An 8-foot door typically costs $300-$2,500 for the door alone, or about $600-$4,500 installed, depending on whether it is an interior, exterior, sliding, or custom model. Material, hardware, framing changes, and local labor rates can shift the final quote substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior prehung door | $300 | $700 | $1,500 | Standard hollow-core to solid-core unit |
| Exterior entry door | $700 | $1,800 | $3,500 | Steel, fiberglass, or wood; door only |
| Installed interior door | $600 | $1,300 | $2,500 | Assumes a compatible opening |
| Installed exterior door | $1,200 | $2,700 | $4,500 | Includes basic removal and installation |
| Custom or specialty door | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,000+ | Large glass, premium wood, or unusual sizing |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for a nominal 96-inch-tall door, standard residential access, and no major structural repairs.
What an 8-foot door costs by type and installation scope
An 8-foot door is commonly 96 inches tall, but its width, thickness, frame, and configuration affect the price. A basic interior slab may cost $200-$700, while a prehung unit with jambs and hinges usually runs $300-$1,500. A full-height exterior door is more expensive because it needs weather seals, a threshold, and stronger hardware.
For a typical project, budget $600-$2,500 installed indoors and $1,200-$4,500 installed for an exterior entry door. These estimates assume a standard single door, ordinary trim work, and an opening that does not need significant alteration. A double door, sidelights, extensive glass, or a custom finish can push the project above $5,000.
Retail prices often cover only the door or door-and-frame package. The installed quote may also include removal, disposal, shimming, fastening, insulation, casing, lockset installation, and cleanup. Confirm whether the estimate covers the handle, deadbolt, paint or stain, and exterior flashing before comparing bids.
How door, frame, and labor charges shape the quote
For a standard replacement, the door unit is usually the largest single expense, but labor and trim can be substantial. The table gives common installed-project ranges; actual charges depend on the opening condition and what the contractor includes.
| Quote item | Low | Typical | High | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door and frame | $300 | $700-$1,800 | $3,500+ | Material, glass, brand, custom dimensions |
| Installation labor | $250 | $400-$900 | $1,500 | Door type, fit, removal, finish work |
| Hardware and weather seals | $50 | $150-$400 | $800 | Lock grade, hinges, multipoint locks |
| Trim and finishing | $75 | $200-$500 | $1,000 | New casing, paint, stain, wall repairs |
| Removal and disposal | $50 | $100-$250 | $400 | Old door weight and disposal distance |
Ask for a line-item estimate that separates the door, labor, hardware, and finish work. That makes it easier to identify whether a low quote omits disposal or trim, or whether a high quote includes upgrades that are not needed.
Labor for a straightforward interior replacement often costs $250-$600; exterior installation commonly costs $400-$1,000. Some contractors quote a fixed job rate, while others use hourly charges around $50-$100 per worker. For example, 6-10 labor hours at $60-$90 per hour equals $360-$900 before materials, travel, or specialty work.
Which 96-inch opening and material choices raise the price?
Height alone does not determine the fit. A nominal 8-foot door may measure slightly less than 96 inches, and the rough opening needs room for the frame, shims, and clearances. If the existing opening is too short, too narrow, out of square, or built for a different jamb depth, carpentry can add $200-$1,200 or more.
Opening changes are often the difference between a routine replacement and a multi-trade job. Cutting or rebuilding a non-load-bearing partition is generally less costly than modifying a load-bearing wall, moving wiring, or repairing flooring and drywall. Structural changes may require an engineer or permit, especially when a header needs alteration.
Material also matters. Hollow-core interior doors often fall near $200-$500, while solid-core doors commonly cost $400-$1,200. Fiberglass exterior units frequently run $700-$2,000, steel models $500-$1,500, and wood doors $1,000-$3,500. Large glass panels, decorative grilles, and premium wood species can add hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Door width changes the unit and labor price. A 30- or 32-inch interior door is generally less costly than a 36-inch exterior model, while a 60- or 72-inch pair needs two slabs, a wider frame, and more careful alignment. A 96-inch-tall door that is also oversized in width may require special-order hardware or a reinforced frame.
Glass and performance specifications can add cost as well. Insulated glass, low-emissivity coatings, impact-rated construction, and higher security hardware are not standard on every model. For exterior doors, check the product’s energy and weather ratings against local conditions rather than assuming every premium feature is necessary.
How long an 8-foot door installation takes
A contractor can often replace a compatible interior prehung door in 4-8 hours. An exterior door commonly takes 6-10 hours when the opening is sound and the unit is on site. A two-person crew may finish faster, but more workers do not necessarily reduce the quoted price because contractors often price by project scope.
Plan on one workday for an uncomplicated replacement and longer when framing or finishing needs repair. Special-order doors may take 2-8 weeks to arrive, depending on the manufacturer, finish, and glass options. The delivery timeline is separate from installation time, so a quote should state whether storage or a return visit is included.
Installation cost rises if the old unit is difficult to remove, the frame is damaged, or the wall needs patching. Exterior work may also require careful flashing and sealing. Ask whether the crew will reinstall existing trim, add new casing, and leave the opening weather-tight if work cannot be completed in one visit.
Interior, exterior, sliding, and custom 8-foot door prices
Interior hinged doors are usually the least expensive option because they do not need exterior-grade weather protection. Exterior entry doors cost more for insulation, security, and weather resistance. Sliding, pivot, and double-door systems add tracks, specialized hardware, or additional panels.
| Door configuration | Door price | Installed price | Common price driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior hollow-core | $200-$500 | $550-$1,200 | Basic room separation |
| Interior solid-core | $400-$1,200 | $750-$2,000 | Heavier slab and sound reduction |
| Exterior steel or fiberglass | $500-$2,000 | $1,200-$3,500 | Insulation, glass, and lock package |
| Exterior wood | $1,000-$3,500 | $1,800-$4,800 | Wood species and finish |
| Sliding or pivot system | $1,200-$5,000 | $2,000-$7,000+ | Track, panel weight, and framing |
Compare doors with the same configuration and included hardware, not just the same height. A slab-only price cannot be compared directly with a prehung door or a complete exterior package. For sliding systems, confirm that the price includes track, rollers, handles, and any required header reinforcement.
A custom door may be warranted when the opening cannot accept a standard unit or when the design requires a specific width, finish, or glass arrangement. Before ordering, verify the manufacturer’s actual dimensions and handing. A nonreturnable special order can be expensive to correct if the rough opening or swing direction was measured incorrectly.
Why 8-foot door quotes vary by U.S. region
Labor rates, delivery distances, contractor availability, and local building requirements create regional variation. In lower-cost rural markets, a straightforward installation may be 10%-20% below a large-city quote. Major coastal metros and high-cost urban areas can run 15%-35% above the national middle, especially for custom carpentry or premium finish work.
For budgeting, compare local quotes rather than treating national averages as a guaranteed rate. A standard interior replacement might total $600-$1,500 in many markets, while the same scope can reach $900-$2,000 in a high-cost metro. Exterior installations commonly range from $1,400-$3,500 in typical markets and can exceed $4,000 in expensive areas.
Remote locations may have fewer installers and higher freight charges, even if local labor is less expensive. A special-order 8-foot unit can also require a delivery surcharge of $50-$300, depending on distance, size, and whether the carrier offers inside delivery. Ask whether the estimate includes tax and delivery; these charges are sometimes excluded from advertised prices.
Removal, permits, and repairs that can add $100 or more
Old-door removal and disposal often add $100-$250, with heavy glass, double doors, or difficult access raising the total. New trim, threshold replacement, wall patching, and paint may add another $150-$700. If rot or water damage is found around an exterior frame, repairs can add $200-$1,000 depending on how much framing must be replaced.
Check the quote for exclusions before signing, especially disposal, flashing, and finish work. A low installation rate may cover only setting the door in an existing frame. Exterior replacements typically require weather sealing and may need a new sill or threshold; skipping those items can cause drafts or water intrusion.
Permits are not routinely required for a like-for-like door replacement, but rules vary by city and project scope. Widening an opening, altering a structural header, or changing an exterior opening may trigger permits and inspections. Permit charges often fall around $50-$300 for residential work, while plan review or engineering can add more.
For exterior doors, ask whether the product meets applicable local energy, wind, or impact requirements. Requirements are stricter in some hurricane-prone and high-wind areas. A code-required rated door can cost more than a basic model, but choosing a noncompliant unit may create replacement costs or delay inspection.
Ways to trim an 8-foot door budget without losing function
Keeping the existing opening dimensions is one of the most effective ways to control the total. Choose a standard 96-inch nominal size and common width when the opening allows it. Avoid widening a wall or moving utilities unless the design requires it; framing changes can cost more than the price difference between a basic and premium door.
Match the specification to the room or entry instead of paying for upgrades that do not solve a real need. A solid-core interior door may be worthwhile for noise control, but a premium exterior wood door may not be necessary when a quality fiberglass or steel model provides the desired appearance and weather performance.
Get at least three itemized quotes using the same door model, hardware, removal scope, and trim expectations. Ask each contractor to identify allowances and exclusions. Quotes that differ sharply may reflect different assumptions about framing repairs, disposal, paint, or whether the old jamb will remain in place.
Prepare the work area by clearing furniture, rugs, and stored items near the opening. This does not replace professional removal or installation, but it can reduce delays and protect finished surfaces. Scheduling during a contractor’s less-busy period may improve availability, though savings are not guaranteed; urgent work and short-notice custom orders can carry added charges.
For an existing door that is damaged but structurally sound, compare repair costs with replacement. Hinge adjustment, weatherstripping, a new lock, or minor frame repair may cost $75-$500, while a full replacement often starts near $600 indoors or $1,200 for an exterior entry. Repair is less attractive when the frame is rotten, the slab is warped, or the door no longer meets performance needs.