The cost to add a door to an exterior wall typically ranges from $1,500 to $8,000, with many standard projects landing near $4,000. The door type, wall structure, siding, utility relocations, and local labor rates drive the final price.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete project | $1,500 | $4,000 | $8,000+ | Cut opening, frame, install, and finish |
| Exterior door unit | $250 | $900 | $3,000+ | Basic steel through premium fiberglass or wood |
| Installation labor | $700 | $1,800 | $3,500 | More for structural or finish complications |
| Wall opening work | $500 | $1,400 | $3,000+ | Framing, header, and exterior patching |
What a standard exterior door project usually costs
A straightforward installation in a wood-framed, non-load-bearing wall can cost about $1,500-$3,500, including a basic prehung door. Cutting a new opening in a load-bearing wall, adding a larger header, or matching brick or stone can bring the project to $4,000-$8,000 or more. A sliding glass door or custom-size unit may push the total higher.
For a typical 3-foot-wide prehung door in an accessible wood-framed wall, budgeting around $3,000-$5,000 is a practical starting point. This assumes standard materials, ordinary interior and exterior finishes, and no major electrical or plumbing relocation. Regional labor costs and project permits can shift the estimate.
How framing, door materials, and finish work appear on quotes
Contractors may bundle tasks into one installation price, so quotes are easier to compare when they identify the door unit, framing, labor, and finish work. The ranges below are typical allowances, not fixed national rates.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers | Common cost increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door and hardware | $250-$3,000+ | Prehung unit, lockset, and basic threshold | Custom size, decorative glass, premium material |
| Cutting and framing | $500-$1,800 | Opening, rough framing, and header where needed | Load-bearing wall or engineered support |
| Installation labor | $700-$2,500 | Setting, shimming, sealing, and adjustment | Uneven wall or difficult access |
| Exterior and interior finishes | $300-$1,500 | Siding, trim, drywall, and paint touch-up | Brick, stucco, stone, or extensive repainting |
| Permit and disposal | $100-$800 | Local permit fees and debris removal | Required inspection or special disposal |
Ask whether the quote includes weatherproof flashing and finish repairs, not just the door and labor. Those items protect against water intrusion and can be costly to add after installation.
Wall structure and opening size can change the estimate
A typical exterior door opening is roughly 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall, but an opening wider than 4 feet may need stronger framing and more extensive structural work. Load-bearing walls usually require a properly sized header and temporary support while the opening is cut. Header requirements depend on the building, span, and local code.
Wall material also matters. Cutting wood siding is generally less costly to repair than brick veneer, stucco, or stone. Masonry cutting and matching repairs can add roughly $800-$2,500, depending on the opening and finish. If wiring, plumbing, or ductwork crosses the planned opening, rerouting can add $300-$1,500 or more.
A larger opening, masonry exterior, or utility conflict can move a basic job into the $5,000-$8,000 range. A contractor should inspect the wall before treating an online or phone estimate as firm.
How many labor hours does a new door opening take
A simple installation may take a two-person crew about 8-16 hours on site, while structural changes and detailed exterior repairs can require 2-4 days. For planning, carpentry and installation labor commonly works out to $75-$125 per worker-hour, though contractor billing may be by project rather than hourly.
For example, 20 combined worker-hours at $90-$120 per hour represents $1,800-$2,400 in labor before materials, disposal, or permit fees. Weather, access, and the need to protect occupied rooms can affect the schedule and labor allowance.
Confirm whether the estimate prices a crew-hour or an individual worker-hour. That distinction prevents confusion when comparing labor figures.
Steel, fiberglass, and sliding doors carry different price tags
A basic steel prehung door often costs $250-$700, while a midrange fiberglass door commonly runs $700-$1,800. Wood doors can cost $800-$3,000 or more, especially with custom sizing or decorative glass. These are door-unit prices; they do not include cutting and finishing the wall.
A sliding patio door typically costs $800-$3,000 for the unit and may require a wider opening, making the total installed project about $3,500-$10,000. A standard swing door is often the lower-cost choice when the opening and access are suitable. Existing steps, a landing, or a new exterior deck can add substantial expense.
Compare total installed prices rather than choosing by door-unit price alone. A less expensive unit may need different framing or finish work that changes the final budget.
Permit and inspection charges depend on the local opening
Many municipalities require a permit when a new exterior opening alters a structural wall or changes a building’s exterior. Basic permit fees may be around $100-$500, while plan review or engineering documents can raise the total to $500-$1,500. Requirements vary by city and county, so the local building department is the source for the applicable rules.
Inspectors may check framing, header installation, and weather protection. A contractor may also identify code-related needs such as safety glazing near a door or a landing and steps where required. Include permits and required inspections in the written estimate before work begins.
Regional labor rates shift the installed door price
Prices in high-cost metropolitan areas, including parts of the Northeast and West Coast, can run about 15%-30% above a typical national estimate. Smaller towns and lower-cost markets may be 10%-20% below it, although limited contractor availability or long travel distances can offset those savings. Masonry and finish trades can also differ sharply in price between regions.
Compare at least three local quotes using the same door size, unit quality, and finish scope. Ask each contractor to separate permits, framing, disposal, and repairs so the regional price difference is visible.
Which project choices can keep the new opening affordable
Keeping the opening to a standard door size and selecting an in-stock unit can avoid custom fabrication and reduce fitting time. Placing the door away from wiring, plumbing, and major framing members may also limit relocation work. Before approving a larger glass area or premium finish, compare its added cost with the practical benefit.
Clear access to the work area and moving furniture can reduce setup time, but structural cutting and exterior flashing should remain professional work. If a nearby existing door can be repaired or replaced in its current opening, that option may cost less than creating a new opening. Ask for separate prices for the new opening, door upgrade, and optional landing or deck. This makes it easier to control scope without overlooking essential weatherproofing.