Apartment door replacement typically costs $350-$3,000 per opening installed, with an average near $1,250. The price depends on whether the door is interior or an entry door, its fire rating and size, and whether the frame, hardware, or trim also needs replacement.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior door, installed | $200 | $550 | $1,200 | Basic hollow-core to solid-core options |
| Apartment entry door, installed | $700 | $1,500 | $3,000 | Fire-rated door and frame work can raise price |
| Door slab only | $80 | $250 | $700 | Installation and hardware may be additional |
| Labor | $150 | $400 | $900 | Per opening, depending on removal and fitting |
Assumptions: U.S. pricing for standard-size doors, ordinary access, and professional installation; metropolitan labor and specialty fire-rated products can cost more.
Typical installed prices for apartment interior and entry doors
A basic hollow-core interior door replacement often totals $200-$500 when the existing frame is sound. A solid-core bedroom or bathroom door commonly costs $400-$1,000 installed. A unit entry door is generally more expensive because it may need a fire label, self-closing hardware, a compatible frame, and secure lockset.
For budget planning, allow about $550 for a standard interior door and $1,500 for a typical rated entry-door replacement. A slab-only swap can be less expensive, but only if the new door matches the opening, hinges, and latch positions. Custom sizes, damage to the jamb, or upgraded locks can push the project above the typical range.
What door, labor, and hardware add to the quote
Door quotes vary in what they include. Comparing the written scope helps distinguish a low slab price from a complete replacement that includes removal, fitting, hardware, and disposal.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow-core interior door | $80-$250 per slab | Size, finish, and pre-boring |
| Solid-core or rated door | $250-$900 per door | Material, rating, and manufacturer |
| Labor and fitting | $150-$600 per opening | Jamb condition and adjustment work |
| Lockset, hinges, closer | $40-$350 per opening | Security grade and fire-door requirements |
| Removal and disposal | $30-$150 per door | Haul-away distance and door weight |
Labor is often the largest variable after the door itself, especially when the frame needs repair. Contractors may charge $75-$125 per hour, or quote a fixed installation fee. Painting, new casing, and patching surrounding drywall may be separate line items.
How fire ratings, door size, and frame condition change price
Many apartment entry doors are part of a fire separation, so the replacement may need to match the required rating and approved hardware. A rated door commonly adds $150-$600 over a basic interior door; a complete rated frame-and-door assembly can cost $700-$1,800 before installation. Local building and fire requirements determine what is acceptable.
Standard interior doors are often 28-36 inches wide and 80 inches tall. Nonstandard openings, unusually thick walls, or a frame out of square by more than about 1/4 inch can require trimming, shimming, or custom sizing. Frame replacement can add $200-$700, while new casing and finish work may add $100-$400.
Confirm the required rating and opening measurements before ordering; an inexpensive door that fails code or does not fit can create added labor and replacement expense. A damaged hinge side, split jamb, or loose anchoring also makes a slab-only change less practical.
Regional labor rates and apartment access affect installed prices
Labor and delivery costs are often 10%-25% higher in major coastal cities than in lower-cost rural markets. Dense buildings may add time for parking, elevator reservations, building protection, and carrying materials upstairs. Conversely, a contractor already working on several units in the same property may be able to spread travel and setup charges across multiple doors.
Older buildings can require extra measurement or modifications, particularly if openings vary from unit to unit. In high-cost markets, a standard interior replacement may land around $500-$1,000 installed, while comparable work in a lower-cost region may be closer to $300-$700.
How many labor hours a door replacement usually takes
A straightforward slab replacement often takes 1-3 hours. A prehung door, which includes a frame, commonly takes 3-6 hours when the opening is in reasonable condition. Entry doors with rated hardware, closer adjustment, and weather sealing may need 4-8 hours, particularly when removal or access is difficult.
Ask whether the quote includes removal, fitting, hardware adjustment, cleanup, and a return visit if the door does not latch correctly. Building access restrictions or required work-hour windows can extend the schedule even when billable labor time remains limited.
Which apartment door replacement choices keep the budget controlled
Replacing only a damaged slab can save $200-$700 compared with changing the slab and frame, provided the existing frame is straight, secure, and compatible. Keep existing casing and usable hardware when code and security requirements allow. Choose a standard size and finish rather than a special order, and avoid adding decorative glass or premium trim if those features are not required.
For a multi-unit project, request itemized pricing by door type and quantity. Grouping several replacements can reduce mobilization costs, but each opening should still be measured and checked for rating requirements. Compare at least two quotes using the same specifications, including door material, fire label, lockset, disposal, and paint scope.
Do not reduce cost by substituting an unrated entry door or reusing hardware that conflicts with fire-door requirements. For minor damage such as a loose hinge or strike plate, a repair may cost $75-$250 and avoid replacement; a warped slab, failed core, or damaged frame is less likely to be a durable repair.
When repair beats replacing an apartment door
Small alignment problems can sometimes be corrected by tightening hinges, adjusting the strike plate, or replacing a latch. These repairs generally run $75-$250, depending on parts and labor. A new lockset alone often costs $40-$200 installed. A damaged door that no longer closes, has a cracked core, or cannot maintain its required rating usually warrants replacement rather than repeated adjustments.
For a door with water damage or a compromised frame, include the cause in the estimate; otherwise, the replacement may be damaged again. Ask for separate prices for slab replacement, frame repair, and a full prehung unit to compare the actual savings.