Your front door greets everyone who visits your home. It protects you from weather, boosts curb appeal, and affects energy bills every month. When the frame warps, the door sticks, or security feels outdated, replacement becomes the best solution. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest American Housing Survey, about 11 million homeowners plan major entry door upgrades in the next two years. Understanding true replacement expenses helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
What “Replace an Exterior Door and Frame” Really Means
Homeowners sometimes confuse a simple door slab swap with a full door-and-frame replacement. A slab-only job keeps the existing frame and just hangs a new pre-hung door or slab. A complete replacement removes the old jambs, threshold, brick mold, and sometimes even portions of the rough opening. Contractors then install a brand-new pre-hung door unit. This approach fixes rot, settling problems, air leaks, and size mismatches once and for all.
Average Cost Range Across the United States in 2025
Nationwide averages for a full exterior door and frame replacement fall between $1,200 and $4,800 for a standard single entry door, including labor and materials. Basic fiberglass or steel setups start around $1,200–$2,200. Mid-range wood or composite units typically run $2,500–$3,800. High-end custom solid wood, impact-rated, or oversized doors often exceed $4,000–$8,000+.
Regional labor rates and material availability create wide swings. Coastal Florida or California projects average 25–40% higher than Midwest or Southern states because of permitting, hurricane codes, and wage differences.
Factors That Drive the Final Price
Several variables determine where your project lands in that range. Understanding each one empowers smarter decisions.
1. Door Material Choices
- Steel doors deliver the lowest entry point with excellent dent resistance.
- Fiberglass units mimic wood grain beautifully and resist cracking in extreme climates.
- Solid wood doors (mahogany, oak, alder) provide timeless warmth yet require regular maintenance.
- Aluminum and glass combinations shine in contemporary homes but carry premium pricing.
2. Size and Configuration
Standard 36×80-inch single doors cost the least. Adding sidelites, double doors, or 8-foot height pushes expenses upward quickly. Oversized 42-inch-wide or 96-inch-tall units often require custom ordering and structural adjustments.
3. Glass and Decorative Features
Clear glass inserts add modest cost. Frosted, stained, or wrought-iron designs escalate the budget. Full-glass doors or those with transoms demand reinforced frames and tempered safety glass.
4. Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Doors earning ENERGY STAR certification include Low-E glass, polyurethane foam cores, and superior weatherstripping. These options raise the initial investment but lower utility bills for years.
5. Security Enhancements
Multi-point locking systems, reinforced strike plates, and impact-rated construction (common in hurricane zones) add several hundred dollars yet deliver priceless peace of mind.
Labor and Installation Expenses
Professional installation represents 40–60% of the total in most markets. Expect $450–$1,200 in labor for a straightforward swap. Complex jobs involving rotted framing, brick mold replacement, or stucco patching climb higher. Licensed, insured crews charge more, but they prevent costly callbacks and ensure code compliance.
Additional Costs Homeowners Often Overlook
Smart planning includes these common add-ons:
- Removal and disposal of the old door system
- Exterior trim, brick mold, or casing replacement
- Interior trim and drywall touch-up
- New weatherstripping and threshold
- Lockset, deadbolt, and handle upgrade
- Painting or staining the new unit
- Permits (required in many municipalities)
- Temporary storm door if needed during installation
Material-by-Material Cost Breakdown (2025 Pricing)
Steel Entry Doors with New Frame
Homeowners choose steel for durability and affordability. A quality 20–22-gauge steel pre-hung door with insulated core and new jambs averages $1,100–$2,400 installed.
Fiberglass Entry Door Systems
Fiberglass resists dents, rust, and fading. Mid-range textured fiberglass units with composite jambs that never rot range $1,800–$3,600 complete.
Wood Exterior Door Replacement
Real mahogany or knotty alder doors exude luxury. Full systems with adjustable sills and primed jambs typically land between $3,200–$6,500 installed.
Modern Aluminum & Glass Doors
Sleek pivot doors or narrow-sightline aluminum systems popular in contemporary builds often start at $5,000 and climb rapidly.
Regional Price Differences Across America
Labor rates vary dramatically. Metro areas like Boston, Seattle, and San Francisco see installation labor alone exceed $900–$1,500. Rural Midwest or Southern towns frequently complete the same work for $500–$800. Material shipping to remote locations also adds expense.
DIY vs Professional Installation: A Realistic Comparison
Some handy homeowners attempt the project themselves. DIY saves labor dollars but demands carpentry skill, precise measuring, and heavy lifting. One small shim mistake creates air leaks or binding. Most professionals strongly recommend expert installation for exterior doors because security, weatherproofing, and structural integrity matter greatly.
Ways to Save Money Without Cutting Corners
Strategic choices keep costs reasonable:
- Choose standard sizes instead of custom dimensions
- Select pre-finished doors to skip painting
- Bundle with window replacements for volume discounts
- Schedule work in the contractor’s slow season (late fall or winter in most regions)
- Compare written quotes from at least three licensed companies
- Ask about slightly imperfect “builder grade” options from reputable brands
How Long the Project Takes
A straightforward single-door replacement usually finishes in one day. Jobs requiring framing repairs, siding work, or custom glass can stretch to 2–4 days. Plan accordingly if you need the entrance secured each night.
Signs You Actually Need a Full Frame Replacement
Not every situation requires removing the old jambs. However, professionals recommend full replacement when you notice:
- Visible rot or insect damage in the jambs or threshold
- Door no longer hangs square because the house has settled
- Persistent drafts despite new weatherstripping
- Water stains on interior trim or flooring near the door
- Cracked or crumbling brick mold that cannot be repaired
Choosing the Right Contractor
Vet companies carefully. Look for:
- Proper licensing and insurance verification
- Membership in NARI or local builder associations
- Recent customer reviews on multiple platforms
- Clear written contracts spelling out scope, timeline, and payment terms
- Experience with your specific door material
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Conclusion
Replacing an exterior door and frame transforms both function and appearance of your home. Costs in 2025 typically range from $1,200 for basic steel setups to over $6,000 for premium wood or custom configurations. Material selection, door size, regional labor rates, and hidden expenses all shape the final number. Armed with this knowledge, you can set a realistic budget and make confident choices.
Ready to upgrade your entryway? Contact three licensed local contractors today for detailed written estimates. The perfect balance of beauty, security, and energy efficiency awaits.
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FAQs
How much does it cost to replace just the exterior door without the frame?
A slab-only replacement (keeping the existing frame) averages $600–$1,800 installed, depending on material and features.
Is it cheaper to replace a door and frame in winter?
Many contractors offer lower rates during slower months (November–February in most regions), potentially saving 10–20%.
How long do modern exterior doors last before needing replacement?
Quality fiberglass and steel doors routinely last 30–50 years. Solid wood doors often endure 50+ years with proper maintenance.
Do I need a permit to replace an exterior door and frame?
Most municipalities require permits when the rough opening size changes or structural work occurs. Simple like-for-like replacements often do not.
Can I install an exterior door myself and saveafely?
Experienced DIYers can tackle basic pre-hung installations, but professionals recommend expert help to ensure proper sealing, security, and code compliance.
References
- U.S. Census Bureau – American Housing Survey 2023–2024 data release
- U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Efficient Doors fact sheet
- National Association of Home Builders – 2025 Cost vs. Value Report summary
