Replacing a front door costs anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on the material you select, installation requirements, and additional features. Most homeowners spend between $1,000 and $2,500 for a quality replacement that balances durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. The price varies significantly based on whether you choose wood, steel, or fiberglass, how much labor your project requires, and what hardware upgrades you add. Understanding each cost component helps you plan an accurate budget and avoid unexpected expenses during installation.
Front Door Replacement Cost Breakdown
Every front door replacement includes multiple cost components. Here's how expenses typically break down:
| Cost Component | Price Range | Percentage of Total |
| Door material | $200 to $3,000 | 40 to 50% |
| Installation labor | $200 to $800 | 30 to 35% |
| Hardware and locks | $50 to $300 | 5 to 10% |
| Additional features | $0 to $2,000+ | 0 to 25% |
A basic replacement using a standard steel or fiberglass entry door with straightforward installation runs $700 to $1,200. This covers the door itself, basic hardware like a lockset and hinges, and professional labor for a same-size swap.
Mid-range projects cost $1,500 to $2,500 and typically include higher-quality materials, decorative glass panels, upgraded security features, and more complex installation requirements. This range represents where most homeowners land.
Premium installations exceed $4,000 when you factor in custom wood construction, sidelights, transoms, structural modifications, or high-end finishes.
The largest variable is material choice, which determines not only upfront costs but also long-term maintenance expenses and durability.
Price Differences Between Wood, Steel, and Fiberglass
Your material selection impacts both immediate costs and lifetime value. Each option serves different priorities.
Wood Doors: $1,500 to $5,000
Wood delivers authentic beauty and complete customization potential. You can stain or paint these doors to match any architectural style, and the natural grain provides warmth that synthetic materials struggle to replicate.
The downsides center on maintenance. Wood requires resealing or restaining every one to two years to prevent moisture damage, warping, and cracking. In humid regions, rot and insect damage often appear within 10 to 15 years. Annual maintenance costs average $200, and improper care can necessitate full replacement much sooner than expected.
Solid wood doors work best for historic properties or homes where authentic craftsmanship justifies the ongoing maintenance investment.
Steel Doors: $200 to $1,500
Steel provides maximum security at minimal cost. Basic models start around $200, while insulated versions with improved finishes range from $500 to $1,000.
Steel dents from impacts, rusts when the protective coating chips, and conducts heat poorly. Exterior surfaces become uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight. Although manufacturers texture steel to mimic wood grain, the synthetic appearance remains obvious upon close inspection.
Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing security and affordability over aesthetics find steel appealing, particularly for side or back entrances.
Fiberglass Entry Doors: $500 to $3,000
Fiberglass has gained popularity for balanced performance across multiple factors. These doors resist denting, warping, and moisture damage while maintaining realistic wood grain textures that satisfy aesthetic preferences.
The foam core construction provides superior insulation compared to steel or wood. Energy bills often drop 10% to 15% after installation, particularly when replacing older, poorly sealed doors. Maintenance requirements are minimal since fiberglass needs no regular sealing or refinishing. Quality products last 30 years or longer with only occasional cleaning.
Initial costs exceed basic steel but remain substantially below custom wood. For homeowners seeking durability, energy efficiency, and authentic appearance without maintenance burdens, fiberglass entry doors represent the optimal middle ground.
Total Ownership Costs
Calculating 20-year ownership reveals true value:
- Wood: $3,000 purchase plus $4,000 maintenance equals $7,000 total
- Steel: $800 purchase plus potential replacement equals $1,600 total
- Fiberglass: $1,500 purchase plus minimal upkeep equals $1,500 total
The option appearing most expensive initially often proves most economical long-term.
Professional Installation Fees and Labor Costs
Installation labor typically costs $200 to $800, depending on project complexity. Professional contractors charge $40 to $90 per hour, with standard jobs requiring two to six hours.
Factors Affecting Labor Costs
Door configuration: Pre-hung units arrive already mounted in their frame, simplifying installation to two or three hours and costing $200 to $400 in labor. Slab doors require hanging, hinge installation, and precise fitting, extending work to three to five hours for $325 to $600.
Structural changes: Simple replacements matching existing dimensions cost the least. Creating new openings adds $500 to $2,000. Widening current openings requires $400 to $1,500. Repairing frame rot or mold discovered during removal adds $150 to $400.
Regional pricing: Urban contractors in major cities charge $80 to $120 per hour. Rural areas average $35 to $50 per hour. The same project can cost twice as much depending solely on location.
Reducing Installation Expenses
Obtain quotes from at least three licensed contractors to compare pricing and services. Fall and winter typically bring lower rates as contractors seek work during slower seasons. Installing multiple doors simultaneously often yields 10% to 15% discounts on per-unit labor.
Pre-hung doors consistently save installation time and usually cost less overall despite higher product prices. Prepare the work area by removing furniture and clearing pathways to minimize billable hours spent on non-installation tasks.
Hardware and Custom Feature Upgrades
Essential hardware adds $100 to $250 to basic projects. Optional upgrades can substantially increase total investment.
Standard Hardware Requirements
Security Components: $50 to $500
- Basic keyed lockset: $50 to $150
- Combined handleset with deadbolt: $80 to $200
- Keyless electronic entry: $180 to $350
- Multi-point locking mechanisms: $200 to $400
Operational Hardware: $50 to $150
Heavy-duty ball-bearing hinges cost $60 to $120 and ensure decades of smooth operation. Quality weatherstripping runs $40 to $100 and prevents drafts while potentially reducing annual energy costs by $50 to $150.
Popular Enhancements
Decorative Glass: $300 to $1,200
Glass panels introduce natural light and visual interest. Simple frosted or textured options providing privacy cost $300 to $600. Elaborate wrought iron designs with energy-efficient Low-E coating range from $800 to $1,500.
Sidelights: $400 to $2,000
Vertical windows flanking the main entrance create an impressive focal point. Single sidelights cost $400 to $800. Matching pairs on both sides run $800 to $2,000.
Professional Finishing: $125 to $400
Painting services cost $125 to $225 for the door alone, or $150 to $400 including interior and exterior trim. Many products arrive factory-finished, eliminating this expense entirely.
Hidden Expenses That Catch Homeowners Off Guard
Budget 15% to 20% beyond initial quotes for unexpected costs. Several expenses only become apparent once work begins.
Frequently Overlooked Charges
Removal and Disposal: $50 to $200
Removing the existing unit costs $50 to $100, though some contractors include this service. Disposal fees add $25 to $100 based on local waste management regulations.
Permits and Inspections: $50 to $300
Straightforward replacements rarely require permits. Structural modifications need building department approval. Standard permits cost $50 to $150. Historic districts may charge $100 to $500 for architectural review.
Structural Repairs: $200 to $1,000+
Frame deterioration affects most older installations. Contractors cannot assess damage until removal exposes the framing. Common discoveries include:
- Rotted wood requiring replacement: $150 to $400
- Complete frame reconstruction: $400 to $650
- Floor leveling and shimming: $50 to $200
- Wall water damage repair: $300 to $800
These repairs cannot be quoted in advance, creating budget uncertainty.
Trim Replacement: $100 to $500
New doors may not align with existing molding dimensions. Basic interior and exterior trim costs $100 to $250. Custom millwork runs $250 to $500.
Protection Measures
Request pre-installation inspections to identify visible problems before committing to quotes. Obtain itemized estimates specifying included services and conditions triggering additional charges. Reserve 20% of your planned budget for contingencies.
Make the Right Investment in Your Front Door
Each material offers distinct advantages for different situations. Steel delivers immediate affordability and strong security. Wood provides timeless elegance for those committed to ongoing maintenance. Fiberglass balances performance, appearance, and lifetime value for most applications. Your choice should align with climate conditions, aesthetic preferences, maintenance willingness, and long-term occupancy plans.
Quality installation matters as much as material selection, so verify contractor licensing, insurance, and customer reviews before proceeding. Accurate budgeting requires including not just the door and labor but also hardware, potential structural repairs, and finishing work.
