The cost to hang an exterior door is typically $400-$1,200 for a straightforward replacement, with an average near $750 when the opening is sound and a prehung door is used. A new opening, damaged framing, upgraded door, or higher local labor rates can push the total to $1,500-$3,500 or more.
Price depends most on whether the job uses a new prehung unit or an existing frame, plus door material, hardware, trim, and repair work.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door hanging labor | $250 | $450 | $900 | Existing opening; varies by door type |
| Standard prehung exterior door | $200 | $500 | $1,200 | Door and frame, before installation |
| Basic replacement total | $400 | $750 | $1,200 | Sound opening, standard materials |
| New or rebuilt opening | $1,200 | $2,200 | $3,500+ | May include framing and exterior finish work |
What a standard exterior door installation costs
For a typical 36-by-80-inch exterior door replacing a similar unit, homeowners commonly pay $400-$1,200 total. A basic steel prehung door and uncomplicated installation are near the low end; fiberglass, solid wood, sidelights, premium locks, or finish carpentry raise the quote. The average project is about $750 in many markets.
A slab-only door can cost less to buy, but it requires a sound, correctly sized jamb and accurate hinge and lock preparation. Hanging a slab generally costs $250-$600 in labor, while fitting a prehung unit commonly costs $300-$700 for labor alone. Assumptions: Standard single door, accessible opening, no structural repair, and ordinary U.S. labor rates.
A like-for-like replacement is usually the most affordable installation scenario. Replacing a door in a different size or creating an opening can involve framing, siding, drywall, and weatherproofing beyond the door-hanging charge.
What installers include in the door and labor quote
Quotes may combine the door, installation, weather sealing, and hardware, or list each separately. The table gives common ranges for a single standard entry door; local conditions and product grade change the final total.
| Quote component | Typical price | What it may cover | Common extra charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door unit | $200-$1,200 | Steel, fiberglass, or wood prehung door | $300-$1,500 for premium designs or glass |
| Installation labor | $300-$700 | Remove old unit, set, shim, fasten, and adjust | $250-$600 for slab fitting |
| Hardware and lock | $40-$250 | Knob or lever, deadbolt, basic hinges | $100-$400 for upgraded security hardware |
| Trim and sealing | $50-$250 | Caulk, foam, flashing, and minor trim | $150-$600 if exterior trim needs replacement |
| Removal and disposal | $50-$200 | Haul-away of old door and debris | $100-$400 for difficult removal or bulky units |
Some contractors charge a minimum service fee of $150-$300 for small jobs. Confirm whether sales tax, delivery, permit fees, and interior or exterior painting are included. Ask for separate door, labor, removal, and repair amounts so competing quotes can be compared accurately.
How door width and frame damage change the price
Standard single doors are often 30-36 inches wide and 80 inches tall. A nonstandard size, double-door setup, or a unit with sidelights can add $200-$1,000 or more for the product and fitting. A wider or heavier door may also require additional workers or stronger hinges.
Frame condition is a major labor variable. A sound jamb may need only shimming and sealing, while rot at the sill or around the threshold can add $150-$600 for localized repairs. If damage extends into framing or sheathing, repairs may cost $500-$1,500 or more. Opening a wall for a new door commonly pushes the full project to $1,200-$3,500+, depending on exterior finish and structural work.
Measure the rough opening and check the sill before ordering; a mismatch or hidden rot can turn a simple replacement into carpentry work. Assumptions: Standard single-door opening; repair amounts reflect limited areas, not major structural reconstruction.
How many labor hours does hanging an entry door take
A contractor may need 3-6 hours to remove and replace a prehung door when the opening is square and accessible. Installing a slab into an existing frame often takes 2-5 hours, depending on hinge mortises, lock preparation, and adjustments. A new opening, extensive trim work, or repairs can extend the job to a full day or longer.
At typical rates of $50-$100 per hour, a two-person crew can produce a labor charge of roughly $300-$800 for a standard installation. Some companies quote a flat rate rather than an hourly bill. Ask whether the estimate is for one installer or a crew and whether setup, cleanup, and adjustment time are included.
What removal and weatherproofing add to the bill
Taking out an old door may be included in the base quote, but difficult removal, disposal, and damaged trim can add $50-$400. New flashing, low-expansion foam, exterior caulk, and threshold adjustment can add $50-$250 when not bundled. Painting or staining is often separate, commonly $100-$400 for a single door depending on preparation and finish.
Water intrusion, insect damage, or a soft threshold should be addressed before the new unit is set. Covering a damaged sill can lead to a poor seal and further repair costs. Have the installer identify and price visible rot or water damage as a separate line item.
Is a replacement slab cheaper than a prehung door
A slab can cost $100-$600, compared with roughly $200-$1,200 for a prehung unit. It is economical when the existing frame is square, intact, and compatible with the replacement door. If the frame is warped, rotted, or the hinges and lock do not line up, labor to modify a slab may erase the initial savings.
A prehung door replaces the slab and frame together, making it a practical choice for damaged jambs or a full-unit replacement. Standard steel is commonly the least expensive material; fiberglass typically costs more but offers a low-maintenance alternative, while wood can require additional finishing. Compare the installed total, not just the price of the door panel.
Why exterior door labor varies by U.S. region
Labor and contractor availability can make quotes in major coastal cities or high-cost metro areas about 15%-35% higher than in lower-cost rural markets. Remote locations may have lower hourly rates but higher delivery charges or travel fees. Door prices also vary with local inventory and the selected material.
Permits are not usually needed for a like-for-like door swap, but a new or enlarged opening may require a permit and inspection. Fees commonly range from $50-$300, with local rules determining the actual amount. Check permit requirements before work begins if the opening size or structural framing will change.
Where homeowners can trim an exterior door estimate
Keep the opening size unchanged when possible, choose a standard stocked door, and reuse sound interior trim and hardware where compatible. Comparing at least three itemized estimates can reveal whether one quote includes disposal, flashing, tax, or painting that others omit. Ask contractors to price optional upgrades separately.
Homeowners can reduce labor by clearing the entry area and arranging access, but should leave fitting, shimming, flashing, and sealing to someone equipped to prevent drafts and water leaks. Avoid selecting the lowest bid until the scope and product specifications match. The best savings usually come from avoiding unnecessary framing changes and paid upgrades, not skipping weatherproofing.