Wooden door replacement typically costs $250-$2,500 per door, including the door and standard installation; custom exterior doors can exceed $5,000. The final price depends on whether the door is interior or exterior, wood species, size, hardware, frame condition, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior prehung wood door installed | $250 | $650 | $1,400 | Door, frame, and standard labor |
| Exterior wood door installed | $700 | $1,800 | $4,500 | Basic to premium entry door |
| Slab door replacement | $150 | $500 | $1,200 | Door only, before fitting and hardware |
| Installation labor | $150 | $350 | $900 | Higher for frame repairs or custom fit |
Typical prices for interior and exterior wood doors
A standard hollow-core wood-veneer interior door costs about $80-$250 for the slab, while a solid-core or solid-wood model often costs $200-$800. With removal and installation, common interior replacements total $250-$1,400. A basic exterior wood door usually costs $400-$1,500 for the door alone; installed totals commonly reach $700-$4,500.
For a straightforward standard-size replacement, budgeting $650 for an interior door or $1,800 for an exterior door is a reasonable starting point. Custom sizing, premium hardwood, glass panels, and decorative carving can push an exterior project above that range. Assumptions: U.S. midmarket labor rates, standard door opening, ordinary access, and no major framing repair.
What door, labor, and hardware add to the quote
Quotes may cover only the door and installation, or include removal, disposal, trim, locks, and finishing. A slab fits an existing frame if its dimensions and hinge layout match; a prehung unit includes a frame and is often preferable when the jamb is damaged or the opening is being altered.
| Quote component | Typical price | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|
| Interior door slab | $80-$800 per door | Core type, wood veneer, or hardwood |
| Exterior wood door | $400-$2,500 per door | Species, glass, finish, and security features |
| Labor | $150-$500 per door | Fit, hinges, trim, and frame condition |
| Hardware and lockset | $40-$350 per set | Basic passage knob to keyed or smart lock |
| Removal and disposal | $30-$150 per door | Haul-away distance and old-door weight |
| Paint, stain, and trim | $75-$400 per door | Preparation, finish coats, and casing scope |
Confirm whether the quote includes finishing and hardware, since those items can add several hundred dollars. A common labor estimate is 2-4 hours at $50-$125 per hour for a basic replacement.
How door size, wood species, and frame condition change price
Most interior doors are 30-32 inches wide and 80 inches tall; nonstandard sizes can require a special order or costly trimming. A door wider than 36 inches, taller than 84 inches, or unusually thick may add $100-$600 or more for the door and fitting. Solid oak, mahogany, and walnut typically cost more than pine or wood veneer.
Exterior doors also need suitable weather seals and a stable jamb. Replacing a sound door in a square opening costs less than correcting a swollen, rotted, or out-of-plumb frame. Frame repair may add $150-$700; rebuilding an opening or replacing damaged surrounding trim can add $500-$1,500.
Measure the slab, jamb, swing, and rough opening before comparing prices. A quote based on the wrong measurement may omit resizing, new casing, or threshold work.
Ways to control the replacement scope and final price
Keep the existing frame when it is sound and correctly sized, and request a slab-only quote alongside a prehung-door quote. Choose a standard size and a readily available wood species rather than custom dimensions or specialty finishes. For interior doors, a quality wood-veneer or solid-core option may meet the need without the expense of solid hardwood.
Separate necessary repairs from optional upgrades before approving the work. Ask contractors to price hardware, painting, trim, disposal, and frame repair as separate line items. Supplying a door can lower material markup, but first confirm that the installer accepts it and will warranty the fit and installation.
Regional labor rates and exterior door pricing
Labor and delivery rates vary by market. Large coastal cities and high-cost metro areas may run 15%-35% above a typical national quote, while rural markets can be 5%-20% lower when contractors are available nearby. A remote location may instead incur travel or delivery charges.
Exterior wood doors often show a larger regional gap than simple interior replacements because they require weatherproofing, precise fitting, and sometimes more than one installer. Compare at least two or three itemized local quotes with the same door type, size, and finish scope.
Use local quotes for the final budget rather than treating a national average as a fixed rate. Confirm whether sales tax, delivery, and old-door disposal are included.
How many hours a wood door installation takes
A basic interior slab replacement can take 1-3 hours; a prehung interior door commonly takes 3-5 hours. Exterior replacements often take 4-8 hours, especially when the installer must seal the opening, adjust the threshold, or fit a lockset. Painting or staining may require a separate visit or drying time.
Labor can rise when the opening is out of square, flooring changes affect clearance, or trim must be matched. If a contractor charges a minimum service fee, replacing several doors in one visit may reduce the labor cost per door, provided each opening is ready and measured.
Repairing a wood door versus replacing the entire unit
Minor sticking, loose hinges, or a damaged latch may be fixed for $75-$300. Patching and refinishing a small surface blemish can cost $100-$500, depending on finish and labor. Replacement is more likely to make sense when an exterior door has rot, widespread splitting, failed joints, or poor fit that cannot be corrected economically.
Get a repair quote before replacing a door with isolated, fixable damage. A repair may not solve persistent drafts or water intrusion if the jamb, threshold, or weatherstripping is the real problem. Ask the contractor to identify the failed component rather than quoting a new door by default.
When timing and preparation affect the installation bill
Standard replacement work is generally easier to schedule than emergency or short-notice service. Urgent calls may add $100-$300 or more, particularly if temporary securing is needed. Before installation, clear furniture and decorations from the work area, keep pets away, and confirm the door swing and finish to reduce delays or change orders.
Ask whether the installer protects nearby floors, hauls away the old unit, and returns to complete paint or stain work. A written scope helps prevent surprise charges for cleanup, trim, and finish work.