Prices for solid wood doors vary by size, species, grain quality, and finishing options. This article outlines typical cost ranges, per-unit pricing, and the main drivers that push a project from budget to premium. Buyers will find concrete numbers to plan a budget and compare quotes for interior and exterior doors.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door Unit (standard 32″x80″) | $350 | $520 | $1,100 | Solid hardwood core with veneer or premium solid face |
| Finishing (stain/paint) | $60 | $180 | $350 | Labor and materials |
| Hardware Pack | $60 | $140 | $300 | Knob/hinges/strike plate |
| Labor to Install (installation) | $120 | $300 | $600 | Includes alignment and trimming |
| Miscellaneous (prep, finishing touches) | $40 | $120 | $250 | Weatherstripping, hinges alignment |
Assumptions: Midwest or Southern labor rates, standard 1-3/8″ door thickness, no unusual framing issues, pre-hung doors may reduce trim time.
Base Price Range For Solid Wood Doors By Size And Style
Typical total installed price for a standard 32×80 interior solid wood door falls in the $450-$860 range, with exterior doors often higher due to hardware, weather seals, and heavier construction. For larger sizes such as 36×80 or prehung configurations, add $150-$350 to the installed total. A premium solid slab door with a high-end veneer or solid face may push into the $900-$1,100 range, especially when extra hardware or decorative carving is involved.
Major Cost Components In The Quote
Price is broken into core elements: materials, labor, hardware, and finishes. A formal quote usually lists four to six line items. The table below summarizes typical allocations for a standard interior solid wood door replacement.
| Category | Typical Share | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | 25-40% | $230-$520 | Door slab or prehung unit, veneer, core type |
| Labor | 25-45% | $300-$600 | Removal, fit, trim, hinges, alignment |
| Hardware | 10-20% | $60-$200 | Knob/handleset, latch, strike plate |
| Finishing | 5-15% | $60-$180 | Stain, topcoat, touch-ups |
| Permits or delivery | 0-5% | $0-$40 | Usually none for interior doors |
Assumptions: Standard 1-3/8″ thickness, typical interior framing, no structural modifications.
What Variables Most Alter The Final Quote
Door material grade and species (oak, maple, mahogany) and the finish choice drive costs the most. An upgraded species or a heavy, live-sawn grain pattern commands a premium. Also, the chosen system type—hollow-core versus solid-core versus fully solid solid wood—dramatically shifts price, with fully solid options often exceeding $850-$1,100 for a single unit installed. Other levers include door width, door height beyond standard 32×80, and whether the door is prehung or requires carcass work in the frame.
Regional Price Variations You Should Expect
Prices shift by region due to labor rates and material availability. In the Midwest and South, a standard solid wood interior door typically lands in the $400-$750 installed range, while on the West Coast or in big metro areas, the same job commonly runs $600-$900 or more. Exterior solid wood doors frequently add $200-$500 for weatherstripping, seals, and door-sill options, depending on climate and security requirements.
How To Trim Costs Without Sacrificing Quality
Scope control and smarter material choices cut price without downgrading safety or function. Consider selecting a mid-grade species like maple or a high-grade veneer over a solid core to balance aesthetics and price. Opt for standard sizes to avoid custom milling. If a door is currently unfit for hanging, plan for minor carpentry or jamb adjustments rather than full framing. Bundling interior and exterior door projects with a single contractor can reduce overhead per unit.
Labor Time And Crew Size Impacts
Labor hours scale with door count, site access, and finish complexity. A single door install may require 2-5 hours by one carpenter, while a two-door project with detailed milling or painting could need a 2-person crew for 6-10 hours. Expect hourly rates around $60-$120 depending on region and expertise. Delivery and disposal add modest extra charges if the supplier handles it.
Comparing Per-Unit Pricing For Common Scenarios
Per-unit price varies with configuration and finish. Interior prehung doors with a clear veneer finish often cost $450-$700 installed, while solid oak slabs with a dark stain can range $700-$1,000 installed. Exterior solid wood doors with steel reinforcements and weatherstripping typically land between $900 and $1,600 per unit installed, depending on hardware and size.
Three Real-World Quote Scenarios
- Standard interior door, 32×80, plywood core with veneer — Materials $180-$320; Labor $250-$420; Hardware $60-$140; Finishing $60-$120; Total $550-$1,000.
- Premium solid wood interior door, 36×80, hardwood face — Materials $320-$520; Labor $340-$560; Hardware $120-$200; Finishing $90-$180; Total $880-$1,460.
- Exterior solid wood door, 36×80, with weatherstripping — Materials $420-$700; Labor $450-$750; Hardware $150-$260; Finishing $100-$180; Total $1,100-$1,890.
Assumptions: Standard frames, non-custom shapes, typical entry-level hardware, normal access to site.