How Much Does It Cost to Install an Exterior Door?

Exterior Door Prices 

Exterior doors cost an average of $1,100 each, but the prices range widely based on the type of door, material, frame material, and any additional features, like sidelights or smart locks.

Door Type

Exterior door costs range from $50 to over $16,000, depending on the style. Smaller, lightweight doors, like screen doors, storm doors, or single doors, fall on the lower end of this range. More complex doors, like accordion doors or multi-slide doors, are more expensive.

*per linear foot for a 6 to 12-foot opening.

Materials

Door materials range from around $50 to $6,000 or more, depending on the type of door. Some of the most popular materials include wood, steel, fiberglass, iron, vinyl, or composite, ranging from $150 to $6,000 or more.

Frame Material

Pre-hung doors include the frame, but you can also purchase most door frames separately for around $115 to $400 each, or about $7 to $20 per linear foot. Costs vary based on the frame material. Security steel frames or specialty frames may cost $850 to $1,500.

Add-Ons

There’s a wide variety of features to consider adding to your exterior doors, and the costs vary from $15 for simple hardware to over $2,500 for sidelights surrounding the door.

• Hardware: Hinges, doorknobs, and other hardware cost about $15 to $640 per door.

• Smart locks: Smart locks cost $150 to $400, not including installation. These locks are convenient and can add more security to your home.

• Sidelights: Sidelights, which are slim, matching windows installed next to the front door, add $500 to $2,500 to a standard install. Custom work can push the price higher.

Cost to Install Exterior Doors

Exterior doors are often larger and heavier than interior doors, making them more challenging to install. Installation costs can vary, depending on the number of installed doors, their type(s), and whether or not you need additional framing, structural support, or weatherproofing.

Number of Doors

Expect to spend about $550 to $640 in labor costs for each exterior door. The more exterior entrances you have, the higher the total cost.

Type of Door

Depending on the type of door, labor costs for exterior door installation can range from about $75 for a lightweight screen door to over $1,200 for a 12-foot-wide, multi-panel folding glass door.

• Double: Because of the size, labor tends to be slightly higher at $500 to $1,000per installation.

• Screen: Average screen door costs range between $100 and $1,550, which tend to be lightweight and easier to install. Factor in around $75 to $150 for labor.

• Storm: Storm doors cost $200 to $600 in labor and provide added protection against rain and wind.

• Fire-rated: A fire-rated door costs $400 to $1,300 to install. These doors are typically used in commercial buildings and require specialized hardware.

• Patio: Patio doors range from $500 to $1,000 in installation costs, depending on the size and style.

• Sliding glass: Sliding glass doors cost about $70 to $100 per hour or $300 to $800 total. 

• French: French doors add $200 to $1,000 in labor costs. This type of door includes a full-view or top to bottom window and offers an elegant look.

• Multi-panel and multi-slide: These are the most expensive exterior doors to install at $100 to $150 per linear foot, or around $1,200 to $1,800 for a 12-foot door.

Labor

Labor rates run anywhere from $40 to $90 per hour, with an average of about $70 per hour. It only takes two to three hours for a pre-hung door installation versus six to seven hours for a door with a frame.

Pre-hung

Installing a pre-hung door costs about $140 to $210 for the labor, plus the cost of materials. A pre-hung door is sold with the door already attached to the frame, making installation easier.

Structural Integrity

You may need to work with a structural engineer, which will cost about $500 total, in order to cut through supporting walls and install new headers. It's best to hire a structural engineer for $100 to $150 per hour to make sure this work is done safely and will hold up over time. Most municipalities also require a permit for this type of work, and permits cost an average of $435 to $2,300.

Framing

Framing costs $7 to $16 per square foot. Expect the higher end of that range when installing a load-bearing header.

Waterproof and Sealing

The door itself needs proper sealing for an additional $80 to $200. Exterior varieties require proper flashing, house wrap, and waterproofing membranes to keep moisture out. This is usually part of the rough framework.

DIY vs. Hiring Door Installers

You could save about $70 an hour on installation costs by installing an exterior door yourself, but you’ll still need at least one other set of hands to help hold the door, especially if you work with a heavier material.

However, hiring a local door installer is the best way to go, as the pros can get the job done quicker and make sure the door fits and secures properly. If you want to save on labor costs, opt for a pre-hung door, which can reduce the price of installation by 30% to 50%.

FAQs

How much is a walkout basement door?

Installing a walkout basement door runs from $2,500 to $10,000 or more depending on a few factors:

• Digging and cutting: For walkouts, the exterior needs to be level with the bottom of the basement. Plus, you'll need to have the concrete wall cut to the appropriate size.

• Framing: Framing costs $350 to $800, including a header. Most municipalities require a permit for this type of work.

• Materials and labor: Most walkout basement doors feature a double patio style door for $500 to $4,500, including labor.

• Patio installation: You may want to install a patio outside of the door. IN most cases, patio installation costs $1,900 to $5,500.

What is the best exterior door for direct sunlight?

Fiberglass doors are best for exterior doors in direct sunlight and can last up to 20 years. Wood is more likely to warp or crack when exposed to sunlight over time, and metal doors can get too hot to touch with long sunlight exposure. For doors with glass panels, choose glass with a low-E or other UV-blocking coatings to prevent the sunlight from fading furniture, carpets, or rugs inside the door.

What does it cost to close up an exterior door?

New wall installation costs an average of $1,900, though expect to add $600 for siding and painting. To close up an exterior door, you'll need to frame in a wall, insulate, and install siding and drywall.