an indoor/outdoor living space. They are typically made of glass but can be made of other materials as well. Their frames may also be made of a range of materials, including vinyl, fiberglass, metal, or aluminum. One of them is meant to slide past the other, and the other remains stationary, making this a type of bypass door.
Custom Exterior Doors
The cost of custom exterior doors ranges from $2,000 to $20,000. Installed, they cost $2,500 to $24,000. Not all types are available custom. However, some types of wood entry, bi-fold, and accordion doors are available as custom options. They are generally priced by the square linear foot rather than the door. They can be used for unconventional sizes or to create a unique appearance for the area.
Bi-Folding
The cost of bi-folding exterior doors is $3,600 to $15,000. Installed, they range from $4,000 to $17,000. Most of them are made to order, depending on the opening size. They are priced by the square linear foot, with costs starting at around $700 to $1,500 per foot. They are a newer style for home entry. They are most commonly used with patios, decks, and any area to create an indoor/outdoor living area. They fold up along a track, so they open farther than sliding doors and use less space than French. They are very modern and, when open, appear to be a floor-to-ceiling window wall.
Accordion Doors Exterior Cost
The cost of accordion exterior doors is $3,600 to $15,000. Installed, they average $4,000 to $17,000. Most of them are made to order, depending on the opening size. They are priced by the square linear foot, with costs starting at around $700 to $1,500 per foot. They are bi-folding on the exterior. While some interior doors can collapse like an accordion, this particular style does not work on the exterior because the folding material is not secure. Exterior bi-fold or exterior accordion doors fold up into sections when open. You can open up a small portion of the wall or the entire thing for different looks.
Entry Door Installation Cost by Material
Entry doors also come in many materials. Like any other part of your home, the material influences how your door looks, performs, and costs. Each has positive and negative attributes to consider and a cost range.
| Material | Average Costs (Materials Only) | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Steel | $150 - $4,000 | $350 - $4,500 |
| Fiberglass | $200 - $4,000 | $400 - $4,500 |
| Composite | $200 - $4,000 | $400 - $4,500 |
| Wood | $200 - $4,000 | $400 - $4,500 |
| Vinyl | $300 - $2,000 | $500 - $2,500 |
| Aluminum | $600 - $3,000 | $850 - $3,500 |
| Iron | $1,500 - $6,000 | $1,800 - $6,500 |
Steel Exterior Door Prices
Steel entry doors cost between $150 and $4,000. Installed, they range from $350 to $4,500. Steel is a common material. Most of them are a thin layer of steel wrapped over a core of insulation. This makes them strong, durable, and good insulators. However, they can fade and may require painting. They come as front entry doors or you can find French and sliding with steel frames.
Fiberglass Entry Doors Prices
Fiberglass entry door costs are $200 to $4,000 on average. They range from $400 to $4,500 installed. They are considered the gold standard in the industry for looks, durability, and efficiency. They are often indistinguishable from wood in terms of looks and feel. They are good insulators and do not rust or corrode like steel or aluminum. They come in various styles, making them one of the most frequently used and recommended materials. Many of them are made of a fiberglass-composite blend, offering more durability and a better appearance.
Cost of a New Composite Front Door
Composite front doors cost between $200 and $4,000. Installed, they range from $400 to $4,500. Composites are a relative newcomer to this market. Composites are made with varying mixtures of wood pulp, resins, and pigments, and there are many fiberglass-composite blends on the market. They can resemble wood but are very low-maintenance. They are not as common as other materials but available as front entry and sliding ones.
Wooden Front Door Cost
Wood front doors average $200 to $4,000. They cost $400 to $4,500 installed. There is nothing like a real wood front door. Wood has a look and feel to it that could not be replicated for years. Newer materials like fiberglass and composites match wood for style, but many people love the warmth of real wood. They require heavy maintenance, including painting, scraping, and checking for rot, but wood is a good insulator and comes in many colors and patterns. Some newer types of inexpensive wood doors use a wood laminate, which holds up better and can be more attractive. Solid woods are heavier and more expensive but can be found in more styles.
Vinyl
Vinyl doors cost $300 to $2,000. Installed, they average $500 to $2,500. Vinyl is a less common material and mainly used for frames with sliding and other patio doors. This material is not available as a solid front door. Vinyl does not need to be painted, and it can give a simulated wood look. However, vinyl is a poor insulator, and it warps and cracks, depending on the climate. It does best in moderate temperatures.
Aluminum
Aluminum doors cost $600 to $3,000. Including installation, expect to pay $800 to $3,500. Aluminum is another popular material. It is lighter than steel but resists rusting and corrosion. Aluminum can also have a foam core for better insulation, and in some cases, aluminum doors are more available than steel. Aluminum can be found in front entry doors of many styles and in frames for sliding and other patio doors. Aluminum is one of the more expensive materials other than solid wood but holds up longer without maintenance than many materials.
Iron Entry Door Prices
Iron entry doors average $1,500 to $6,000. Installed, they range from $1,800 to $6,500. There is nothing like an iron door. They have been around for centuries, and for many people, they are the ultimate in security and appearance. They come in many styles, from traditional to contemporary, and they are extremely strong and durable. Many wrought iron doors may be paired with another material like wood for a solid and decorative appearance. They are prone to rust, so they require some maintenance.
Entry Door Costs by Size
Standard-size front entry doors measure 80” tall, 36” wide, and 1¾” thick. However, you can find some measuring 30”, 32”, and 34’ in width and purchase them with side panels or sidelights that make them larger. Typical costs these sizes are $200 to $4,000, depending on the material and style.
For other entry doors, common sizes are 80” in height and have widths starting at 48” and can be found in sizes up to 72” in most materials and styles. Costs range from $400 to $1,600 for doors of these sizes, depending on the style and material rather than size.
You need custom doors if you want them larger than this. These have costs starting at $700 to $1,500 per square linear foot, and you can purchase them in any width.
Labor Cost to Install an Exterior Door
Labor costs for installing a door vary tremendously based on the type, its position, and the material your home is made from. Pre-hung is the easiest type to install and can usually be put in within 1 to 3 hours. However, expect this process to take 2 to 6 hours and cost more if you install a new one on a brick home.
Sliding, French, and pocket doors have different installation costs. Costs vary by size, location, and whether this is a replacement or a new one being added to an existing wall.
Most doors cost between $200 and $500 in labor to install, but costs can go much higher for specialty doors. Below are the average labor costs based on the various types.
| Type | Average Labor Costs |
|---|
| Pocket | $100 - $2,500 |
| Pre-Hung | $200 - $500 |
| Security | $200 - $500 |
| Sliding | $210 - $600 |
| Bi-Fold / Accordion | $275 - $800 |
| French | $400 - $1,500 |
| Double | $500 - $1,000 |
Exterior Door Accessories Cost
If you are interested in installing a new entry door, many other parts need to be considered. The pricing for these parts is based on a standard size 6’8” tall and 3’ to 6’ wide. If these parts need to be replaced or purchased, this adds to the total cost of installation. Many accessories may come with the doors and are not purchased or installed separately. Therefore, they may have no additional costs. In other cases, the cost of the hardware or accessory installation is rolled into the installation cost, meaning there is no separate cost. Below are the average costs for the different accessories you may have installed.
| Part | Average Costs (Materials Only) | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Hinges | $10 - $50 | $10 - $80 |
| Knob | $10 - $550 | $20 - $600 |
| Lock | $20 - $500 | $40 - $600 |
| Jamb | $35 - $50 | $35 - $75 |
| Frame | $150 - $250 | $150 - $300 |
Hinges
Hinges cost $10 to $50 for a set. Installed, this costs up to $80. However, the hinges that come with the door and frame have no additional costs in most cases. If you purchase them separately, they are often installed with the doors at no additional cost. Only specialty hinges typically have additional installation costs. Hinges are metal pieces installed on a door and frame. These ensure it opens and closes properly. Essentially, your door is hanging on its hinges. For a pre-hung door, it comes with the hinges installed.
Main Door Knob Price
A new knob for an entry door ranges from $10 to $550, depending on the type, if they have plates, come with locks, or are simple basic knobs. Installed, knobs have a cost of $20 to $600. Knobs are used to help open the door and come in a range of styles. It may not actually use a knob but have an entry set that uses levers, handles that open with a latch depressed by the thumb, or a combination. Doorknobs are not used as frequently as other entry sets because they are not as accessible, attractive, or secure. However, many entry sets are referred to as the doorknob. Below is an average cost of doorknobs and entry sets based on the finish.
| Knob Color | Average Price (Installed) |
|---|
| Chrome | $20 - $420 |
| Brass | $20 - $600 |
| Bronze | $25 - $600 |
| Nickel | $25 - $600 |
| Gold | $65 - $600 |
| Black | $65 - $1,000 |
Locks
Entry doors are not secure without a good lock. Lock installation is usually included in the installation cost, but you may need to purchase a lock separately, depending on the type and if the lock came standard. There are several locks to consider. They all secure your home, although they work in different ways. Below are some of the most common styles and their average cost ranges. Locks may cost anywhere from $40 to $600 installed, depending on the type and how it works.
| Type | Price (Installed) |
|---|
| Lever | $40 - $290 |
| Deadbolt | $50 - $400 |
| Keypad Lock | $50 - $300 |
| Grip Set | $80 - $350 |
| Touchpad Lock | $100 - $500 |
| Smart Lock | $250 - $400 |
| Fingerprint Lock | $400 - $600 |
Jamb
Purchasing a basic new jamb averages $35 to $50. Jambs are included in pre-hung doors and often do not have additional installation costs. If your jamb has a separate installation cost, it is roughly $75. A jamb is the two upright parts of the frame, where the door is hung. When purchasing a new, pre-hung door, it comes with the jamb. The door will already be installed with the hinges included. However, you can purchase a slab door and a jamb separately. In both cases, the jamb installation cost is part of the door installation cost.
Frame
While most exterior doors come with the frame, you can purchase one separately for $150 to $250. The installation costs are generally included in the installation cost, but expect total installation costs of $300 if you have a frame installed separately. Frames are prone to damage and are usually replaced with the entry door. Since frames warp and swell, replacing a frame increases the door’s security. The frame must accommodate the new type of entry door you plan to install. Frames are usually wood or composite. Composite frames cost more than wood but are resistant to mold, rot, and insects. Pre-hung doors include the frame and do not require a separate frame.
Cost to Install a Front Door With Sidelights
If you want to improve your home’s curb appeal and make the front door a focus, install one with sidelights. Sidelights refer to the thin glass windows installed on either side of the door, often sharing the same frame and frame material. Sidelights increase your curb appeal and the amount of light in your entryway. They can make your door seem larger or help fill a space left by a larger door if you downsize. Sidelights are purchased with the door, and they are all installed at the same time. The average cost for this installation is between $1,000 and $4,500, including around $500 for labor and $500 to $4,000 for the door and sidelights.
Cost to Replace an Exterior Door
Replacing a door has similar costs to installing a new one, along with additional costs for the removal and disposal of the old one. This has an average cost of around $50 to $100 each and assumes the frame is being removed with the door. This is the cleanest and most common installation type for replacements. In rare cases, you may leave the frame in place and replace it if the frame is in good shape and you replace the door with an identical one. This has higher installation costs but lower material costs, making things equal. This makes the average cost to replace doors $850 to $2,100, depending on the material and style.
Inswing vs Outswing Exterior Door
One consideration to make when choosing and installing a new door is which direction it opens or swings. Inswing doors open inward and provides good safety and security. Inswing doors tend to dominate the market. Due to their availability, it is easier to find the right one, and it will be less expensive. Outswing doors open outward. It still offers good protection and safety because the hinges are covered on the outside. Most people install outswing doors when they need to save room on the inside. They can be more difficult to find because they are not as popular, so they cost more than an inswing one.
For an inswing door, the hinges are installed on the inside, whereas for an outswing one, the hinges are installed on the outside. There is no price difference between installing inswing or outswing doors.
Most pre-hung doors are inswinging. For this reason, if you want an outswing one, you may find you have more choices if you purchase a frame and the door separately and have them mounted and installed by a contractor in the direction you want. This has higher labor costs, between $300 and $600, rather than the more standard costs of $200 to $500.
Fiberglass vs Steel Exterior Doors
Many materials are on the market for your exterior entry doors. Two of the most common include fiberglass and steel. Both give you a low-maintenance, durable, and long-lasting door. However, they look substantially different. Steel doors are a thin layer of metal wrapped over insulation. They are tough and durable but have a smooth appearance and finish. Fiberglass doors mimic the look and feel of real wood and are considered the gold standard of exterior doors. Of the two, steel needs slightly more maintenance because it can fade and dent while fiberglass is virtually maintenance-free.
Fiberglass has higher starting costs but offers the most choices and styles. Both materials top out at around the same costs. Below are the average costs for both materials.
| Material | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Steel | $350 - $4,500 |
| Fiberglass | $400 - $4,500 |
Fiberglass vs Wood Front Door
Fiberglass and wood are also very common choices for the front door. They look very similar, particularly from a distance. Fiberglass is made to look, act, and feel like real wood. The difference is that wood requires more maintenance, including regular painting or staining, while fiberglass does not.
Wood can be found in inexpensive laminated versions and very expensive custom, solid, and hand-carved options. Fiberglass doors often come with various styles and choices for accessories, often more than real wood, but they are unlikely to be customizable.
Both materials have similar costs because they come in a wide range of choices. Basic fiberglass and laminated wood are both at the low end while solid wood and high-end fiberglass are more expensive. Below is a cost comparison of the two doors.
| Material | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Fiberglass | $400 - $4,500 |
| Wood | $400 - $4,500 |
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Lighting
Adding lighting can enhance the appearance. Many outdoor lighting styles can help make your front walkway safer and more attractive. Sconces start at around $100 to $300 installed, while light posts cost $200 to $500 installed.
Screen Door Cost
It is very common to install a screen door with your exterior door to keep insects out. Screens open separately from the main door, allowing you to get fresh air without the insects. The average cost to install a 36” screen door averages $250 to $400, including the door and labor.
Paint
One of the fastest ways to give your exterior a fresh look is to paint your front door. Paint can refresh an older door and make it look new or create a focal point on the front of your home. The average cost to paint a front door is $150 to $350.
Insulation
Many steel and aluminum doors come with a core of insulation. Fiberglass and wood doors generally are good insulators in their own rights. To help further insulate it, consider weatherstripping the perimeter, which has an average cost of $200 to $600.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Removal. When replacing your door, you need to remove the old one first. Removal and disposal of an existing door costs about $50 to $75 per unit.
- Measurements. Measure your old door to ensure you order the correct replacement size.
- Door repair. Repair costs between $100 and $500 and can help make a door usable.
- Purchase. Sometimes, you may get a better price by purchasing the door separately from the installer. Other times, the installer may give you the best cost. Shop around to find the best prices.
- Back doors. Back doors prices are identical to front doors prices for a standard entry door. Sliding, pocket, and bi-fold doors are more commonly used on the back of the house.
- Multiple doors. Some companies offer a discounted price to install multiple doors. This is true even if you mix interior and exterior doors.
- Water damage. Sometimes, the frame or surrounding area may be damaged by moisture. This is why it is most common to replace the old frame with the door.
- Warranty. Familiarize yourself with your door warranty. Different brands offer warranties from 1 year up to 25 years, with installation warranties often being 1 to 5 years.
- Doggy doors. Some pre-hung doors have them already installed. They average $600 to $1,000.
FAQs
- How do you measure a door for replacement?
Ideally, you should have your installer do the measurements to ensure they are accurate. However, you can measure yourself. Measure the width (from the left edge of the door to the right edge, horizontally) followed by the height (from top to bottom, vertically.) Do not include the weatherstripping in the measurements. Lastly, you want to measure the jamb (depth of the wall), from the interior trim to the exterior trim.
- What is the best exterior door for direct sunlight?
Fiberglass is the least likely to fade from UV light and the least likely to warp or develop other issues. However, look into doors with glass insets or sidelights if you want to capture sunlight.
- What is the average entry door size?
The average entry door is 36” wide, 80” tall, and 1¾” thick. However, doors come in other widths if needed.
- How long does it take to install an exterior door?
Installation takes about 1 to 3 hours for a standard door, assuming there are no issues. Labor time increases by 1 to 2 hours if you have a brick home.
- Can you just replace a door without replacing the frame?
You can if the frame is in good condition and matches the new door’s size, depth, and material. This can sometimes lead to higher installation costs, so it is more common to replace the frame and door together.
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