Converting a single doorway to a double door typically costs $1,200-$5,500, with an average near $3,000 for a standard interior opening. The single to double door conversion cost depends on door material and size, whether the wall is load-bearing, and how much framing, finish work, or exterior weatherproofing is needed.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior conversion | $1,200 | $2,700 | $4,800 | Standard opening, basic doors, limited repairs |
| Exterior conversion | $2,000 | $4,200 | $8,000 | Includes weatherproofing and exterior trim |
| Double-door unit | $400 | $1,200 | $3,000 | Pair of basic to premium doors, before installation |
| Labor | $500 | $1,400 | $3,000 | Opening changes, hanging, trim, and finish work |
What a standard double-door conversion usually costs
For an interior doorway widened to fit a 60- to 72-inch pair of doors, homeowners commonly pay $1,200-$4,800. A straightforward project with a non-load-bearing wall, stock doors, and uncomplicated trim tends to land around $2,000-$3,200. Custom doors, wider openings, or structural work raise the estimate.
Exterior work often costs more because the contractor must protect against water and air infiltration, adjust siding or masonry, and install a suitable threshold. Use $2,000-$8,000 as a practical planning range for an exterior conversion.
Assumptions: U.S. mid-market labor rates, standard door sizes, normal access, and no major concealed damage.
How framing, doors, and finish work appear in the quote
Quotes may group tasks differently, so checking what each line includes helps prevent missed expenses. The following ranges are typical for an interior conversion; exterior projects can add weatherproofing and façade repairs.
| Quote item | Typical price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Door pair and hardware | $400-$2,000 | Stock slabs or prehung pair, hinges, latch, and handles |
| Demolition and framing | $300-$1,200 | Removing the old frame and widening or rebuilding the opening |
| Labor and installation | $500-$1,800 | Setting, leveling, hanging, and aligning both doors |
| Trim, drywall, and paint | $200-$900 | Finishing the altered wall and casing |
| Disposal or delivery | $50-$350 | Debris hauling and door transport, if charged separately |
Ask whether the quote includes both sides of the opening, hardware, disposal, and finish painting. Labor varies with access and scope; a rough labor calculation is , often based on $50-$100 per hour per worker.
Opening width and wall structure can shift the estimate
Changing a typical 30- to 36-inch single opening to a 60-inch double doorway may require removing studs, moving wiring, or rebuilding the header. A non-load-bearing wall usually needs less structural work. If the wall supports a floor or roof, a properly sized header and temporary support can add $500-$2,000 or more, depending on span and access.
Moving from a 60-inch opening to 72 inches or wider can add framing and finish costs, particularly when switches, plumbing, or built-in cabinets are nearby. Exterior projects can require matching siding, brick, or stucco, with repairs commonly adding $300-$1,500. Confirm wall type and finished opening dimensions before comparing bids.
How long installers need for framing and door hanging
A simple interior conversion often takes a two-person crew 6-12 hours on site, with additional time for paint or drywall compound to dry. Structural changes, masonry, electrical relocation, or custom orders can stretch the job to two or more days. Typical contractor labor rates fall around $50-$100 per hour, though some companies quote a fixed project price instead.
Request a written schedule that separates demolition, framing, installation, and finish work. That makes it easier to identify whether a low bid excludes painting, patching, or a return visit.
Regional labor rates change the same doorway quote
Labor and permit costs vary by market. In lower-cost rural areas and smaller cities, a standard interior job may run 10%-20% below the national mid-range. Major metro areas in the Northeast, West Coast, and parts of Hawaii can price 15%-30% higher because of labor rates, parking, delivery, and contractor demand.
Material availability also matters: transporting a large prehung unit to a remote property may add $100-$400. Compare local bids for the same door size and scope rather than relying on a national average alone.
Three doorway examples show how scope affects totals
| Project | Scope | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|
| Basic interior | 60-inch opening, hollow-core pair, 8-10 labor hours | $1,400-$2,500 |
| Finished interior upgrade | 72-inch opening, solid-core doors, trim and paint, 12-16 hours | $2,800-$4,800 |
| Exterior replacement | Double entry unit, weatherproofing, siding patch, 16-24 hours | $4,000-$8,000 |
Assumptions: Stock or readily available units, ordinary site access, and no major electrical or structural surprises. Custom wood, glass, or oversized units can exceed these ranges.
Permits and inspections depend on the wall and location
Many jurisdictions do not require a permit for a non-structural interior doorway change, but rules differ. Altering a load-bearing wall, changing an exterior opening, or moving electrical wiring may require permits or inspections. Permit charges can range from about $50-$500, while drawings or engineering review may add $200-$1,000 when structural documentation is required.
Check local building requirements before demolition, especially for exterior openings or structural headers. Contractors should state whether permit fees and inspection coordination are included in their quote.
Lower the conversion price by keeping the opening simple
Stock-size doors generally cost less than custom widths, unusual finishes, or specialty glass. Keeping the new opening near a standard 60- or 72-inch size can reduce trimming and ordering expenses. Reusing suitable casing or painting the finished trim separately may also reduce the contractor’s finish-work charge.
Get at least three itemized quotes and compare door construction, framing, disposal, and paint scope. Do not skip a required header or weather barrier to save money; instead, ask whether repair of an existing frame or a wider single door can meet the same need with less construction. Controlling width, door grade, and finish scope usually offers the clearest savings without compromising safe installation.