The average cost to replace a front door ranges from $550 to $2,400, with many homeowners spending about $1,450 for the door and professional installation. A basic steel or fiberglass entry door installed in an existing opening may cost less than $1,000, while a custom wood, wrought-iron, or double entry system with sidelights can cost $4,000 to $10,000 or more.
Current national pricing data places average exterior door installation at approximately $1,456, with most projects ranging from $546 to $2,375. Complex installations involving premium materials, structural changes, decorative glass, or custom dimensions may reach $7,000 or more. (HomeAdvisor)
The final price depends on the door material, size, style, frame condition, hardware, glass, labor rates, and whether the existing opening needs structural or cosmetic modifications.
Average Front Door Replacement Cost
| Front door project | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| Basic front door replacement | $550–$1,200 |
| Standard steel or fiberglass door | $700–$2,000 |
| Average exterior door installation | $546–$2,375 |
| Wood entry door | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Double front doors | $1,250–$6,000 |
| Door with sidelights | $1,500–$6,000 |
| Custom entry system | $3,000–$10,000+ |
| Wrought-iron front door | $2,500–$13,000+ |
These figures generally include the door and professional labor. Painting, premium locks, extensive frame repair, permits, structural modifications, and removal of the old door may be priced separately.
A detailed estimate should specify:
- Door manufacturer and model
- Door material and dimensions
- Slab or prehung construction
- Frame and threshold work
- Removal and disposal
- Interior and exterior trim
- Hardware installation
- Weatherstripping and insulation
- Painting or staining
- Warranty coverage
Front Door Replacement Cost by Material
Material affects the purchase price, maintenance requirements, appearance, security, and energy performance of the new entrance.
| Front door material | Door-only cost | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | $150–$1,400 | $500–$2,000 |
| Fiberglass | $150–$3,000 | $600–$3,500 |
| Wood | $500–$3,000 | $1,000–$4,500 |
| Aluminum | $500–$2,000 | $900–$3,000 |
| Wrought iron | $1,500–$13,000 | $2,500–$15,000+ |
Door-only material ranges vary considerably because each category includes basic stock products and premium custom models. (HomeAdvisor)
Steel Front Door Cost
A steel front door typically costs $500 to $2,000 installed. Basic prehung steel doors are among the most affordable options and usually include an insulated core.
Steel provides good security and generally requires less maintenance than natural wood. However, dents can be difficult to repair, and exposed scratches may eventually rust if the protective finish is not restored.
Steel is a practical choice for homeowners who prioritize affordability, security, and energy efficiency over a natural wood appearance.
Fiberglass Front Door Cost
Fiberglass front door replacement generally costs $600 to $3,500 installed.
Fiberglass doors resist moisture, dents, warping, and many temperature-related problems. They can be manufactured with a smooth painted surface or a wood-grain texture designed to resemble oak, mahogany, or other species.
Prices increase for decorative glass, premium finishes, wider doors, upgraded insulation, and factory-applied stains. Fiberglass is often a strong middle-ground option because it combines relatively low maintenance with a wide range of styles.
Wood Front Door Cost
Installing a wood front door typically costs $1,000 to $4,500, although custom hardwood doors can cost considerably more.
Wood offers a distinctive appearance and can be refinished when the surface becomes worn. Common options include pine, fir, oak, mahogany, walnut, and other hardwoods.
The main disadvantages are maintenance and moisture sensitivity. A wood door may swell, shrink, crack, fade, or rot when it is exposed to harsh weather without adequate protection. Regular staining, painting, and sealing may be necessary, especially when the entryway has limited roof coverage.
Wrought-Iron Front Door Cost
A wrought-iron or ornamental steel front door generally costs $2,500 to $15,000 or more installed.
These doors are often custom-made and may include insulated glass, decorative scrollwork, oversized frames, or double-door configurations. Their weight can require reinforced framing, specialized hinges, and additional installers.
Wrought iron may provide a dramatic appearance and substantial security, but it is one of the most expensive entry-door materials.
Front Door Cost by Style
Standard Single Front Door
A standard single front door costs approximately $550 to $2,000 installed. Keeping the same door size and using the existing opening usually produces the lowest labor cost.
The most affordable projects involve a stock-size prehung door installed without major frame repairs.
Double Front Doors
Double front doors generally cost $1,250 to $6,000 installed. Custom wood, iron, or glass double doors can exceed $10,000.
Double doors require more materials, hardware, alignment work, weather sealing, and labor than a standard single door. Modifying a single-door opening to accept double doors can also require structural framing and interior or exterior finish repairs.
Front Door With Sidelights
A front door with one or two sidelights commonly costs $1,500 to $6,000. Premium custom entry systems may cost $10,000 or more.
Sidelights increase natural light and create a wider, more decorative entrance. They also increase the size and complexity of the complete frame, making installation more expensive.
Replacing an existing door-and-sidelight unit with a product of identical dimensions is generally less expensive than adding sidelights to a standard opening.
Front Door With a Transom
An entry door with a transom window may cost $2,000 to $7,000 or more. Prices depend on the glass, dimensions, framing, and whether the existing opening already includes a transom.
Creating additional space above the door may require structural modifications, new trim, drywall repair, and exterior siding work.
Custom Front Door
Custom entry-door installations range from approximately $3,000 to $10,000 or more. Angi reports that highly customized doors with sidelights, transoms, or security systems can exceed $10,000. (Angi)
Custom work may be necessary for unusually tall or wide openings, historic homes, unique architectural styles, or entrances requiring specialized security or impact-resistant glass.
Prehung vs. Slab Front Door Cost
A slab door includes only the door itself. A prehung door arrives mounted in a new frame with hinges already positioned.
| Door configuration | Typical product cost |
|---|---|
| Slab door | $200–$1,800 |
| Prehung door | $300–$2,400 |
A slab may cost less initially, but installation can be more labor-intensive. The installer must fit the door precisely into the existing frame, position the hinges, drill for hardware, and verify that the slab seals correctly.
A prehung unit is usually the better option when the frame is damaged, warped, out of square, or incompatible with the new door. Because the door and frame are designed to work together, a prehung system can also improve weather sealing.
Labor Cost to Replace a Front Door
Professional door installers commonly charge $30 to $90 per hour, with many simple prehung installations taking approximately two to three hours. Labor for a straightforward replacement may cost $150 to $500. (HomeAdvisor)
More complicated projects may require a full day or several visits. Labor costs increase when the installer must:
- Repair or rebuild the frame
- Enlarge or reduce the opening
- Install sidelights or a transom
- Replace rotted wood
- Modify brick, stucco, or siding
- Relocate wiring
- Repair drywall
- Paint or stain the door
- Install complex security hardware
Labor may also cost more in major metropolitan areas and regions with high contractor demand.
Additional Front Door Replacement Costs
The door itself may represent only part of the complete budget.
| Additional service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Remove and dispose of old exterior door | $70–$200 |
| New frame or jamb | $150–$650 |
| Door hardware | $50–$300+ |
| Deadbolt installation | $40–$200 |
| Smart lock | $150–$700 |
| Interior or exterior trim | $100–$400 |
| Painting or staining | $100–$500 |
| Structural opening modification | $500–$2,000+ |
| Storm door installation | $185–$1,100 |
Removing and disposing of an existing exterior door typically adds $70 to $200. A damaged or incorrectly sized frame may add another $150 to $650, depending on the amount of carpentry required. (Angi)
Rotted Frame Repair
Rot commonly develops near the lower jamb, threshold, or exterior trim where water collects. Minor deterioration may be repaired, but widespread rot usually requires replacing the affected frame components.
The contractor should identify and correct the source of the moisture before installing the new door. Otherwise, the replacement frame may develop the same problem.
Hardware and Lock Upgrades
Basic handles and deadbolts are relatively inexpensive, while premium entry sets, keyless locks, cameras, and smart-home security features can add several hundred dollars.
Confirm whether the door is predrilled for the selected lock. Modifying a metal or fiberglass door after purchase may be more difficult than ordering the correct factory preparation.
Painting or Staining
Primed doors generally need to be painted after installation. Wood doors may require stain, sealer, or exterior-grade paint on all exposed surfaces.
Factory-applied finishes cost more initially but may provide a more consistent result and stronger warranty protection than finishing the door on-site.
What Affects Front Door Replacement Prices?
Existing Frame Condition
Replacing a door in a square, undamaged frame costs less than installing a complete new entry system. Warped jambs, rotten wood, damaged thresholds, and water infiltration add labor and materials.
Door Size
A standard 36-by-80-inch door is easier to source than an oversized or unusually shaped model. Custom widths and heights increase manufacturing and installation costs.
Decorative Glass
Glass inserts, sidelights, transoms, divided-light patterns, privacy glass, and impact-resistant glazing all increase the price. More glass may also affect the door’s energy performance, making the product’s ratings important.
Structural Changes
Changing the width or height of the opening can require reframing, a new header, siding repair, drywall work, and electrical relocation. Altering a load-bearing wall should be handled by a qualified contractor.
Permits and Local Requirements
A direct replacement may not require a permit in every jurisdiction, but structural changes often do. Requirements vary by city and county, so homeowners should verify local building rules before work begins.
Energy-Efficient Front Door Features
An old, uninsulated, or poorly sealed front door can contribute to air leakage and unwanted heat transfer. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends comparing the U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient shown on the National Fenestration Rating Council label. A lower U-factor indicates better resistance to heat flow. (U.S. Department of Energy)
When selecting a replacement, consider:
- An insulated steel or fiberglass core
- ENERGY STAR certification for the local climate zone
- Low-emissivity glass
- Multiple glass panes
- Proper weatherstripping
- An insulated threshold
- Professional air sealing around the frame
ENERGY STAR-certified doors are independently verified to meet energy-efficiency requirements based on climate zone and the amount of glass in the door. (ENERGY STAR)
Installation quality is just as important as the product. A premium door can still allow drafts or water intrusion when the frame is not square, flashed, insulated, and sealed correctly.
Front Door Repair vs. Replacement
Repair may be sufficient when the door has:
- Worn weatherstripping
- Loose hinges
- Minor cosmetic damage
- A damaged lock
- Small areas of surface rot
- Minor alignment problems
Replacement is usually more appropriate when the door is severely warped, extensively rotten, cracked, poorly insulated, difficult to secure, or no longer fits the frame correctly.
Door repairs commonly cost $140 to $380, while replacement becomes more economical when several components require attention or the existing system no longer provides adequate security and weather protection. (Angi)
DIY vs. Professional Installation
An experienced homeowner may be able to replace a same-size prehung door, but exterior door installation requires precise leveling, fastening, flashing, insulation, and weather sealing.
Professional installation is recommended when:
- The frame is damaged or out of square
- The opening must be resized
- The wall may be load-bearing
- Sidelights or a transom are included
- The door is unusually heavy
- Masonry or siding must be modified
- Manufacturer warranties require professional installation
A poorly installed door may bind, leak air, admit water, damage flooring, or fail to lock securely.
How to Save Money on Front Door Replacement
- Choose a standard-size door that fits the current opening.
- Keep the existing frame when it is square and undamaged.
- Select steel or fiberglass instead of custom hardwood or iron.
- Limit decorative glass and custom features.
- Purchase the door and hardware as a complete package.
- Remove decorations and clear the work area before installation.
- Request at least three itemized estimates.
- Schedule painting separately if doing it yourself will not affect the warranty.
- Compare product, labor, and disposal costs—not only the final total.
Avoid ordering a door before a professional confirms the rough-opening dimensions, swing direction, jamb depth, and threshold requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a standard front door?
A standard front door replacement generally costs $550 to $2,000 installed. The lower end covers basic steel or fiberglass doors in an existing opening.
How much does a new front door and frame cost?
Replacing the door and frame usually costs $800 to $3,000. Custom materials, sidelights, rot repair, or structural modifications can increase the total.
How much does it cost to install a front door with sidelights?
A front door with sidelights commonly costs $1,500 to $6,000 installed. Custom wood, iron, or decorative-glass systems may exceed $10,000.
Is fiberglass or steel cheaper?
Basic steel doors are often the least expensive. Fiberglass typically costs more but offers greater resistance to dents, rust, moisture, and temperature-related movement.
How long does front door replacement take?
A straightforward prehung replacement may take three to six hours. Frame repairs, structural modifications, painting, sidelights, or custom components can extend the project to one or more days.
Does the installation price include locks?
Not always. Some doors include basic hardware preparation but not the handle, deadbolt, or smart lock. Request an itemized estimate.
Is replacing a front door worth it?
Replacement may improve curb appeal, security, weather protection, and comfort when the existing door is damaged, difficult to operate, or poorly sealed. The actual value depends on the product and installation quality.
Can I replace only the door slab?
Yes, when the existing frame is square, undamaged, and compatible with the new slab. Precise hinge, lock, and weatherstrip alignment is required.
Conclusion
The average cost to replace a front door is approximately $1,450, with most professional projects ranging from $550 to $2,400. Basic steel and fiberglass doors are the most affordable, while custom wood, double-door, wrought-iron, and decorative-glass systems can cost several thousand dollars.
Before hiring an installer, request a written quote that separates the door, labor, frame repairs, hardware, removal, trim, finishing, and permits. Confirm the rough-opening measurements and energy-performance ratings before ordering the product.
A correctly installed front door should close smoothly, lock securely, resist water, and seal tightly against outside air. Comparing several qualified contractors can help you balance upfront cost, appearance, security, durability, and long-term maintenance.