Homeowners typically pay to repaint a door to refresh appearance or improve protection. Key cost drivers include door material, size, prep work, priming, and the number of coats. The price range below helps buyers estimate a reasonable budget for a standard interior or exterior door repaint project.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Labor | $120 | $350 | $700 | Includes prep, sanding, priming, and at least two coats |
| Materials | $40 | $110 | $260 | Primer, paint, brushes, rollers; gloss/finish varies |
| Hardware & Accessory Supplies | $10 | $40 | $120 | New hinges, weatherstripping, staining sealant if needed |
| Equipment | $0 | $20 | $60 | Scuff pads, tarps, sanders (rental if needed) |
| Taxes & Permits | $0 | $15 | $60 | Depends on locality and project scope |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $10 | $30 | Disposal of old paint and packaging |
| Total | $170 | $645 | $1,230 | Typical range for a single door repaint |
Assumptions: region, door type (interior vs exterior), number of coats, and prep quality vary by project.
Overview Of Costs
Typical cost range for repainting a door spans roughly $170 to $1,230, with most projects landing around $350-$700 for a standard door. Costs depend on door material (solid wood, hollow core, fiberglass), surface condition, the necessity of repairs, and whether hardware is replaced. Per-door pricing is common, but costs can scale if multiple doors or entryway systems are involved.
Cost Breakdown
Standard components include labor, materials, and potential permits or taxes. The table below outlines a typical breakdown for one door, interior or exterior, with common assumptions: two coats of paint or stain, light sanding, and basic masking.
| Category | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $40 | $110 | $260 |
| Labor | $120 | $350 | $700 |
| Equipment | $0 | $20 | $60 |
| Taxes | $0 | $15 | $60 |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $10 | $30 |
| Contingency | $0 | $25 | $60 |
| Total | $170 | $540 | $1,230 |
data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> n.b. Labor hours often range from 2 to 6 hours for a single door, depending on prep needs and coating thickness.
What Drives Price
Door material and condition are the primary price levers. An exterior solid wood door typically costs more than a hollow-core interior door due to sanding, filling, and sealing requirements. The number of coats (primer plus two topcoats is common) and whether a specialty finish (gloss, satin, or matte) is chosen can shift prices by 10–30%. A door requiring repair (cracks, dents, or rot) increases both materials and labor, sometimes adding $50–$300 in extra costs.
Ways To Save
Simple prep and timing can cut costs without sacrificing results. Consider refreshing a door with a good quality primer and one or two coats instead of three, especially on lightly worn surfaces. If replacing hardware is not needed, you can save on materials and installation time. Scheduling during off-peak seasons can also reduce labor rates in some markets.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material costs. In the Northeast, interior doors may cost 5–15% more due to higher labor rates. The Midwest often provides mid-range pricing with moderate material costs. The Southern and Western regions can show wide swings based on housing stock and demand. Expect +/- 10–20% deltas between Urban, Suburban, and Rural areas for the same scope.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor is frequently the largest portion of the bill. Typical rates range from $60 to $120 per hour for residential painting, depending on contractor experience and local labor laws. A standard door repaint generally takes 2–6 hours of labor, excluding drying time between coats. If significant prep is required or if multiple doors are done together, crews may offer volume pricing or a per-door discount.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden fees can appear if the scope expands. Some projects incur extra charges for extensive surface repair, stain matching, or weatherproofing for exterior doors. If the door is part of a multi-door entry system, or if the frame requires repainting to match, the total can rise. Move-out or relocation of nearby hardware adds minor costs but may affect project duration.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate typical outcomes for common door repaint jobs. Each scenario assumes interior carpentry basics, standard doors, and standard finish durability.
-
Basic: Interior hollow-core door, minimal prep, one color, two coats
Specs: 1 hollow-core door, standard white paint, light sanding, mask and tape. Labor 2.5 hours; materials $60; total around $210-$260. -
Mid-Range: Exterior door, solid wood, color change, light repairs
Specs: 1 exterior panel door, primer + two coats, minor dent repair, weatherstripping checked. Labor 4 hours; materials $120; total around $520-$600. -
Premium: Custom finish, multiple doors, stain and topcoat, hardware updates
Specs: 1 entry door plus sidelights, stain + sealant, two coats; labor 6–7 hours; materials $220; total around $1,000-$1,230.
Assumptions: region, door type, coat count, and prep quality vary by project.