How much does door installation cost?+
Door installation costs $226–$1,900 per door depending on type. Interior door installation runs $226–$824 including labor. Exterior door installation costs $500–$1,900 due to weatherproofing, security requirements, and more complex framing. Front entry doors cost $650–$3,300 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. A new steel entry door at $500–$1,900 installed is one of the most cost-effective curb appeal improvements available.
How much does it cost to replace a front door?+
Front and premium entry door replacement costs $650–$3,300 per door installed. That range covers the door unit, standard hardware, labor, and threshold/weatherstripping — the wide spread reflects material (steel vs. fiberglass vs. wood), glass, sidelights, and security hardware.
Is replacing a door cheaper than a new door installation?+
Yes, generally. A straight replacement that reuses the existing rough opening and frame skips the framing, drywall, and permit work a new opening requires. Cutting a new opening adds those trades on top of the door's own installed cost, and a load-bearing wall also needs an engineer's sign-off and a header, which is why new openings land well above a like-for-like swap.
How much more does a steel, fiberglass, or wood exterior door cost installed?+
Steel is the budget material at every quality tier; fiberglass costs more, and wood costs the most, especially at custom grade — see the material cost table above for the full basic-to-custom range on each. Mid-grade and premium doors fall between the basic and custom figures shown for each material.