Hinges typically cost $2-$30 each for common doors and cabinets, while heavy-duty, decorative, or specialty models can cost $30-$150 or more. A standard replacement job often totals $75-$300, depending on hinge type, door weight, labor, access, and whether old hardware needs removal or carpentry adjustments.
These estimates cover common U.S. residential projects; regional labor rates and premium finishes can change the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic interior door hinge | $2 each | $6 each | $18 each | Steel, standard butt hinge |
| Cabinet hinge | $3 each | $12 each | $35 each | Basic overlay through soft-close |
| Exterior door hinge | $6 each | $18 each | $45 each | Often corrosion-resistant |
| Hinge installation labor | $50 | $125 | $300 | One door, typical access |
| Installed replacement project | $75 | $175 | $450 | Three hinges; repair work can raise price |
What Do Common Door and Cabinet Hinges Cost?
For a standard interior door, expect to pay $2-$18 per hinge, or about $6-$54 for a set of three. Plain steel hinges sit near the low end; heavier ball-bearing models, decorative finishes, and larger sizes cost more. A contractor-installed set commonly brings the total to $75-$200 when the door and frame are in sound condition.
Cabinet hinges generally cost $3-$35 each. Basic face-frame or concealed hinges may be inexpensive, while soft-close, specialty-angle, and full-overlay models can reach $20-$35 each. Replacing a set of 10 cabinet hinges may cost $30-$350 for hardware alone; installation can add $100-$300, especially if doors need alignment.
Exterior and security doors usually need stronger or corrosion-resistant hardware. A residential exterior hinge costs about $6-$45 each, with stainless steel and ball-bearing designs toward the high end. A three-hinge hardware set may cost $18-$135 before labor. Assumptions: standard residential door, readily available hardware, and no major frame repair.
For a routine three-hinge door replacement, a practical installed budget is $75-$300. The lower end assumes standard hinges and easy access; the upper end allows for a higher labor minimum, premium hardware, or modest fitting work.
How Hardware, Labor, and Removal Shape the Quote
A hinge quote may include more than the price of the hardware. Ask whether the contractor is pricing each hinge, a complete door set, installation, removal, and any necessary adjustment separately. Small jobs may have a minimum service charge that matters more than the per-hinge labor rate.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic hinge hardware | $2-$18 per hinge | Size, finish, bearing type | Interior steel butt hinge |
| Premium or exterior hardware | $15-$45 per hinge | Stainless steel, security, load rating | Exterior or heavy door |
| Installation labor | $50-$125 per hour | Minimum charge, number of doors | Removal, fitting, fastening |
| Door or frame adjustment | $25-$150 per door | Stripped holes, misalignment, damage | Shimming or screw-hole repair |
| Disposal or delivery | $0-$40 per job | Trip distance and contractor policy | Old hardware or parts pickup |
Many residential contractors charge a $75-$150 minimum for a small visit, even when the hands-on work takes less than an hour. A straightforward installation may take 30-60 minutes per door; a cabinet run or multiple doors can take several hours. A handyman may charge $50-$100 per hour, while a finish carpenter or door specialist may charge $75-$125 per hour.
Hardware supplied by the customer can reduce the material line, but some installers limit warranties on customer-provided parts. A quote should identify hinge quantity, dimensions, finish, labor, and any repairs so the lowest bid is not simply missing required work.
Labor minimums and fitting work often matter more than the price of a basic hinge.
Which Door Size, Material, and Load Rating Raise the Price?
Door weight is a major price driver because it determines hinge size, quantity, and bearing strength. A light hollow-core interior door commonly uses three standard hinges. A solid-core door weighing roughly 60-100 pounds may need heavier ball-bearing hinges, and a door above about 100 pounds may require a specialist to confirm the hinge rating and screw attachment.
Hinge dimensions also affect compatibility. Common residential hinges are often 3.5-4 inches tall, but oversized doors may need 4.5-inch or larger models. A larger or thicker leaf typically costs more, and an unusual radius or corner style may require matching the existing cutout rather than choosing the cheapest option.
Cabinet specifications change the estimate in a different way. Overlay, inset, and frameless cabinets use different hinge geometries; opening angles around 110 degrees are common, while wide-angle hinges may reach 155 degrees or more. Replacing hinges with a different model can require new drilling or adjustments, adding $25-$150 per door or cabinet front.
Material and exposure matter as well. Plated steel is often adequate indoors, while stainless steel or a corrosion-resistant finish is useful for coastal locations, bathrooms, and exterior doors. Decorative brass, black, and antique finishes can cost several dollars to more than $20 extra per hinge. Confirm door weight, hinge size, mounting pattern, and finish before buying a replacement set.
Damage can change a simple hardware replacement into a carpentry repair. Stripped screw holes may need wood plugs or longer screws, typically adding $10-$60 in materials and labor. A cracked jamb, sagging door, or damaged cabinet face can add $75-$300 or more, depending on whether the opening needs rebuilding or the door needs planing.
Why Hinge Prices Shift Across U.S. Regions
Hardware prices are relatively similar nationwide for common products, but contractor labor and service minimums vary. In many lower-cost rural and Midwestern markets, a basic hinge installation visit may run $75-$175. In higher-cost metro areas on the West Coast or Northeast, the same small job may total $125-$300, especially when parking, travel, or a minimum appointment fee is included.
For larger projects, labor differences may put an urban quote about 15%-35% above a rural or lower-cost-market estimate. This is not a fixed regional surcharge: local competition, union labor, building access, and contractor workload can narrow or widen the gap. Specialty door and cabinet work can also cost more in areas where qualified tradespeople are harder to schedule.
Material selection can outweigh location for premium hardware. A basic steel set may cost less than $20, whereas a matched set of decorative or stainless hinges can exceed $100. Compare quotes using the same hinge model and count, and check whether the stated price includes tax, delivery, and installation.
For one door, compare the full service-call total rather than multiplying a per-hinge labor rate. A quote with a higher hourly rate may still be less expensive if it has no separate trip charge or minimum.
How Much Does Hinge Installation Labor Add?
Replacing hinges on one accessible interior door usually takes about 30-60 minutes when the existing screw holes and mortises are usable. A service call may still cost $75-$150 because the contractor has to travel, set up, and account for a minimum billable period. For three doors in one visit, labor commonly falls around $150-$350, before unusually expensive hardware or repairs.
Cabinet work typically takes longer because each door must close evenly and may need alignment after installation. Replacing 10 standard cabinet hinges can take about 2-4 hours, with labor around $150-$400 depending on the hourly rate, hinge type, and condition of the cabinets. Soft-close conversions may add adjustment time even when the hinges fit existing mounting plates.
Some contractors quote by the door or project rather than by the hour. A simple door replacement may be $50-$125 in labor, while fitting an oversized exterior door or repairing damaged jambs can raise labor to $150-$350. Request a written scope that separates the hardware price from the installation charge.
Access and preparation affect time. Painted-over screws, concealed fasteners, heavy doors that require a second worker, or a tight work area can add 30 minutes or more. If a door must be removed and rehung, confirm that the estimate includes lifting, alignment, and testing the latch after the new hinges are installed.
Bundling several doors or cabinet fronts into one visit can reduce the effective labor cost per hinge. It does not eliminate the service minimum, but it spreads travel and setup across more work.
Three Real Hinge Quotes for Common Replacement Jobs
These examples show how different hardware and labor assumptions create different totals. They use typical U.S. pricing rather than guaranteed local rates. Sales tax, extensive repairs, and unusually high service-call fees are excluded unless noted.
| Project | Hardware | Labor and scope | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior door, 3 hinges | $12-$36 total; $4-$12 each | 1 hour at $75-$100, basic removal | $90-$160 |
| Exterior door, 3 stainless hinges | $54-$120 total; $18-$40 each | 1.5-2 hours at $85-$125, alignment check | $180-$370 |
| 10 cabinet soft-close hinges | $120-$300 total; $12-$30 each | 2-4 hours at $60-$100, door adjustment | $240-$700 |
In the first example, a homeowner buying standard hinges at a hardware store might pay under $40 for parts. The installed minimum brings the total closer to $90-$160. If the door has stripped screw holes, expect a separate repair line rather than assuming the hinge price includes it.
The exterior example allows for heavier corrosion-resistant hinges and extra setup. If the existing mortises match and the door is easy to handle, the job may land near $180. A heavy door, damaged frame, or difficult access can push it toward or beyond $370.
The cabinet example assumes the new hinges match the cabinet construction. If a contractor must drill new cup holes or replace mounting plates, the price may rise by $50-$200. Matching the original hinge type and dimensions is often the simplest way to keep a replacement quote predictable.
Which Hinge Materials and Styles Save Money Without Rework?
For an interior door, a standard steel butt hinge is usually the least expensive practical choice at $2-$12 each. Ball-bearing hinges, often $8-$30 each, can be a better match for heavy or frequently used doors. Paying extra for a heavy-duty model on a light closet door may provide little value, but using an under-rated hinge on a solid door can lead to sagging and repeat labor.
Cabinet owners can compare basic concealed hinges at $3-$15 each with soft-close models at $12-$35 each. Soft-close hardware costs more initially, but the upgrade may be worthwhile when replacing a full cabinet run and the doors are compatible. For only one damaged hinge, matching the existing model avoids paying for drilling, new plates, or alignment changes.
Decorative finishes add cost without necessarily improving function. If the hinges are visible, match the finish to existing handles; if they are concealed, a basic finish may be sufficient. Reusing sound hinges is another option when the door simply needs adjustment or new screws. A tune-up may cost $50-$150, compared with $75-$300 for a typical replacement visit.
Before purchasing, measure hinge height, leaf width, corner radius, screw pattern, and door thickness. Bring one old hinge to a supplier when the model is uncertain. Choose the lowest-cost hinge that matches the door’s load, mounting pattern, exposure, and finish needs.
How to Lower the Hinge Replacement Price
Keep the project focused by replacing only worn, bent, or corroded hinges when the remaining hardware is sound and the finish match is acceptable. On a door with three failing hinges, replacing all three together is usually more consistent than fitting one new hinge at a time. For cabinets, inspect several doors before ordering so the count and model are correct.
Prepare the work area before the appointment. Clear furniture, remove items from cabinet shelves, and make doors accessible. This will not eliminate a service minimum, but it can reduce billable time and prevent a return visit. Share photos, hinge dimensions, door material, and the number of units when requesting an estimate.
Compare at least two or three written quotes using the same specifications. Ask each contractor to list hardware, labor, trip fees, repairs, and disposal separately. A quote that is $50 lower may not be cheaper if it excludes alignment or uses hinges that do not fit the existing cutouts.
For simple interior doors, buying standard hinges yourself can lower the material cost, but verify compatibility and ask whether the installer accepts customer-supplied hardware. Avoid paying for premium finishes, oversized bearings, or soft-close features unless the door or cabinet use justifies them. Controlling hinge type, project grouping, and quote scope are the most reliable ways to reduce the final bill.