Most homeowners pay $400–$1,700 to install an exterior door, including the door and labor, with a national average of about $1,100. Labor alone runs $230–$1,300; back and side doors cost less than front doors (HomeGuide, Angi and The Home Depot data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: HomeGuide + 2 more. National US estimates.
Exterior doors cover more than the front entry: back doors, side doors, garage-to-house doors and patio doors all need a weather-tight, secure installation. The total depends mostly on whether you buy a prehung unit or a bare slab, the door material, and how much of the frame and trim has to be replaced.
This guide breaks down installed and labor-only prices, what frames, thresholds and trim add, and what big-box installers charge. For entry doors with sidelights and decorative glass, see our front door replacement cost guide.
Average cost
Typical installed prices for exterior doors, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Back or side door, basic steel prehung | $300–$1,000 | Existing opening; 2–4 hours of labor |
| Front door, fiberglass or wood prehung | $500–$1,900 | Better hardware and finish; average near $1,100 |
| Door with sidelights or double doors | $1,500–$5,000 | Larger units and more framing |
| Door in a new wall opening | $1,410–$3,480 | Cutting, framing, permits and plans; brick adds up to $1,200 |
Prehung vs. slab exterior door cost
| Prehung | Slab | |
|---|---|---|
| Door materials | $200–$1,400 | $100–$900 |
| Labor | $220–$400 | $300–$800 |
| Total installed | $440–$1,800 | $400–$1,700 |
| Install time | 2–4 hours | 3–8 hours |
Exterior door labor cost by job
| Job | Labor only |
|---|---|
| Garage, side or back door | $230–$800 |
| Front door | $280–$1,300 |
| Storm or screen door | $100–$300 |
| Sliding glass door | $400–$1,100 |
| French doors | $300–$1,100 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for installing a prehung steel or fiberglass exterior door (36 × 80 inches) in an existing opening. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Prehung door (materials) | $200–$900 | Door slab in its own frame with threshold and weatherstripping |
| Labor | $220–$500 | Removing the old door, setting, shimming, insulating and sealing |
| Trim and casing | $35–$70 | About 17 linear feet of casing at $2–$4 per linear foot |
| Hardware and locks | $10–$200 | Knob or handle set and deadbolt |
| Removal & disposal | $70–$200 | Old door and frame hauled away |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $40–$150 | Jamb, sill or subfloor repair |
| Estimated total | $580–$2,000 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Choosing a prehung door is usually the biggest single saving, because it cuts labor time roughly in half.
What affects the price
- Prehung or slab. Prehung doors cost more up front ($200–$1,400) but install in 2–4 hours; slabs are cheaper ($100–$900) but take 3–8 hours to fit, so total installed prices end up similar at about $400–$1,800.
- Door material. Steel doors start around $100–$1,000, fiberglass runs $200–$2,700 and wood $400–$1,800 for the door alone; wrought iron can cost $2,000–$12,000.
- Frame and threshold. A new door frame costs about $7–$20 per linear foot and new jambs $7–$15 per linear foot. A rotted threshold or sill adds labor and materials, while reusing a sound frame keeps the job on the low end.
- Trim. Interior and exterior casing runs about $2–$4 per linear foot, or well under $100 for a standard door, plus painting if the trim isn't prefinished.
- Hardware. Locks and handle sets cost $10–$200, hinges $10–$80 and weatherstripping $10–$40. Smart locks and decorative hardware cost more.
- Labor. Labor alone runs $230–$1,300. Door installers charge about $40–$90 per hour, handypersons $30–$40, and cutting a new opening adds $400–$800 plus $230–$600 for framing.
Ways to save
- Buy a prehung door in a standard size so the installer doesn't have to mortise hinges and fit a slab to an old frame.
- Install several doors in one visit. Big-box installers list lower per-door rates when you do more than one door at a time.
- Keep the existing frame and casing if they are square and solid; replace only what is damaged.
- Choose prefinished steel or fiberglass to avoid separate painting costs.
- Get at least three written quotes and confirm whether disposal of the old door is included; if not, it typically adds $70–$200.
Related questions people ask
How much does Home Depot charge for sliding glass door installation?
The Home Depot lists patio door installation at about $478–$1,798 (up to $1,918 for oversized doors), with a typical patio door installation fee around $618 before the door itself. Hardware such as jambs and thresholds is extra, and an in-home measure requires a deposit that is applied to the job. Compare that with independent installers, who usually charge $400–$1,100 in labor; prices vary by store and region, so confirm with a local quote (WhatHomeCosts is not affiliated with The Home Depot). Total prices with the door are in our sliding glass door replacement cost guide.
How to get an accurate quote
Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured installers. Share the same details with each:
- The door location (front, back, side, garage entry), size, and swing direction.
- Whether you are buying the door yourself or want the installer to supply it, and if it is prehung or a slab.
- The condition of the frame, threshold and trim, including any soft wood or water stains.
- Ask what is included: disposal, new casing, painting, lock installation and labor warranty.
FAQ
Can I install an exterior door in a new opening?
Yes, but it is a structural job. Cutting and framing a new opening plus permits and engineer plans brings the total to about $1,410–$3,480, and brick walls can add up to $1,200.
How much does it cost to convert a window into a door?
Converting a window to a single door costs about $500–$2,000, and $1,200–$5,000 for French or double doors, depending on how much wall has to be removed below the window.
Is installing a back door cheaper than a front door?
Usually. Back and side doors cost about $300–$1,000 installed because they tend to be simpler steel units without glass or sidelights, versus $500–$1,900 for a typical front door.
For the big picture, start with our complete sliding glass door replacement cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- HomeGuide — Cost To Install Exterior Door (2026 edition). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Angi — How Much Does Door Installation Cost? (updated Sep 23, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- The Home Depot — Cost to Install Doors (accessed Oct 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all exterior cost guides.