Renvations Team
So, you’re thinking about replacing the doors in your home. You may be looking to update a tired entryway or improve the energy efficiency of your living space. But before you dive into a door replacement project, it’s essential to consider the cost.
Fortunately, at Renvations.com, we have all the information you need to make an informed decision. This article will cover the different types of door replacements, their associated costs, and how to calculate what’s right for your budget.
No matter what type of door replacement project you have in mind, we’ll help ensure that it’s within your means and meets your needs. Let’s get started by exploring the types of doors and associated costs!
Overview of Door Replacements Costs
Whether it’s time for a home makeover or increasing security, replacing your door is essential. You should know approximately how much the new entry will cost.
Fortunately, several pricing factors can determine the replacement cost of your door. On average, a basic 36-inch steel door unit costs about $150 to $250 for just the materials, plus installation charges of around $100 to $500 depending on complexity, making the job’s total cost range from $250 to $750.
For higher-end products, such as solid wood doors with decorative glass, expect prices to be higher. On average, you’re looking at a price range of around $600 to $1,400 for materials and installation costs of between $250 and $900. All in all, this brings your total cost up to between $850 and $2,300.
Factors Influencing Door Replacement Costs
Like all home improvement projects, the door replacement cost is determined by various factors. Size, material, style, and labor are all essential considerations when budgeting for a door project.
Size: The width and height of a new door can affect the overall cost. Typically, more oversized doors require more wood and framing and larger frames to match the scale of the door.
Material: Different materials hold different price points according to their longevity and esthetic qualities. For instance, wood doors are generally more expensive than steel but often offer better insulation options.
Style: The same material can have vastly different prices depending on the type you choose for your replacement door. A solid-wood door with intricate carving or large glass panels will be more costly than a straightforward design or a pocket door.
Labor: Most costs for installing a new door come from labor costs associated with tearing out the old frame and measuring for a new one to fit your home’s specific needs. This can include changing hinges or other hardware-related tasks and any repairs needed to level the walls after installation if they don’t match up with the frame measurements precisely.
Types of Doors and Costs
When it comes to types of doors and the cost to replace them, it’s essential to remember that the kind of door you select will drastically affect your total cost. Here are a few popular types of doors and their associated costs for replacement:
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors have come a long way over the last decade. Depending on size, design, and additional features, they cost between $600 and $2,000. These are a great choice to add style to your home without breaking the bank.
Steel Doors
Steel doors offer strength and security but are more expensive than fiberglass. Generally, you can expect steel door replacement costs between $900 – $3,500. However, this would be better if you are looking for something with increased energy efficiency since they offer more insulation options than fiberglass or wood.
Wood Doors
Beautiful wood doors can add class and space to your home but come with a hefty price tag. Replacement costs for wood doors range from about $1,000 – $4,000+ depending on the type of wood used and any additional features such as engravings or custom designs.
Benefits of Professional Installations
You can do it yourself when considering installing a new front door. But when it comes to door replacements, professional installation is where it’s at. Not only will the job be done faster and more efficiently, but there are other benefits too.
Professional Quality
A professional installation will look better than something DIY-ed. Professionals know how to get the job done quickly and accurately, making the structure appear seamless and look beautiful when finished.
Product Warranty Coverage
If you decide to hire a professional for your door replacement, typically, any used products come with a warranty or guarantee. This can give you extra peace of mind that your door is covered if anything were to go wrong in the future.
Saving Time & Money in The Long Run
When you hire a professional installation company, they can ensure that your replacement door is installed correctly —now and in the future— helping prevent further expenses from replacing faulty doors or problems from improper installations down the line. So although it might cost more upfront, professional installations save time and money in the long run.
Finding Quality Doors and Installers
Another critical factor that comes into play when determining how much a door replacement costs is the doors’ quality and installation cost. It’s essential to use quality materials when installing a new entry in your home—not only will this help ensure that the installation process runs smoothly, but it will also help ensure that your door lasts for years.
Good-quality doors and hardware can provide several benefits, such as:
- Enhanced security
- Increased insulation
- Improved soundproofing
- Improved esthetics
- Lower energy bills
It’s also essential to find a qualified installer who:
- Is experienced in door installation
- Works with quality materials and reliable installers
- Offers competitive pricing for both the door and installation services provided
- Has access to high-quality doors from reputable suppliers
- Makes sure to adhere to all relevant building codes when replacing exterior doors
- Is appropriately insured, licensed, and bonded
Finding someone with these criteria is likely to add more costs than simply hiring someone to do a quick job, but in the long run, it will be worth it—and is almost always cheaper than needing repairs after an improper or rushed door installation job.
Cost Savings From DIY Installations
If you’re the DIY type, you can save a lot of money by installing your door. Materials, such as pre-hung door and door frame, for a basic 36-inch entry door can cost anywhere from $150 to over $1,000. Shopping around at various home improvement stores will help you find the best deal on the door of your choice. Remember that prices will vary depending on the type and quality of the components and materials used.
Installing a pre-hung door is a relatively simple process that requires only essential tools, such as saws and drill drivers. Depending on your experience with home improvement projects like this one, it can take a few hours to an entire weekend to get it done right.
For more complex projects—such as French or sliding doors—it’s best to consult a professional contractor who offers installation services specifically for these doors. That way, you can ensure the job is done safely and correctly the first time, saving you time and money in the long run.
Front door frame replacement
Regarding door replacement, one of the essential elements is the frame. Yes, it might not be the sexiest of topics, but having a sturdy and secure frame is necessary for keeping out drafts, pests, and home invasions. And the cost to replace this essential piece can vary significantly upon on the size and material you get.
On average, you can expect to pay between $1,000–$2,500 for a complete front-door frame installation. Here are some materials and pricing points to consider when replacing your front-door frame:
Wood
Wood is an attractive choice that offers good insulation. However, it needs more maintenance than other materials due to its susceptibility to moisture damage and warping. On average, you’ll pay around $1200–$3000 for a wood door frame replacement.
Steel
Steel frames offer excellent security—they tend to be thicker than wood frames—and are typically more affordable. On average, you’ll pay around $250–$800 for a steel frame replacement.
Fiberglass or Composite
These materials offer excellent insulation properties plus a lovely look that simulates natural wood grain. Generally, prices range from $400 to $1,200 for fiberglass or composite frames.
Full view exterior door
If you want a full-view exterior door, you’ll be looking at a higher price range. These doors are often made of steel or fiberglass and typically come pre-installed with frames and weather seals. Depending on the linear footage of your chosen door, the installation cost can range from $2,000 to $4,000. That said, plus an additional $1,000 for labor costs for installation.
You may also need to consider additional costs with a new door, like trim moldings (which can start around $50 or more) and any materials necessary for proper installation, such as shims and sill pans. You can usually find these materials for around $100 at your local home improvement store. On top of that, consider hiring a professional carpenter or contractor to help you ensure your door is installed correctly, which will add to additional costs.
Full view front door
If you’re looking for an entirely new look for the front of your house, consider a full-view front door. These come with a large pane of glass that makes the exterior of your home stand out, and they can also let in a lot of natural light.
The cost for a full-view door replacement can vary depending on the size, style, and material you choose. Work with your contractor to determine how much it would cost to change out your existing door with this type of modern addition.
On average, here’s what you’ll need to consider when budgeting for a full-view door replacement:
- Base entry-level doors: $500-$800
- Mid-range doors: $1,000-$2,000
- High-end models: Upwards of $3,000
- Professional installation: About $300 on average
- Ask if the installation fee also includes removing your old door.
Replacing a door frame exterior
You might ask yourself, “How much does a door frame replacement cost?” Well, the cost to replace an exterior door frame depends on the location of the door and the materials used. On average, you can also expect to pay anywhere from $400 to over $1000 for a complete job.
The essential factor in determining the cost is the type of materials used for the exterior door frame. Common materials used for external door frames include wood, composite wood, steel, and fiberglass. Some materials are more expensive than others, affecting the overall price.
Wood:
Wood is one of the most popular options for an exterior door frame because it’s typically less expensive than other materials. However, wood can wear down over time due to weather exposure and insect damage and should be regularly maintained with paint or stain.
Composite Wood:
Composite wood is made from a mixture of sawdust mixed with a binder like resin or glue, which is then heated and formed into a shape to create a sturdy material that won’t wear down over time. The Composite wood may be slightly more expensive than regular wood but requires less maintenance and repairs since it won’t rot or warp like traditional lumber.
Steel:
Steel is a solid and durable option for an exterior door frame but also one of the more expensive options on average due to its increased durability and strength compared to other materials. It’s also rust-resistant, making it an ideal choice if you live near saltwater or in high humidity.
Fiberglass:
Fiberglass is another popular choice for exterior door frames because it’s solid.
Terrace doors
You’re considering a slightly higher price point for terrace doors—usually made of wood and glass. These doors can be quite complex to install, as the frames must be sealed perfectly to avoid energy loss.
Here’s an example of what you may pay for this type of door replacement:
- Basic sliding terrace door: $400-$1,000
- High-end sliding terrace door: $3,000 or more
Plus, you need to factor in additional installation costs, which usually range from $175 -$275, to cover the removal and disposal of your existing door, painting, and other post-installation tasks. You can expect to pay between $575-$1,275 for a primary sliding terrace door replacement job.
Replacement doors for old houses
Replacing a door in an old house is more of a challenge than replacing one in a new home. Old houses usually have custom-made doors, so you might be unable to go to Home Depot, pick up a replacement, and be done with it. That being said, finding a pre-hung replacement or custom-made doors that will fit your old home is still possible.
You want to ensure that your replacement door will fit the exact dimensions of the opening, so you should take careful measurements of the existing door before you shop for the new one. It pays to be precise when measuring an old house, and you will also want to ensure the door is sturdy enough for its purpose.
When buying a replacement door for an old house, consider these details:
- Spend time measuring twice before buying—and when in doubt, consult with an expert who can measure again and ensure proper sizing.
- Ensure your new door has appropriate insulation—fiberglass is usually the best choice when working with older homes.
- Find and use materials that match the original construction. Suppose you can find exactly what’s already installed on other parts of your home (like wood or steel). In that case, this will make installation easy and help create visual continuity between spaces on the interior and exterior of the house.
Door sash replacement
Changing out the sash of your door is an essential step in a door replacement. The belt is the door part that holds the glass panes and can become worn out over time. Replacing it with a new one will keep your door looking beautiful.
When replacing a door sash, be sure to consider the following:
- Material – Wood, aluminum, and fiberglass are common materials used for door sashes and can vary in cost.
- Glass – Door sashes come with tempered, laminated, or energy-efficient glass, each of which varies in cost.
- Type – Sliding, double-hung, and casement styles are popular for sash replacement.
On average, they replaced a door sash between $50-$200, depending on material and size. If additional modifications or repairs are needed, it’s best to research different door styles to determine which type is best for your budget.
Conclusion
Though the cost of a door replacement can vary widely, there are ways to ensure you get the best value. Start by researching different types of doors, from wood to composite to glass, and consider the cost of labor to install them. Research installation companies to find the best deal.
Another thing to consider is what type of door best fits your design preferences and lifestyle needs. Esthetics is essential, but so is functionality. You want to have the most out of replacing a door. A good-quality door can last several decades, while a cheaper option has a much shorter lifespan.
When planning a door replacement, it’s essential to consider the present cost and the long-term return on investment. Investing in a quality door replacement now can save you money in the future and provide you with peace of mind.
