How much does door installation cost?

Door installation costs $150–$1,500+ depending on door type. Interior door installation runs $150–$400 including labor. Exterior door installation costs $500–$2,500 due to weatherproofing, security requirements, and more complex framing. Front entry doors cost $800–$5,000+ installed.

How long does it take to install a door?

A pre-hung interior door takes 2–4 hours to install. An exterior door replacement takes 4–8 hours. New rough opening framing adds 2–4 hours. A full entry door with sidelights can take 6–12 hours. Most single-door projects are completed in one day.

What is a pre-hung door vs. a slab door?

A pre-hung door comes with the frame, hinges, and sometimes hardware already attached — easier and faster to install, especially for new openings. A slab door is just the door panel without frame — cheaper but requires an existing, in-good-condition frame to fit into. Pre-hung is recommended for exterior doors.

Can I install a door myself?

An experienced DIYer can install an interior slab door replacement in an existing frame in 2–3 hours, saving $100–$250. Exterior doors require precise weatherproofing and plumb installation — mistakes lead to drafts, water intrusion, and security issues. Pre-hung exterior doors are best left to professionals.

What type of door is most energy-efficient?

Fiberglass doors are the most energy-efficient — they have the highest R-value (R-5 to R-6), don't warp or rust, and can mimic wood grain. Steel doors with foam core are a close second (R-5 to R-7) and are more affordable. Solid wood has lower R-value (R-2 to R-3) and can warp with moisture.

Does replacing an exterior door increase home value?

Yes — front door replacement returns 65–75% of its cost in added home value according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. A new steel entry door at $500–$2,000 installed is one of the most cost-effective curb appeal improvements available.

Home / Home Maintenance / Door Installation Calculator

🚪 Door Installation Cost Calculator

Estimate interior and exterior door installation costs including door, hardware, and labor

Who Should Use This

Homeowners replacing old or damaged doors, upgrading to a new entry door, or adding doors during a renovation — and anyone who wants an honest cost benchmark before calling a contractor.

Purpose

Calculate total installation cost for any door type — interior, exterior, French, sliding, or bi-fold — including door unit, hardware, framing, and labor.

Example

A fiberglass front entry door with smart lock and new deadbolt typically runs $1,200–$2,500 fully installed — and can return 65–75% of that cost in added home value at resale.

Door Details

Door Type

Installation Type

Door Quality / Brand

Number of Doors

Add-Ons

New Hardware / Lockset

Knob, lever, or deadbolt (+$50–$300)

Smart Lock Upgrade

Wi-Fi / keypad smart lock (+$150–$400)

Weather Stripping (exterior)

Door seal for energy efficiency (+$50–$150)

New Interior Trim / Casing

Paint-grade wood casing (+$75–$200)

Paint or Stain Door

Professional finish (+$100–$300)

💡 Interior vs. Exterior: Exterior doors cost 3–5× more than interior — they need weatherproofing, security hardware, and precision leveling. Never skip professional installation for exterior doors.

Installation Estimate

Total Installed Cost

$— – $—

Including all selected options

Cost Per Door

$— – $—

Door unit + hardware + labor

Cost Breakdown (Per Door)

Door Unit$—

Labor / Installation$—

New Opening / Framing$—

Hardware / Lockset$—

Smart Lock$—

Weather Stripping$—

Trim / Casing$—

Paint / Stain$—

Project Notes

——

Typical Install Time—

How It Works

4 Steps to Your Door Estimate

Select Door Type

Choose interior, exterior, French, sliding, or bi-fold based on your project.

Set Installation Type

Indicate whether you're replacing an existing door or creating a new opening.

Add Options

Include hardware, smart lock, trim, and paint for a complete cost picture.

Review & Compare

Use the estimate to evaluate contractor quotes confidently.

Door Installation Costs Explained

Interior door costs are dominated by labor — the door itself can be as low as $40–$200 for a hollow-core slab, but professional installation runs $100–$250 per door. Replacing 6 interior doors in one visit is often more cost-effective, with labor bundled for $500–$1,000 total.

Exterior doors are a different story. A fiberglass door may cost $400–$1,500 for the unit. Labor runs $200–$500 for a straightforward swap, but new openings requiring framing add $300–$800 more. Weatherproofing, threshold replacement, and precise leveling are non-negotiable for energy efficiency and security.

Choosing the Right Door Material

For exterior use, fiberglass offers the best all-around performance — excellent insulation (R-5 to R-6), no warping, and can mimic wood grain beautifully. Steel is the most secure and budget-friendly. Real wood is the most beautiful but requires the most maintenance.

Steel: Most secure, affordable, good insulation — best value for entry doors
Fiberglass: Best energy efficiency, won't warp or rust, higher upfront cost
Wood: Best aesthetics, requires annual maintenance, not ideal for harsh climates
Hollow-core interior: Cheapest option — fine for closets and low-traffic areas
Solid-core interior: Better soundproofing — ideal for home offices and bedrooms

Installation Guide

Door Types & Cost Ranges

Everything you need to know before buying

🏠

Exterior Entry Doors

Steel: $500–$2,000 installed. Fiberglass: $800–$3,000. Wood: $1,200–$5,000+. Includes weatherproofing, threshold, and deadbolt. Best ROI: Steel at 65–75%.

🚪

Interior Doors

Hollow-core: $150–$350 installed. Solid-core: $250–$500. French (double): $500–$1,500. Barn slider: $400–$1,200. Bundle multiple doors for labor savings.

🔑

Smart Locks

Wi-Fi deadbolts: $150–$400 installed. Enable remote locking, access codes, and alerts. Most homeowners recoup cost through convenience and security. Pairs with video doorbell.

❄️

Energy Savings

A properly installed exterior door can save $75–$150/year in heating/cooling vs. an older door. Fiberglass with magnetic weather stripping performs best in extreme climates.

🔨

New Opening Cost

Adding a new door opening requires framing a rough opening: $300–$800 for non-load-bearing walls. Load-bearing walls need an engineer and can cost $1,500–$3,000 extra.

📏

Standard Sizes

Standard interior: 6'8" tall × 24"–36" wide. Standard exterior: 6'8" tall × 32"–36" wide. Non-standard sizes cost 20–50% more in door price and increase labor time.

Common Questions

Door Installation FAQ

Installed cost by door type:

Interior hollow-core (slab): $150–$350
Interior solid-core: $250–$500
Exterior steel entry: $500–$2,000
Exterior fiberglass: $800–$3,000
Exterior wood: $1,200–$5,000+
French doors (interior): $500–$1,500
Sliding patio door: $800–$3,500
Bi-fold closet: $200–$600
Barn door (interior): $400–$1,200

Labor alone: $100–$250 per interior door, $200–$500 per exterior door. New framing adds $300–$800 for non-load-bearing walls.

Slab door (door panel only):

Lower upfront cost ($50–$300 vs. $150–$600 for pre-hung)
Requires existing frame in good condition
More labor to fit — cuts, plane, and hang
Best for: Simple interior replacement in good frame

Pre-hung door (door + frame assembly):

Higher cost, faster and easier installation
Brings fresh, square frame — eliminates old frame issues
Required for new openings
Best for: Exterior doors, new openings, rotted/damaged frames
Always use pre-hung for exterior doors

Interior slab replacement — Good DIY project:

Skill level: Intermediate
Time: 2–4 hours
Tools needed: Level, drill, plane, shims, screws
Savings: $100–$250 in labor
Risk: Low if frame is square and in good shape

Exterior door replacement — Proceed with caution:

Skill level: Advanced
Time: 4–8 hours
Requires: Precise shimming and leveling, proper flashing and weatherproofing, accurate threshold installation
Risk: Improper installation leads to drafts, water infiltration, and security gaps — often more expensive to fix than hiring a pro originally

Recommendation: DIY interior doors if handy. Hire a pro for all exterior doors.

Key energy efficiency factors:

1. Core material (R-value):

Hollow core: R-1 (not for exterior use)
Solid wood: R-2 to R-3
Steel with polystyrene core: R-5 to R-6
Fiberglass with polyurethane core: R-5 to R-7

2. Weather stripping:

Magnetic compression seal: Best performance
Foam or vinyl bulb: Good — needs replacement every 3–5 years
Check and replace whenever you feel a draft

3. Low-E glass (if door has glass panels):

Low-emissivity coating reduces heat transfer through glass
Adds $100–$300 to door cost
Worth it in extreme climates

ENERGY STAR certified doors meet EPA efficiency standards and may qualify for a 30% federal tax credit (up to $500 for exterior doors as of 2025).

Lifespan by material:

Interior hollow-core: 20–30 years (or until damaged)
Interior solid-core: 30–50+ years
Steel exterior: 20–30 years
Fiberglass exterior: 30–50+ years
Wood exterior: 15–30 years (with proper maintenance)

Signs you need a replacement:

Drafts you can't eliminate by adjusting weather stripping
Door sticks, won't close, or requires force to latch
Visible rot (wood), rust through (steel), or cracks (fiberglass)
Gap at threshold visible when closed
Security concerns — old deadbolts with Grade 3 locks

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