When replacing a door there are multiple factors to consider that can affect the total charge, and understandably so, not every homeowner will have certainty concerning the upcoming expenses. To budget these expenses it is best to learn about the factors that affect the cost of the door, and the door itself.
In the following sections we will discuss the average cost of door replacement in 2026, review the factors that affect the average prices, and generate a budget for the replacement project.
Door Material and Costs
The material a door is made of is one of the biggest considerations when replacing one, and unsurprisingly, it has a big impact on its price. Different door materials have different price ranges. We’ll explore the major door materials to help you decide.
Steel doors
Prices and door options may vary significantly, but for people looking for an affordable, durable door, steel doors are often a good option. Made of metal, steel doors are durable and can be used for interior or exterior doors.
- Material costs: Compared to fiberglass and wooden doors, steel doors are significantly cheaper. They typically are sold within the price range of $300 to $1,200.
- Durability: Because they are made of steel, these doors can weather any outside conditions, making them the ideal option for exterior doors.
- Security: Steel doors increase the level of security and are the go-to choice for entry doors.
Fiberglass Doors
Mid-range pricing with high durability
Fiberglass doors are the sweet spot of price and performance. They do not crack, warp, or get damaged by the weather. They are also energy efficient doors, which is perfect for exterior doors.
- Mid-range pricing: Fiberglass doors cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the size, design, and level of insulation.
- Energy-efficient: These doors help with energy costs because of the insulation
- High durability: Fiberglass is a long lasting material and protects the doors from the bad weather.
Wood Doors
Premium appearance with higher maintenance costs
The aesthetic appeal of wooden doors is their primary feature, making them one of the top choices for homeowners prioritizing curb appeal, but they also come with increasing maintenance cost.
- Highest material cost: Wood doors come with the highest costs, typically $1,000 to $5,000 based on design and wood type.
- Premium appearance: Other materials don’t match the classic look of wood doors.
- Greater upkeep: Wood doors need regular upkeep like sanding and repainting so they can avoid damage from humidity and temperature shifts.
Work Costs for Door Replacement in 2026
Work costs are yet another notable contributor to the overall costs of replacing doors. These costs depend on how complicated the installation is, the size and weight of the door, and whether any modifications need to be made to the frame or the structure.
When it comes to replacing doors, the average work costs range from $100 to $800 and depend on how much work is required. Some aspects that impact work costs are:
- Door size and weight: Heavier and larger doors need more work and special tools to install.
- Frame condition: More work is required to adjust the door frame, which can raise work costs.
- Structural modifications: if the door opening needs to be changed (for example, if the frame needs to be widened or moved), this can significantly increase work costs.
- Exterior doors: Extra work like weatherproofing, sealing, and aligning, can increase work costs when it comes to installing exterior doors.
Extra Door Replacement Costs
On top of the labor and door costs for door replacement, more expenses may be incurred:
- Repairs: If the door frame is damaged, it could be repaired, which tacks on an additional $200 to $500
- Upgrades: Replacing handles, locks, and hinges can be an additional $50 to $500 depending on desired material and quality
- Trims: If the frame is damaged and needs replacement, costs add up
- Disposal: Contractors may charge an additional $50 to $100 to dispose of the old door
Price Ranges Table (Quick Reference)
Factors to consider when replacing doors and their costs are provided in the table below:
| Factor | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Door material | Low → High (Steel → Wood) |
| Labor complexity | Low → High (Interior → Exterior) |
| Custom sizing | Increases cost |
| Energy-efficient upgrades | Higher upfront, long-term savings |
Factors Affecting Pricing Regionally
Regional differences affect door replacement costs in your area, and they include the following:
- Geography of labor: Where the door replacement will be done impacts the cost of the labor. High population and high cost living areas have higher labor costs.
- Location of the project: It’s possible you will be located in an area that requires you to have a permit for replacing a door in which it will add to your costs.
- Microclimates: Use of materials for the doors that have added insulation and the ability to seal out the elements may be added to your costs for the project.
- Logistics: Cost of the materials is also dependent on the proximity to the project, and remote areas may cost more due to added expenses for the doors and materials.
High population and cost of living areas lead to high costs of labor and replacement, so be sure to keep all the differences in your area in mind when budgeting to replace your doors.
Is Door Replacement Worth the Cost?
There are several justifiable reasons for replacing a door:
- Enhanced protection: New doors provide greater protection against break-ins providing better materials than older doors.
- Lower heating/cooling costs: Better insulated doors can help to reduce your energy bills.
- Increased home value: New doors can increases curb appeal to your home and make it look better overall.
- Less maintenance: New doors typically involve less maintenance than older doors which can require more repairs.
How to Save Money on Door Replacement
There are several ways to make the expensive process of door replacement more reasonable.
- Replace just the door slab: As long as the frame of the door is in good shape, you can save money by just replacing the door slab, meaning that you just get a new door instead of new frame.
- Standard door sizes: If you choose standard sizes, you can save money instead of having to get custom sized doors.
- Off season/ weekday installations: Labor costs can be cheaper in the off season or during the week as opposed to weekends.
- Comparing prices: Make sure you get 3 different quotes from different contractors to get the fairest prices.
Conclusion: Things You Should Budget for in 2026
In 2026, door replacement will depend on door type, material, complexity of the labor, region, and other factors. Knowing these details can help you budget effectively and manage your costs. It doesn’t matter if you’re replacing an inside door or improving your outside door for extra safety and curb appeal. Knowing the costs and how to save money will help you decide what is best for your home.
