Front Door Replacement Cost: Installed Price Ranges
Forbes Home puts the national average for a front door install at $450 to $1,700, while Fixr’s range for an entry door is higher, at $975 to $1,773. The two sources disagree, so treat these figures as ranges to compare, not one fixed price. This applies to homeowners replacing one existing front door, and the door type and material you choose move the total within that spread.
Front door replacement cost breakdown
Forbes Home lists the prices below by door material and door type. The basis column shows how Forbes Home describes each figure.
| Door type or material | Price range | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow-core composite wood | $40 to $120 | Material price, per door | Forbes Home |
| Steel | $100 to $1,000 | Material price, per door | Forbes Home |
| Solid wood | $200 to $500 | Material price, per door | Forbes Home |
| Fiberglass | $250 to $2,000 | Material price, per door | Forbes Home |
| Wrought iron | $1,500 to $7,000 | Material price, per door | Forbes Home |
| Double front door | $750 to $5,000 | Purchase and installation | Forbes Home |
| French front door | $600 to $5,600 | Full purchase and installation | Forbes Home |
Forbes Home calls hollow-core composite wood the most budget-friendly option it lists. HomeGuide puts the average for solid double doors at $1,200 to $5,000 for the doors alone, with no installation.
Labor vs. materials
Forbes Home estimates labor at around 30% to 35% of the overall installation cost. That is a share of the total, not a dollar figure.
Hourly rates depend on who does the work, and the sources disagree on the numbers. Forbes Home puts door installation contractors at $30 to $90 per hour and lists a general contractor or handyperson at $30 to $40 per hour, which it calls the more budget-friendly choice. HomeGuide’s handyperson range is higher than Forbes Home’s general contractor range, at $50 to $80 per hour for a front door replacement. Fixr lists installers at $67 to $121 per hour.
HomeGuide puts labor for a basic single door replacement at $300 to $500 when there are no framing issues or repairs. That figure is labor only, so add a door price from the table to get a total. Fixr puts the labor for an entryway door at $200 to $800 on its own.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Hanging a new front door takes careful measuring, fitting and heavy lifting. If you have carpentry skills and the right tools, you can skip the installer’s labor, but you still pay for the door and you carry the risk of a poor fit.
Framing and structural repairs are a different category. For that work, a licensed pro and a permit may be required, so do not treat it as a weekend project. Check the permit rules before you start.
Ways to save
- Get more than one quote and compare the same door type and material in each.
- Ask whether removing and hauling away the old door is included in the price.
- Ask whether the existing frame needs rebuilding. HomeGuide lists framing work at $7 to $20 per linear foot when the opening must be rebuilt.
- Ask for both an installer quote and a handyperson quote, since the hourly rates in these sources differ.
- Clear the entryway and walkway before the crew arrives.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask each contractor for a written quote that lists the door, labor, old door removal, framing work and any paint or trim as separate lines. A single total with no breakdown is harder to compare.
Name the exact door type in the quote. Single, double, French and custom doors fall into different price ranges in these sources, so a vague description makes the comparison hard.
Ask for the estimated hours and the hourly rate, so you can check the labor side against the figures above. Confirm whether permit fees are included or billed separately.
What changes the price
- Door type: single, double, French or custom
- Door material, from hollow-core composite to wrought iron
- Old door removal and disposal
- Framing work on the door opening
- Permit requirements where you live
- Installer type and hourly rate
Frequently asked questions
Is removing the old door included in a quote?
It depends on the quote, so ask. Forbes Home says removal adds to the estimate, and the amount depends on how hard the old door is to take apart.
Do I need a permit to replace a front door?
Local rules decide that, and your local building office can confirm them. Forbes Home says permit costs depend on where you live and how much work is involved.
Which door material is the most durable?
Forbes Home describes steel as exceptionally durable, though it lacks a homey look. It says fiberglass mimics the appearance of wood and is more durable than high-end wood doors.
How long does installation take?
Fixr says an entryway install generally takes three to seven hours.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.