The typical cost to stain a door ranges from around $80 to $350 for a standard interior door, with exterior doors often costing more due to weatherproof finishes. Key drivers include door material, preparation needs, the number of coats, and labor rates in your area. This article provides practical pricing in USD with clear low–average–high ranges and per-unit details where relevant.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door staining project | $80 | $180 | $350 | Interior doors, single- or double-leaf |
| Per-door labor | $40 | $110 | $220 | Hours times rate; varies by prep |
| Materials | $20 | $45 | $120 | Stripping, primer, stain, sealant |
| Tools & equipment | $0 | $15 | $35 | Brushes, rollers, sandpaper |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $50 | Typically not required for simple doors |
| Delivery/ disposal | $0 | $5 | $25 | Small quantities; disposal of waste |
| Warranty | $0 | $10 | $25 | Limited workmanship coverage |
Overview Of Costs
Cost ranges for staining a door depend on whether the door is interior or exterior, door size, and the number of coats. For a standard interior solid wood door, a typical project spans $80–$180, often with the homeowner supplying materials. Exterior doors or doors with heavy weather exposure generally push toward $200–$350 due to prep, sealants, and multiple coats. Per-unit pricing commonly appears as $40–$110 for labor per door, plus $20–$45 for materials.
Assumptions: single-family home, standard six-panel or flat door, matte or satin finish, mild ventilation. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $20 | $45 | $120 | Stain, primer, sealant; brushes |
| Labor | $40 | $110 | $220 | Prep, stain, finish; typical crew of 1–2 |
| Equipment | $0 | $15 | $35 | Sanders, brushes, rags |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $50 | Usually not required for interior doors |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $5 | $25 | Waste removal, disposal bags |
| Accessories | $0 | $5 | $15 | Drop cloths, masking tape |
| Warranty | $0 | $10 | $25 | Workmanship warranty |
| Overhead | $0 | $5 | $15 | General business costs |
| Contingency | $0 | $5 | $15 | Minor unexpected prep needs |
| Taxes | $0 | $0 | $0 | Assumes no tax on materials in some regions |
What Drives Price
Material quality and door type are primary cost drivers. Solid wood or intricately carved doors demand more prep and finish coats compared with hollow-core or primed doors. Exterior doors require weatherproof stain, sealant, and potentially rot treatment, raising both materials and labor costs. A longer door or irregular edges can add time and waste. Labor rates vary by region and contractor, with higher costs in urban markets and lower costs in rural areas.
Other influences include the number of coats (2–3 is common for exterior doors), the need for stripping old finishes, and whether masking and surface preparation are extensive due to heavy dirt or peeling coatings. Per-unit pricing often includes a small crew overhead and minimal cleanup, while more thorough jobs may add on-site time charges.
Regional Price Differences
Prices differ across regions. In the Northeast and West Coast, interior door staining tends to be higher due to elevated labor rates, with a typical range of $110–$180 per door for labor and $25–$60 for materials. In the Midwest, values often skew lower, around $90–$150 for labor and $20–$40 for materials. In the Southeast, pricing can be mid-range, roughly $100–$160 for labor and $20–$50 for materials. Regional deltas commonly amount to ±15–30% between these zones, driven by cost of living and contractor demand.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor time for staining a single door generally runs 1–3 hours, depending on prep complexity and finish steps. For exterior doors or heavily textured surfaces, expect 3–5 hours. Local hourly rates typically range from $40–$110, with higher end in metropolitan areas and lower in rural locales. A mini formula tag helps track labor estimation: data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>.
Extra & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs may include additional coats for durability, specialized primers for problematic woods, or extra masking due to adjacent finishes. If the door is part of a larger project, some installers bundle staining with painting, which can alter per-door pricing. Doors with weather stripping or hardware modifications may incur extra labor and materials for removal and reattachment, or for sealing gaps around hinges and frames.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
-
Basic Interior Door — Solid core, standard six-panel, minimal prep, one coat of stain plus sealant.
- Door: 1
- Labor: 1.5 hours
- Materials: $25
- Totals: $60–$110
- Notes: Quick refresh, no stripping or priming needed
-
Mid-Range Interior Door — Stripping existing finish, primer, two coats, satin sealant.
- Door: 1
- Labor: 2.5 hours
- Materials: $40–$60
- Totals: $120–$170
- Notes: Balanced prep and finish quality
-
Premium Exterior Door — Heavy wood, weatherproof stain, three coats, rot-prep if needed.
- Door: 1
- Labor: 4 hours
- Materials: $70–$100
- Totals: $240–$350
- Notes: High-durability finish for outdoor exposure
Ways To Save
To reduce costs, consider staging the project during off-peak seasons or bundling with nearby projects to share setup costs. Doing light prep yourself, such as cleaning and minor sanding, can lower labor time. Selecting a mid-range stain and finishing system can balance durability and price. Compare quotes from at least two contractors to ensure competitive rates and clear scope definitions.
Pricing FAQ
Common questions include whether staining includes removal of existing hardware, typical turnaround time, and whether a homeowner supplies materials. Most contracts spell out if hardware removal is included, and whether disposal charges are separate. If a finish will be used on exterior doors, confirm UV protection and warranty terms. Ask for a written estimate with a breakdown of materials and labor to avoid surprises.