Homeowners typically pay a broad range for exterior entry doors, driven by material, size, and installation complexity. This guide breaks down price ranges and what drives them, helping buyers form a realistic budget for a new front or back door.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door Material | $350 | $1,000 | $2,500 | Steel is usually cheapest, fiberglass mid, wood premium. |
| Labor & Installation | $350 | $1,200 | $3,000 | Includes removal of old door and basic frame prep. |
| Hardware & Accessories | $50 | $250 | $900 | Hinges, lockset, door sweep, weatherstripping. |
| Framing & Finishing | $100 | $500 | $1,500 | Rough opening adjustments and paint/finish work. |
| Permits & Codes | $0 | $60 | $300 | Varies by city and project scope. |
| Delivery & Disposal | $50 | $150 | $400 | Transport and removal of old door. |
Overview Of Costs
Prices reflect total project ranges plus per-unit estimates. For a typical exterior entry door, expect a total project range around $1,000-$5,000 depending on material and labor needs. A per-door basis often shows $200-$600 for installation on a standard unit, with materials driving the majority of the cost when choosing premium options.
Assumptions: standard 36-inch door, single opening, typical weatherstripping, and suburban installation crew.
Cost Breakdown
The following table highlights major cost segments, illustrating the spread between low, average, and high scenarios.
| Segment | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $350 | $1,000 | $2,500 | Steel, fiberglass, or wood; thickness and core quality matter. |
| Labor | $350 | $1,200 | $3,000 | Install time varies by door type and opening condition. |
| Hardware | $50 | $250 | $900 | Lockset, strike, hinges, and weatherstripping. |
| Framing & Finishing | $100 | $500 | $1,500 | Structural prep and paint/finish. |
| Permits | $0 | $60 | $300 | Depends on local rules and project scope. |
| Delivery & Disposal | $50 | $150 | $400 | Includes haul-away of the old unit. |
| Warranties | $0 | $100 | $400 | Extended options vary by brand. |
| Taxes | $0 | $75 | $300 | Sales tax varies by state. |
What Drives Price
Material choice and door size are the largest price levers. A standard 36×80 inch door with a basic steel shell costs less to install than a premium 42×96 inch wood door with custom finish. The door’s insulation, core type, and glass presence (if any) also influence total cost significantly.
Other cost drivers include door thickness, weatherstripping quality, compatibility with existing frames, and the need for structural reinforcement or electrical hardware adjustments.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor costs typically account for the majority of the install. Typical install times range from 4 to 12 hours, with higher-end installations taking longer due to custom work or fragile framing. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> A mid-range crew may bill $50-$125 per hour depending on region and expertise.
The right crew can reduce rework and timing, often delivering savings over a DIY approach with proper permitting.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material access. In the Northeast, a premium door may add 10-20% compared with the Midwest. The West Coast can show higher overall costs, while Rural areas may see modest discounts for basic installations.
Assumptions: three representative zones, standard 36×80 inch door, and suburban installation crews.
Regional Price Differences: Sample Scenarios
- Urban Northeast: Material $1,200; Labor $1,600; Total $3,200-$4,600
- Suburban Midwest: Material $800; Labor $1,000; Total $1,900-$3,000
- Rural West: Material $700; Labor $900; Total $1,500-$2,600
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common choices and totals.
Basic: Steel door, standard opening, standard hardware
Specs: 36×80, steel exterior, basic lockset, standard weatherstripping. Labor hours: 4-6. Materials: $350; Labor: $450-$800; Hardware: $100; Total: $900-$1,600.
Mid-Range: Fiberglass door with reinforced frame
Specs: 36×80, fiberglass, mid-range lockset, energy-efficient glazing. Labor: 6-8 hours. Materials: $900; Labor: $900-$1,200; Hardware: $200-$300; Total: $1,900-$3,000.
Premium: Wood door with custom finish and smart-lock
Specs: 42×96, solid wood, decorative glass, premium hardware. Labor: 8-12 hours. Materials: $2,200; Labor: $1,600-$3,000; Hardware: $500-$900; Total: $4,300-$6,800.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Ways To Save
Consider standard sizing and materials when budget is tight. Choosing a standard 36×80 inch door and mid-range fiberglass can cut costs significantly. If a full replacement is not required, upgrading only the hardware or weatherstripping can provide noticeable energy savings at lower cost.
Other budget-friendly approaches include shopping for closed-box kits with a reputable warranty, scheduling installation during off-peak seasons, and comparing multiple quotes to lock in competitive labor rates.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can appear with nonstandard openings or old-frame remediation. Expect extra for special finishes, extended lead times, or structural reinforcement if the rough opening is out of plumb.
Assumptions: standard curbside delivery plus basic disposal; no structural retrofit beyond opening adaptation.