Exterior Door Installation Cost
Exterior door installation costs $500-$2,000 for a standard entry door, including the door and labor. Basic steel doors start at $400-$700 installed, while premium fiberglass or wood doors range from $1,500-$5,000 installed.
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Cost Breakdown
| Component | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $200 | $4,000 |
| Labor | $200 | $600 |
| Total | $400 | $4,600 |
| DIY (parts only) | $200 | $3,500 |
Understanding Exterior Door Installation
Your exterior doors are critical for home security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. Understanding exterior door installation cost helps you budget appropriately and choose the right door for your needs.
Modern exterior doors come prehung (already mounted in a frame) or as slab doors (door only). Prehung doors are easier to install and ensure proper fit, while slab doors cost less but require precise fitting to existing frames.
Exterior Door Materials and Costs
Steel Doors
Cost: $200-$800 for door, $400-$1,200 installed
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Best security
- Low maintenance
- Good energy efficiency
- Fire resistant
- Wide variety of styles
Cons:
- Can dent from impact
- May rust in humid/coastal areas
- Conducts heat and cold
- Less aesthetic appeal than wood
- Harder to repair damage
Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, security priorities, high-traffic doors.
Fiberglass Doors
Cost: $500-$2,000 for door, $800-$2,500 installed
Pros:
- Looks like real wood
- Won't dent, rust, or rot
- Excellent energy efficiency
- Low maintenance
- Paintable or stainable
- Resists warping
Cons:
- More expensive than steel
- Can crack under severe impact
- Limited repair options
- Quality varies by brand
Best for: Most homeowners—best balance of aesthetics, durability, and value.
Wood Doors
Cost: $700-$3,500 for door, $1,000-$4,500 installed
Pros:
- Classic, timeless beauty
- Can be sanded and refinished
- Natural insulator
- Unique character
- Increases home value
Cons:
- Highest maintenance (refinishing every 2-3 years)
- Can warp, rot, or swell
- Most expensive option
- Vulnerable to insects
- Weather-sensitive
Best for: Historic homes, those prioritizing aesthetics, protected entries.
Door Cost Comparison Table
| Material | Door Only | Installed | Maintenance | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | $200-$800 | $400-$1,200 | Very low | 20-30 yrs |
| Fiberglass | $500-$2,000 | $800-$2,500 | Low | 30+ yrs |
| Wood | $700-$3,500 | $1,000-$4,500 | High | 20-50 yrs |
Types of Exterior Doors
Entry Doors
Standard entry door: $400-$2,500 installed
- Single door, typically 36" wide
- Most common exterior door replacement
Entry door with sidelights: $800-$4,000 installed
- Door flanked by narrow windows
- Adds natural light and style
- Requires wider rough opening
Entry door with transom: $700-$3,500 installed
- Window above the door
- Maintains light with privacy
- May require taller opening
Double Entry Doors
Cost: $1,200-$5,000 installed
- Two doors that open in the center
- Grand entrance appearance
- Requires wide opening (60-72")
- One door often fixed with concealed bolts
French Doors
Cost: $1,500-$5,000 installed
- Glass panels from top to bottom
- Both doors operational
- Popular for patios and sunrooms
- Less secure than solid doors
Sliding Patio Doors
Cost: $800-$3,500 installed
- One fixed panel, one slides
- Space-efficient (no swing)
- Popular for deck/patio access
- Available in 6', 8', and wider sizes
Storm Doors
Cost: $200-$600 installed
- Installed in front of entry door
- Provides weather protection
- Adds insulation
- Can improve security
Factors That Affect Installation Cost
1. Door Type and Quality
Price ranges by door style:
| Door Style | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single entry | $400-$700 | $800-$1,500 | $2,000-$4,000 |
| With sidelights | $800-$1,200 | $1,500-$2,500 | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Double entry | $1,200-$1,800 | $2,000-$3,500 | $4,000-$7,000 |
| French doors | $1,500-$2,200 | $2,500-$3,500 | $4,000-$6,000 |
| Sliding patio | $800-$1,200 | $1,500-$2,500 | $3,000-$5,000 |
2. Prehung vs Slab Installation
| Type | Door Cost | Installation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prehung | +$100-$200 | $200-$400 | Most common |
| Slab only | Base price | $300-$600 | When frame is good |
3. Opening Modification
Changes to the rough opening add cost:
| Modification | Added Cost |
|---|---|
| Minor adjustments | $50-$150 |
| Widen opening | $200-$500 |
| Make opening smaller | $100-$250 |
| Add sidelights | $300-$600 |
| Structural changes | $500-$1,500 |
4. Additional Features
Premium features increase cost:
| Feature | Added Cost |
|---|---|
| Decorative glass | $100-$500 |
| Smart lock prep | $50-$150 |
| Multi-point locking | $150-$400 |
| Premium hardware | $100-$500 |
| Custom paint/stain | $100-$300 |
Exterior Door Installation Cost by State
| State | Basic Steel | Mid-Range Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|
| California | $550-$1,400 | $1,100-$2,800 |
| Texas | $450-$1,200 | $900-$2,400 |
| Florida | $500-$1,300 | $1,000-$2,600 |
| New York | $600-$1,500 | $1,200-$3,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $450-$1,200 | $950-$2,500 |
| Illinois | $500-$1,300 | $1,000-$2,600 |
| Ohio | $425-$1,100 | $875-$2,300 |
| Georgia | $450-$1,200 | $900-$2,400 |
| North Carolina | $450-$1,200 | $900-$2,400 |
| Michigan | $475-$1,200 | $950-$2,500 |
Prices include door and standard installation.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
What Makes a Door Energy Efficient?
Core material: Polyurethane foam is best, followed by polystyrene Weatherstripping: Compression seals outperform magnetic Threshold: Adjustable thresholds compensate for wear Glass: Low-E, double or triple pane for insulated glass
Energy Efficiency Ratings
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| U-Factor | Heat transfer (lower is better), aim for 0.30 or less |
| Solar Heat Gain | Heat from sun (lower in hot climates) |
| ENERGY STAR | Meets federal efficiency standards |
Energy Cost Impact
A well-insulated exterior door can reduce heating/cooling costs by 10-15% compared to a drafty old door. Key factors:
- Proper installation (no gaps)
- Quality weatherstripping
- Insulated core
- Low-E glass if applicable
Security Features
Standard Security
- Deadbolt (1" minimum throw)
- Reinforced strike plate
- Solid core construction
Enhanced Security
| Feature | Added Cost | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-point lock | $150-$400 | Locks at 3+ points |
| Reinforced frame | $100-$300 | Resists kick-ins |
| Smart lock | $150-$400 | Keyless entry, monitoring |
| Security hinges | $50-$100 | Non-removable pins |
| Impact-resistant glass | $200-$500 | Shatter-resistant |
DIY vs Professional Installation
DIY Difficulty
Can you do this yourself?
Tools Needed
PROS
- Save $200-$500 on labor
- Control over installation quality
- Flexible timing
- Learn valuable skills
CONS
- Improper installation causes drafts and water leaks
- Security may be compromised if installed incorrectly
- Doors are heavy and awkward to handle alone
- May need to modify rough opening
- Weather-stripping and threshold must be perfect
- Mistakes can be costly to fix
Our Recommendation: Exterior door replacement is a moderate DIY project for handy homeowners, especially if replacing a prehung door in an existing opening of the same size. The key challenges are ensuring the door is perfectly level and plumb, properly sealing against air and water infiltration, and correctly installing the hardware. If the rough opening needs modification, consider hiring a professional.
DIY Installation
Good candidates:
- Experienced DIYers
- Same-size prehung replacement
- No structural changes needed
- Good weather during installation
Challenges:
- Ensuring door is perfectly plumb and level
- Creating weathertight seal
- Handling heavy doors (100+ lbs)
- Integrating with existing trim
Potential savings: $200-$500
Professional Installation
Recommended for:
- Opening size changes
- Structural modifications
- Premium doors (warranty may require)
- No DIY experience
- Sidelight or transom installations
Benefits:
- Proper weathersealing
- Code compliance
- Warranty protection
- Faster completion
Installation Process
1. Remove Old Door (30-60 minutes)
- Remove door from hinges
- Remove trim/casing
- Remove old frame (if replacing)
- Clean rough opening
2. Prepare Opening (15-30 minutes)
- Check rough opening dimensions
- Verify opening is square and plumb
- Make minor adjustments if needed
- Apply flashing tape for waterproofing
3. Set New Door (30-60 minutes)
- Position prehung door in opening
- Shim to level and plumb
- Check door operation
- Secure with screws through hinges
4. Seal and Finish (30-60 minutes)
- Add low-expansion foam around frame
- Install exterior trim/brickmold
- Apply exterior caulk
- Install interior trim
5. Hardware (15-30 minutes)
- Install deadbolt and lockset
- Adjust strike plates
- Test operation
- Install weatherstripping if needed
Signs You Need Door Replacement
Replace Immediately
- Visible rotting or decay
- Warped frame causing gaps
- Cannot lock properly
- Cracked or broken glass
- Severe rust or corrosion
Replace Soon
- Drafts around edges
- Visible light around door
- Difficulty opening/closing
- Paint peeling extensively
- Door is 20+ years old
Can Wait / Consider Repair
- Minor weatherstripping wear
- Small dents (steel doors)
- Finish needs touch-up
- Hardware needs replacement
How to Save on Exterior Door Installation
1. Choose Steel Over Fiberglass or Wood
Steel doors offer excellent value with good security and energy efficiency at 40-60% less than premium options.
2. Keep Standard Sizes
Custom sizes cost significantly more. Stick with 32", 34", or 36" widths if possible.
3. Skip the Sidelights
Adding sidelights increases cost by $400-$1,000. Consider a door with decorative glass instead.
4. Shop Sales
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day) often feature door sales at home improvement stores.
5. Get Multiple Quotes
Installation prices vary significantly. Get at least 3 quotes for comparison.
6. Consider DIY
If you're handy and replacing same-size prehung door, DIY can save $200-$500.
Conclusion
Exterior door installation cost ranges from $400 for basic steel doors to $5,000+ for premium wood or elaborate entries with sidelights. For most homeowners, a mid-range fiberglass door ($800-$2,500 installed) offers the best combination of aesthetics, durability, and energy efficiency.
Key factors when choosing your door include climate considerations, security needs, desired appearance, and maintenance willingness. Proper installation is crucial—even the best door will underperform if poorly installed, leading to drafts, water infiltration, and security issues.
Whether DIY or professional installation, ensure the door is perfectly plumb and level, with complete weathersealing around the frame. This investment in proper installation protects your home and maximizes your new door's lifespan.
Cost by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Parts | Labor | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Steel Entry Door | $200-$500 | $200-$350 | $400-$850 |
| Mid-Range Steel Door with Glass | $400-$800 | $250-$400 | $650-$1,200 |
| Fiberglass Entry Door | $600-$2,000 | $300-$500 | $900-$2,500 |
| Solid Wood Entry Door | $1,000-$3,500 | $350-$600 | $1,350-$4,100 |
| French Doors (Double) | $1,200-$4,000 | $400-$800 | $1,600-$4,800 |
| Sliding Patio Door | $600-$2,500 | $300-$600 | $900-$3,100 |