Exterior Door Cost Calculator

How Much Does an Exterior Door Cost?

Replacing an exterior door is one of the most impactful home improvement projects you can undertake. A new front door improves curb appeal, energy efficiency, and security, and it consistently ranks among the highest return-on-investment renovations. Total costs range from $150 for a basic storm door to $5,000 or more for a premium entry door system with sidelights and transom.

The door unit itself represents roughly half the total project cost, with hardware, accessories, and installation making up the remainder. Understanding each cost component helps you make informed decisions about where to invest and where to economize.

Door Types and Price Ranges

Entry Doors ($500–$3,000+)

The front entry door is the focal point of your home’s exterior and receives the most daily use. Entry doors are available in three primary materials: fiberglass, steel, and wood. Each material offers distinct advantages in terms of appearance, durability, security, and energy efficiency. The price range varies dramatically based on material, design complexity, glass inserts, and brand.

Budget entry doors start around $500 for a basic steel panel door without glass. Mid-range options in fiberglass with decorative glass inserts run $1,000 to $2,000. Premium wood entry doors with custom detailing and sidelights can exceed $3,000 for the door unit alone. The most popular price point for a quality entry door is $1,200 to $1,800.

Storm Doors ($150–$500)

Storm doors mount in front of your entry door to provide an additional layer of weather protection and ventilation. Basic aluminum storm doors with a single glass panel start at $150. Full-view storm doors with retractable screens run $200 to $350. Premium storm doors with interchangeable glass and screen panels, decorative hardware, and keyed locks top out around $500. Storm door installation is simpler than entry door replacement, with labor typically costing $150–$200.

Patio and Sliding Doors ($600–$3,000)

Patio doors provide access to decks, patios, and backyards. Sliding doors are the most common and affordable style, while hinged French patio doors offer a more traditional appearance at a higher price. Vinyl sliding doors start at $600, while wood or fiberglass hinged patio doors range from $1,200 to $3,000. Installation is more involved than a standard entry door because of the larger opening and heavier weight, adding $400–$700 to the project.

Garage Side Doors ($250–$800)

The garage side door (also called a service door or personnel door) provides pedestrian access to the garage without opening the main garage door. Steel is the most common material for its strength and security. Basic steel panel doors start at $250, while insulated steel doors with windows run $400–$800. Fire-rated doors are required in many jurisdictions for the door between the garage and living space.

Exterior Door Materials

Fiberglass

Fiberglass entry doors offer the best balance of appearance, durability, and energy efficiency. They can be manufactured to closely mimic the look of real wood grain and accept stain or paint. Fiberglass does not warp, rot, crack, or dent under normal conditions. It provides excellent insulation with a foam-filled core, and most manufacturers offer lifetime warranties. The main disadvantage is that fiberglass doors feel slightly different from wood when touched, and damaged fiberglass is harder to repair than dented steel.

Steel

Steel doors provide the highest security and the lowest cost among entry door materials. They resist forced entry better than wood or fiberglass and are available with multi-point locking systems. Steel doors have a foam-insulated core for good energy performance. The primary drawbacks are susceptibility to dents and scratches, and the potential for rust if the finish is compromised. Steel doors are the standard choice for side and back entries, garage service doors, and budget-focused front doors.

Wood

Solid wood doors offer unmatched beauty and the warmth of natural material. They can be custom-made in virtually any design, size, or wood species. Popular choices include mahogany, oak, cherry, and knotty alder. Wood doors require regular maintenance including refinishing every 1–3 years to prevent moisture damage, warping, and UV degradation. Despite the maintenance demands, many homeowners choose wood for its character and the ability to create a truly unique entry.

Hardware and Security Features

Door hardware encompasses the handle set, deadbolt, hinges, and any additional security features. Basic entry hardware sets cost $75–$150 and include a lever or knob handle with a single-cylinder deadbolt. Mid-range hardware at $150–$250 adds a keyed-alike system, upgraded finishes (oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel), and improved deadbolt ratings.

Security-focused hardware packages at $250–$500 include smart locks with keypad or fingerprint entry, reinforced strike plates with 3-inch screws, security hinges with non-removable pins, and door reinforcement kits. A high-security deadbolt rated Grade 1 by ANSI/BHMA costs $80–$200 by itself but provides substantially more resistance to forced entry than a standard Grade 3 deadbolt.

Sidelights and Transoms

Sidelights are narrow window panels flanking the entry door, available in single (one side) or double (both sides) configurations. They add natural light to the foyer and create a more grand entrance. Sidelights cost $200–$600 each depending on the glass type and frame material. Decorative or textured glass provides privacy while still admitting light. Clear glass sidelights are less expensive but may require curtains or blinds for privacy.

A transom is a horizontal window above the door that adds height and light to the entry. Transom windows cost $250–$600 and are available in rectangular, arched, and custom shapes. Adding sidelights and a transom transforms a standard 3-foot-wide entry into an impressive 5–7-foot-wide architectural feature, but the expanded opening increases both material and installation costs substantially.

Installation Costs and Considerations

Professional door installation typically costs $300–$700 depending on the door type and complexity. A straightforward replacement where the new door fits the existing frame is the least expensive scenario. If the rough opening needs to be modified, structural headers adjusted, or new framing built for sidelights, costs can double or triple.

Installation includes removing the old door and frame, preparing the rough opening, shimming and leveling the new frame, securing the frame with screws, insulating the gap between the frame and rough opening, installing hardware, and adjusting the door for smooth operation. Proper weatherstripping and threshold installation are critical for energy efficiency and water resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does exterior door installation take?

A standard entry door replacement in an existing opening takes 3–5 hours for an experienced installer. Adding sidelights or modifying the opening can extend the job to a full day or more. Storm door installation typically takes 1–2 hours.

Should I replace just the door or the entire frame?

If the existing frame is in good condition, a slab-only replacement saves money. However, most professionals recommend a pre-hung door (door already mounted in a new frame) for a better seal, proper alignment, and warranty coverage. Pre-hung doors cost more but install more reliably and perform better long-term.

What is the best exterior door material for cold climates?

Fiberglass is generally the best choice for cold climates because it does not conduct heat like steel and does not expand and contract with temperature changes like wood. Look for a door with a polyurethane foam core and double or triple weatherstripping for the best energy performance.

Do new exterior doors improve energy efficiency?

Yes. A new insulated exterior door with proper weatherstripping can reduce air leakage by 50% or more compared to an older, poorly sealed door. Energy Star-rated doors meet strict criteria for insulation value and air infiltration. The energy savings typically amount to $50–$100 per year, which partially offsets the door cost over time.

Can I install an exterior door myself?

Installing a pre-hung door is a manageable project for an experienced DIYer with the right tools. The key challenges are ensuring the frame is plumb and level, properly shimming to prevent racking, and creating a weathertight seal. Incorrect installation can lead to drafts, water leaks, and difficulty opening or closing the door. If you are not confident in your carpentry skills, professional installation is recommended.

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Estimates only. Actual costs vary by region, retailer, and installer. Consult a licensed door installer for your specific project.