Room door replacement typically costs $150-$900 per door, with a national-style average near $450 for a standard interior door and professional installation. The final price depends on whether the job uses a hollow-core or solid-core slab, replaces the frame, and requires painting, hardware, or trim work.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door and installation | $150 | $450 | $900 | Standard interior door, installed |
| Door slab only | $50 | $180 | $450 | Price varies by core and finish |
| Labor | $100 | $250 | $500 | More if frame or trim needs work |
What a standard room door replacement costs
A basic hollow-core door slab with reused hinges and handle can cost $150-$350 installed. A prehung hollow-core unit, which includes a frame, typically runs $250-$600 installed. Solid-core doors often bring the total to $350-$900 because the door is heavier and costs more.
For a common 30-by-80-inch interior doorway, budgeting about $300-$600 covers many straightforward replacements. Prices assume ordinary access and standard paint-grade materials; custom sizes, premium finishes, and higher-cost metro labor can exceed these ranges.
Assumptions: Standard U.S. interior doorway, basic hardware, normal access, and no major framing repairs.
How the door, labor, and trim shape the quote
Quotes may cover only the door and fitting, or include frame replacement, hardware, painting, and disposal. Confirm whether the estimate is for a slab or prehung unit, since those are different scopes.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow-core slab | $50-$180 per door | Size, panel design, and finish |
| Solid-core slab | $150-$450 per door | Sound control, weight, and style |
| Installation labor | $100-$300 per door | Fit, hinge work, and adjustment time |
| Prehung frame | $100-$350 per unit | Jamb material and opening condition |
| Hardware and trim | $25-$200 per door | Handle set, casing, and finish work |
Frame repair, painting, and new casing are common additions rather than automatic parts of a door-installation quote. Labor pricing varies by market and contractor minimums.
Door size, core type, and frame condition change the price
Standard doors around 24-36 inches wide and 80 inches tall are usually easier to source and fit. A nonstandard opening, such as one wider than 36 inches or taller than 80 inches, can require a special order, trimming, or carpentry and add roughly $75-$300 or more.
Hollow-core doors weigh less and cost less, while solid-core models offer more sound reduction and feel sturdier. Replacing a slab in a square, undamaged frame is simpler than installing a prehung unit; a damaged or out-of-square opening can add $100-$400 for jamb, drywall, or trim repairs.
Measure the slab, frame, swing direction, and hinge locations before comparing prices. A door that must be cut substantially or fitted to unusual hinges may need additional labor.
When does installation labor push the total higher?
A straightforward slab swap often takes about 1-2 hours. Installing a prehung door may take 2-4 hours, while correcting a rough opening or replacing casing can extend the visit to half a day. Typical labor rates are about $50-$100 per hour, but contractors may quote a per-door rate or impose a minimum service charge.
For example, 3 hours of work at $75 per hour equals $225 in labor before materials or add-ons. Multiple doors can reduce the average labor cost per door if the crew can complete them in one visit.
Painting, disposal, and hardware can add $50-$350
Painting a door and frame commonly adds $75-$200 per door, depending on preparation, coats, and whether painting is done on-site. New knobs or levers may cost $20-$100 each, while upgraded privacy hardware or specialty finishes can cost more.
Hauling away an old door may be included, or charged at $25-$75. New casing can add around $100-$300 per doorway, especially when the existing trim is damaged or must be matched. Ask whether the quote includes caulking, touch-up paint, cleanup, and disposal.
Bundling paint and hardware into the same visit can avoid a separate service minimum. Check whether the door arrives unfinished or factory-finished before budgeting for paint.
Three installed door examples at different price points
| Scenario | Door and materials | Labor and extras | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow-core slab swap, standard opening | $90-$170 | 1-2 hours, $100-$200 | $190-$370 |
| Prehung solid-core door, minor trim work | $250-$500 | 3-4 hours, $225-$400 | $475-$900 |
| Custom-size door with frame repair and paint | $350-$700 | 4-6 hours, $300-$600 | $650-$1,300 |
These examples assume one doorway and standard local access, not structural changes or premium custom millwork. Regional labor rates and finish choices can move the totals outside the listed ranges.
Urban and rural labor rates can shift a door quote
Large coastal metros and high-cost cities may price installation 15%-35% above a typical national estimate because of labor rates, parking, and service minimums. Smaller cities and rural areas may run 5%-20% below metro pricing, although travel fees or limited contractor availability can offset savings.
Compare quotes that specify the same door type and scope rather than relying on the total alone. A lower estimate may exclude painting, disposal, or frame replacement, while a higher one may include those tasks.
Request an itemized quote with labor, door, hardware, trim, and disposal listed separately. This makes regional price differences easier to assess.
Lower the room door bill by controlling the scope
Keeping a sound frame and replacing only the slab can avoid the cost of a prehung unit and casing work. Choose a standard size and paint-grade door, reuse compatible hardware, and avoid premium panel designs if appearance or sound control does not justify the added expense.
For several rooms, schedule the replacements together and ask for a per-door price. Compare at least two itemized bids, confirm who handles measuring and disposal, and ask whether painting is cheaper as a separate homeowner task. Do not assume a slab will fit just because its nominal size matches; verify hinge placement and opening clearance.
The largest controllable savings usually come from reusing a good frame and avoiding unnecessary finish upgrades.