Understanding Door Costs: What Influences the Price?
Many things change the final price you pay for a new door. It’s more than just the door itself. The biggest factors are often the material it’s made from (like wood, steel, or fiberglass) and the type of door you need (is it for inside or outside?). Bigger or custom sizes also cost more than standard ones.
Other choices add to the price, like the style and design (does it have glass or fancy patterns?), special features (like energy efficiency or strong security), and the hardware you choose (handles, locks). The brand and even your location in the US can affect costs. Finally, whether you install it yourself (DIY) or pay for professional installation is a major part of the total cost. Knowing these helps you understand your budget.
Average Interior Door Costs
Door and Installation Rough Price Guide
Below is a general guide for typical door unit and installation labor costs. Prices can be greatly based on specific features, materials, location, and complexity.
Category | Item | Rough Price Range | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Interior Doors (Unit) | Hollow Core | $50 – $250 | |
Solid Core | $100 – $500 | ||
French Doors | $200 – $800+ | Per Pair | |
Bi-fold/Sliding Closet | $100 – $600+ | Varies by size | |
Specialty (Barn, Pocket, etc.) | $200 – $800+ | Door unit only | |
Exterior Doors (Unit) | Steel Entry | $300 – $1,500+ | |
Fiberglass Entry | $400 – $2,500+ | ||
Wood Entry | $500 – $3,000+ | ||
Full Entry System | $1,000 – $5,000+ | Includes frame, glass | |
Patio & Sliding Doors (Unit) | Sliding Glass | $300 – $2,000+ | Standard Size |
French Patio Doors | $500 – $3,000+ | Per Pair | |
Bi-fold / Multi-Slide | $2,000+ | Varies greatly | |
Installation (Labor) | Simple Interior | $200 – $400 | Per Door |
Standard Exterior/Patio | $300 – $800 | Per Door | |
Complex/Frame Work/Height | $800 – $1,500+ | Per Door |
Interior doors are used inside your home to separate rooms. Since they don’t need to withstand weather or provide high security like exterior doors, they are generally less expensive. Their cost mainly depends on what they are made of and how they look.
Hollow Core Doors ($50 to $250)
Hollow Core Doors are the most common and budget-friendly choice for interior spaces. They are lightweight and have a frame around the edges but are mostly empty inside, often covered with a thin layer of wood or fiberboard. They are best for basic rooms like bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets where sound blocking isn’t a main concern.
Solid Core Doors ($100 to $500)
Solid Core Doors are heavier and feel more substantial because they are filled with solid wood or composite material. This solid fill makes them much better at blocking noise and more durable than hollow core doors. They are a good choice for offices or bedrooms where sound privacy is important, or simply if you prefer a sturdier door feel.
Interior French Doors ($200 to $800+)
Interior French Doors feature multiple glass panels and are often used in pairs to connect living areas, dining rooms, or home offices. They add a classic look and allow light to pass between rooms, making spaces feel more open. The price for a pair of interior French doors depends on the size and amount/type of glass.
Bi-fold and Sliding Closet Doors ($100 to $600+)
Bi-fold and Sliding Closet Doors are special types designed for wide openings, most commonly used for closets or laundry areas. Bi-fold doors fold outward, while sliding doors glide along a track, and both are good for saving space by not swinging into the room.
Specialty Interior Doors ($200 to $800+)
Specialty Interior Doors, like barn doors (slide along a track outside the wall) or pocket doors (slide into a wall cavity), are chosen for their unique look or space-saving design. Their costs vary quite a bit based on the specific style and mechanism required, with rough prices for the door unit often starting around $200 and going up to $800+, often before buying the necessary track or pocket door frame kit.
Average Interior Door Costs (Door Unit)
Door Type | Rough Price Range (Door Unit) |
Hollow Core | $50 – $250 |
Solid Core | $100 – $500 |
Interior French Doors (Pair) | $200 – $800+ |
Bi-fold/Sliding Closet | $100 – $600+ |
Average Exterior Door Costs
Exterior doors are the first line of defense for your home against weather and intruders. They are built tougher and cost more than interior doors. The material choice is key here.
Steel Entry Doors ($300 to $1,500+)
Steel Entry Doors are generally the most budget-friendly exterior option. They offer good security and are insulated, but can dent and may rust if the finish is scratched.
Fiberglass Entry Doors ($400 to $2,500+)
Fiberglass Entry Doors are highly durable and need little upkeep. They resist dents, rot, and rust, mimic wood well, and provide excellent insulation.
Wood Entry Doors ($500 to $3,000+)
Wood Entry Doors provide classic beauty and customization but require regular maintenance to withstand weather and can change shape with moisture.
Full Entry Door Systems ($1,000 to $5,000+)
include the door, frame, and glass side panels (sidelights) or a top panel (transom), creating a grander entrance.
For maximum protection or a unique design, High-Security or Custom Entry Doors are built extra strong or specifically to order, generally costing more.
Door Material | Rough Price Range (Door Unit) | Notes |
Steel | $300 – $1,500+ | Good balance of cost, security, efficiency |
Fiberglass | $400 – $2,500+ | Durable, low maintenance, good energy efficiency |
Wood | $500 – $3,000+ | Classic look, requires more maintenance |
Full Entry System | $1,000 – $5,000+ | Includes frame, sidelights/transom |
Average Patio & Sliding Door Costs
Patio doors serve as a connection between indoor rooms and outdoor areas like decks or patios. They usually feature large glass panels designed to let in plenty of natural light and offer views, and their cost varies based on their opening style and materials.
Sliding Glass Doors ($300 to $2,000+)
Sliding Glass Doors are a popular and practical choice for patios. They operate by sliding along a track, which is excellent for saving space as they don’t need room to swing open. They come in different frame materials, with vinyl being the most budget-friendly option.
French Patio Doors ($500 to $3,000+)
French Patio Doors, also known as swinging patio doors, open outwards or inwards just like regular doors, usually sold as a pair. They offer a more traditional and elegant appearance compared to sliders but require clear space on one side to swing open.
Bi-fold and Multi-Slide Patio Doors ($2,000+)
Bi-fold and Multi-Slide Patio Doors are high-end options that create large, open transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Bi-fold doors fold up like an accordion, while multi-slide doors have panels that stack neatly to one side, opening up a very wide area.
Door Type | Rough Price Range (Door Unit, Standard Size) | Notes |
Sliding Glass Doors | $300 – $2,000+ | Common, space-saving |
French Patio Doors (Pair) | $500 – $3,000+ | Classic swinging style |
Bi-fold / Multi-Slide Patio Doors | $2,000+ | High-end creates large openings |
(Note: These are rough average prices in the US. Custom sizes, premium materials, and features can increase costs significantly.)
Understanding Door Installation Costs
Buying the door is one cost, but getting it properly installed is another. Installation costs vary depending on if you do it yourself or hire a professional.
- DIY Installation ($50 – $200): If you are handy and have the right tools, you can save on labor. However, you still have costs for materials like shims, insulation, sealants, and screws. A bigger cost could be your time or potential mistakes that require fixing later.
- Professional Installation ($200 to $800 per unit): Hiring a professional installer means paying for their skills and time. They handle everything: removing the old door, preparing the opening, correctly putting in the new door, and sealing it properly against weather and intruders. This peace of mind is worth the cost for many.
- Several things can make a professional installation cost more. These include the type of door (exterior and patio doors are harder), issues with the existing frame or opening size that require significant repair or modification, and the general labor rates in your specific location. Working at height (like upper floors or balconies) or dealing with difficult access also adds cost due to safety equipment, extra time, and potentially needing lifts or scaffolding. Complex jobs can push installation costs to $800 to $1,500 or more per door.
Job Type | Rough Installation Cost Range | Notes |
Simple Interior Door | $200 – $400 | Basic replacement, standard size |
Standard Exterior/Patio | $300 – $800 | More complex, requires security & weatherproofing |
Complex Job / Frame Work / Height | $800 – $1,500+ | Often involves larger/heavier units |
Complex/Frame Work | $500 – $1,000+ | If frame repair, size change, or complex type |
How to Save Money on Your Door Project
Replacing doors can be a big expense, but there are ways to manage the cost:
- Choose Cost-Effective Materials/Styles: A steel exterior door is cheaper than a solid wood. A hollow core interior door is less expensive than a solid core or French door. Choosing simpler styles also saves money.
- Shop Sales & Discounts: Keep an eye out for sales events at home improvement stores or lumber yards. Sometimes manufacturers offer rebates.
- Compare Quotes from Multiple Contractors: Don’t just go with the first installer you talk to. Get at least 3 written quotes for installation to compare prices and understand what’s included.
- Consider DIY for Parts: You might not be ready to install the door frame yourself, but you could potentially handle removing the old door, painting/staining the new one before installation, or installing the new hardware afterward. This saves on labor costs.
- Bulk Purchases: If you are replacing several interior doors at once, you might get a better price per door from the supplier or store.
- Focus on Energy Efficiency for Long-Term Savings: While energy-efficient doors might cost more upfront, they can save you money over time on heating and cooling bills. Sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the most cost-effective in the long run.
Conclusion: Budgeting Confidently for Your New Door
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