Homeowners can expect to pay an average of $1,755, but the typical price range for exterior wood door installation is anywhere between $600 and $2,920.
Exterior doors impact the curb appeal of your property. Wood as a design material appeals to the senses by bringing an element of warmth and vibrancy into a home. Wood is also an incredibly strong and versatile material that can be customized to meet your specific needs, which makes it great for an exterior door.
Exterior doors also provide security and protect your home from the elements. Solid wood doors provide more security than glass doors. While wood entry doors are generally less secure and durable than steel or fiberglass doors, they still hold up well to wear and tear when maintained properly.
In this cost guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Exterior Wood Door Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $1,755 |
| Typical Price Range | $600 – $2,920 |
| Extreme Low End Cost | $415 |
| Extreme High End Cost | $3,850 |
The typical price range for installing an exterior wood door is between $600 and $2,920. The national average for an exterior wood door is $1,755. A basic slab or prehung door purchased from a home improvement store can be as low as $415. Custom doors made from hardwood will cost more, as much as $3,850.
Exterior Wood Door Cost Estimator by Size
A standard exterior door has a height of 80 inches and a width of 36 inches. This size will be the most readily available at home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowes and will be the most affordable option. Doors that are seven feet tall or larger may have to be special ordered and may cost more.
Another thing to consider when discussing door size is whether you are installing single or double-entry doors. Double entry doors are double the work, covering a larger area, so expect to be charged between $1,085 and $5,665.
Other Factors that Affect Cost
Aside from the size of the door, or whether you’re selecting single doors or double doors for your home there are a few other factors that can affect the cost of your exterior wood door. You will need to consider whether you will be purchasing a pre-hung or slab door, the labor cost and if you may need to contact a structural engineer.
Pre-hung vs Slab
Pre-hung doors are an all-in-one package. The doors come hinged to a weatherstripping-lined frame with a hole for the doorknob. A slab door has no frame or hardware included and in most cases not even a hole for a knob. The slab door is customizable and budget-friendly. Prehung doors are pricier, but you’re paying for the convenience of a door that’s ready to be installed.
Labor
Labor costs for door installation are between $40 and $90 per hour, with an average rate of around $65 per hour. Prehung doors take less time to install, meaning their labor cost will be lower.
Structural Integrity
If you have to cut through supporting walls to install your exterior door, you may need to hire a structural engineer. The hourly rate for a structural engineer is $100 to $210 on average.
Related Services
After installing a new wood entry door, you may be looking for other ways to update the exterior of your home. Here are a few related services to consider.
Garage Door Replacement
Replacing your garage door costs between $590 and $1,650 on average. This includes the cost of removing the old garage door and hardware and installing the new one. A new garage door can increase the curb appeal of your home and like replacing your front door it’s thought to have a good return on investment.
Patio Installation
A new patio will cost you between $2,365 and $5,910 on average. Patios are a great way to add a comfortable outdoor living space that you can enjoy with family and friends. They can be made from a variety of materials including concrete or bricks.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
If you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer with the proper tools and help from a friend, installing an exterior wood door may be a project worth tackling yourself. Below, we break down the cost of installing an exterior wood door yourself and let you know when you should consider contacting a professional instead.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Hammer | $18 |
| Slotted Screwdriver | $15 |
| Utility Knife | $12 |
| Flat Pry Bar | $15 |
| Reciprocating Saw | $100 |
| Level | $35 |
| Caulk Gun | $6 |
| Pneumatic Nailer | $29 /day to rent |
| Cordless Drill | $120 |
| Impact Driver | $100 |
| Pre-hung Door | $400 |
| Total DIY Cost | $850 |
When installing an exterior door, it’s very important to ensure it is done properly. They can be heavy, and mistakes made in the process of removing the old door and installing the new one can result in damage to the new door or your drywall.
An incorrectly installed door can also allow air inside, even when it is closed, making it less energy efficient. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it may be best to call an expert.
The total cost to install an exterior wood door DIY is $850. This makes this DIY project much more affordable than the national average installation price for a professional $1,755. This means it may be more cost-effective to install the entry door yourself.
Most of the cost of this project depends on the door you select, so whether you’re doing it yourself or calling a professional, expect custom doors to cost much more.
Cost of Exterior Wood Doors by Location
Front doors are some of the most expensive exterior doors to install, typically because they include add-on features such as sidelights. Adding sidelights to your entry door installation can up the price by $500 to $2,500. Conversely, back doors are typically more basic. Expect to pay closer to the low end of the typical price range of $600 to $2,920 for exterior wood doors.
FAQ
Yes, as long as the existing frame is in good condition you can use it with a new exterior door.
Studies show that slate blue or black front doors appeal most to buyers. On the other hand, buyers don’t seem to like pink or gray doors.
Wood exterior doors are not low-maintenance. Sunlight as well as daily wear and tear will damage your exterior doors over time. Varnished doors should be sanded and re-coated every year while doors with a polyurethane coat should be freshened up every other year. If you have a painted door, give it a fresh coat every five years or as needed.
Final Thoughts
Exterior wood doors bring an element of warmth and richness into your home. These doors are the most common choice among homeowners due to their versatility. The cost of your wooden door will vary depending on labor costs, door style, and whether it is a pre-hung or slab door.
Exterior doors are available in several types of wood including oak, cherry, walnut, ash, mahogany, maple, cedar, and pine. If you’re experienced with DIY projects, installing an exterior wood door may be a task you can handle. However, it may be more cost-effective and you may get a better quality result if you contact your local professional.
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