Evaluating Interior And Exterior Door Costs For A Replacement Project

Over time, doors in homes endure substantial use and exposure to weather that causes damage, draftiness, and functionality issues. Replacing worn-out interior or exterior doors renews appearances, insulation, security, and convenience. But how much does installing a new door cost?

Several factors influence total door replacement costs in most areas. The door type, size, materials, accessories, framing, delivery, and installation all impact pricing. Fortunately, homeowners can find very affordable solutions along with premium designer upgrades. Understanding the following key considerations helps estimate door cost project investments.

1. Door Types

Interior and exterior doors fall into several categories and are priced accordingly. Hollow core doors cost $100-$300 supplied. These lightweight, affordable models suffice for most interior rooms but lack durability, insulation, and strength for external use.

Solid wood interior doors range from $300-$800, with oak, maple, and pine varieties available. More durable than hollow core, these doors require proper sealing.

Fiberglass exterior doors generally run $800-$2,500 installed. This composite material resists swelling/shrinking and insulates excellently. Decorative glass adds cost.

Steel exterior doors retail for around $500-$1,500 when installed, offering durability and security.

When weighing door replacement options, consider long-term durability against upfront affordability. Cheaper hollow core doors may need replacement sooner, incurring repeat installation costs.

2. Door Sizes

Standard interior doors are 24″, 30″ or 36″ wide by 80″ high. Wider or taller special-size doors cost more. Exterior doors measure 32″ or 36″ wide and 80″ high.

Larger entries for handicap access or wide openings span 42″-48″ by 80″-96″ high for $700-$2,500 installed. Greater material and labor increase door costs.

If current door sizes limit accessibility or appear undersized relative to rooms, investing in enlarged sizes improves ergonomics and aesthetics. Accommodating wheelchairs may require a minimum of 42” wide passages. Enlarge narrow or short existing frames to modernize proportions. Carefully measure proposed sizes to avoid oversizing.

3. Customization And Accessories

Ornate carvings, glass designs, accuse canting, unique finishes, or hardware suit specific tastes but add expense. For example, intricate leaded or colored glass panels range from $100-$600 installed per door. Upgraded lever or smart locks add $50+ each. Such customizations must be considered when budgeting.

Although decorative custom doors appeal aesthetically, assess functional importance relative to added costs. Simple, high-quality, solid doors often provide better long-term value than over-embellished basic doors exceeding budgets. Focus customizations only on visible focal entryways. Simplify secondary doors.

4. Delivery Fees

Delivering doors costs $50-$250, depending on the provider, quantity, and distance. Pickup saves funds but requires suitable transportation for large, heavy items. Delivery proves more convenient and prevents damage risks.

Saving money on delivery may not compensate for rental fees, vehicle wear, complex loading/unloading, or product damages. Compare costs of professional delivery against DIY pickup, factoring benefits and risks. Consider bundled pricing, including delivery, for simplicity.

5. Installation Expenses

Hiring skilled trades to install doors properly and securely represents the greatest expense at $200-$1,200 per door. Complex removals or framing modifications increase costs. Exterior entries requiring adjustments to thresholds, weatherproofing, and locks tend to range higher for labor and materials. DIY installs save significantly but demand abilities.

While DIY installation cuts front door replacement costs, imperfect techniques may compromise door performance in the short or long term. Educate yourself thoroughly before attempting critical exterior door projects impacting structure and insulation. Have professionals handle tricky areas like thresholds and flashing. Avoid creating future problems.

6. Energy Efficient Upgrades

Insulated doors with foam cores, high-performance weather seals, thermal breaks within the framing, and other cold-climate optimizations maximize energy savings but boost purchase costs somewhat. Energy tax credits offset such expenses over time via utility savings.

Energy-efficient replacements particularly benefit old, inadequate exterior doors causing heat loss/draftiness. Prioritize upgrades yielding better insulation and air tightness for improved comfort and monthly savings. Future energy price inflation magnifies lifetime savings from using less heating/cooling.

7. Discounts And Sales

Home renovation retailers offer door sales during seasonal events, inventory clearance, or promotions. Contractors also bid competitively at slower times of the year. Scheduling off-peak lets homeowners achieve 10-25% discounts on quality doors and professional installations. Shopping sales cut costs.

Timing replacements in the fall before cold weather or winter off-peak periods often deliver significant savings on materials and labor as demand declines seasonally.