A common household upgrade is to replace the entry door. The entry door is often the first thing noticed, providing value to a home’s curb appeal. The cost to install a front door can range anywhere from $1,500 up to $20,000. The cost largely depends on the hardware, material, the amount of glass used, any specialization, and warranties.
Factors such as hollow core or solid core influence the price as well. Doors can be purchased as a Pre-hung, which includes the door frame and hinges, or slab door is it is the exact same size and set up as the door being replaced. Reframing can cost around $485 depending on the size of the opening and any structural changes in load-bearing walls. Most projects require hiring a professional for installation. Luckily, most door systems include the cost of installation and all within $1,500 to $5,000. Let’s examine the cost based on material a little further.
Doors are typically made of wood, composite wood, steel, fiberglass or aluminum, just to name a few. Entry door types are significantly sturdier than interior doors, therefore they tend to demand a higher product and installation price. However, style and application along with material influence the price. Each material can come in various styles including:
- Flushed: Blank canvas of selected color with no designs.
- Paneled: Styled with panels made of fiberglass or wood.
- Decorative: Styled with wood or metal scrollwork.
- Arched: Styled with an arch-shaped design.
- Glass: Styled with glass windows or insets.
- Pocket: Crafted to slide into the wall.
- Bypass or Sliding: Crafted to slide past an adjacent door.
Costs by material type
Wood Door Cost
Wood is a popular choice for a front door with an extremely wide variety of styles. Styles include single or double, doors with sidelights, a transom, class or internal mini blinds. Many people prefer wood doors because they value the rich and classic appeal. There are two types of wood door materials that vary in price, composite engineered wood and solid wood. Composite engineered wood is manufactured from a process that includes wood particles, glue, pressure, and heat. it is the less expensive option, as it generally costs on average between $40 and $500 with some running as much as $1000 or more. Installing an exterior solid entry door will run you about $500 to $3,000.
Steel Door Cost
A steel door is a considerably less expensive, yet long lasting option. It stands up to weather and provides security as good as the pricier fiberglass and wood doors. These doors cost between $500 and $1,230 to install or replace. A basic steel door typically ranges between $150 and $300. If you add a glass window to the door, the cost can increase to $300 to $1,200. Steel doors that are doubled or with sidelights can run you anywhere as low as $500 up to $2,500 with $1,00 to $1,500 being the typical range. Steel is a viable option, we recommend consulting a licensed contractor before replacing or installing.
Wrought Iron
Doors made of wrought iron are considered to be of the high-end variety and can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000. Most often, these doors generally entail a steel base through wood with wrought detail in class.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass composite doors are made from versatile materials that can assume the appearance of a wood door at the price that rivals a steel door. Fiberglass doors are insulated with a dense foam and can come in both smooth and wood grain textures that give it the wood door appearance. These doors are generally maintenance free and considered one of the best energy free options. These can cost anywhere from $150 to $5,000 with the typical price falling between $250 and $2,000.
Aluminum Metal
Aluminum doors can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000. Although less coming, this type is most commonly seen in interior and exterior use such as a screen, entry and wardrobe doors. This type is popular in both interior and exterior applications such as screen, entry and wardrobes style. The aluminum sliding style is typically priced higher.
Types of Cores
Hollow core doors contain a honeycomb of cardboard slats with thin veneer faces. Solid core, not to be confused with solid wood doors, are made from particles or foam. Solid core doors cost on average $50 to $200 more than hollow core doors. However, costs of labor for both remain the same at $100 to $300 per installation.
Door Installation and Replacement Cost
If you’re experienced in installing doors you, then the cost of installation or replacement would not be of concern for you if you perform the task. If hiring a professional, you can expect the cost to range from $478 to $1,428 with the average door installation can cost around $942. Replacement door costs can be cost $5,000 or more depending on the materials used and if framing or reframing the opening is required, an additional average of $485 could be added. The cost of labor can run between $40 to $90 or more per house with the average being around $70 per hour for a licensed contractor. You will find slightly lower rates of $30 to $40 per hour from a handyman. Keep in mind that costs are strongly influenced by location with some area experts charging as much as $120.
