Prices for doors in residential homes vary by material, size, and installation complexity. Typical homeowners pay for unit doors, hardware, finishing, and labor, with cost drivers including door type, frame work, weather sealing, and regional labor rates. The price landscape below helps budgeters compare cost and price for interior and exterior doors.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior hollow core door (single) | $40 | $90 | $150 | Primarily for bedrooms and closets |
| Solid wood interior door (single) | $180 | $350 | $700 | Higher finish quality |
| Fiberglass exterior door (prehung) | $400 | $900 | $1,800 | Better insulation; includes frame |
| Steel exterior door (prehung) | $300 | $600 | $1,200 | Durable; security features vary |
| Door hardware package (knob/lock/strike) | $20 | $60 | $150 | Includes basic set |
| Labor for hanging a prehung interior door | $120 | $260 | $500 | Includes trim fitting |
| Labor for exterior door installation | $400 | $900 | $1,800 | Weatherproofing and flashing |
Door Type Costs by Material and Use
Interior hollow core doors deliver the lowest upfront price per unit, typically around $40-$150 depending on thickness and surface veneer. Assumptions: standard 80-inch height, 1-3/8 inch thickness, basic finish.
Solid wood interior doors rise to $180-$700 per unit, with higher prices for premium hardwoods or intricate panels. Assumptions: 80-inch height, 1-3/4 inch thickness, clear grain finish.
Exterior entry doors show wide ranges: fiberglass $400-$1,800 and steel $300-$1,200 per prehung unit, depending on insulation, core, and decorative details. Assumptions: standard 36-inch width, insulated core, weather seal, prehung in a new frame.
Cost Drivers for Exterior Doors
Price hinges on material performance, insulation rating, and hardware quality. Typical steel or fiberglass exterior doors with prehung frames cost $500-$1,500, while premium doors with multi-point locks and impact-grade glass can exceed $2,500. Labor and materials combine to form the main total, with regional rates affecting the final quote.
Per-Unit vs Per-Sq-Ft Pricing Details
Most door purchases are per unit rather than per square foot, but square-foot framing or rough opening work adds cost. For a standard 3-foot-by-6-foot exterior door, expect $500-$1,600 installed. For interior doors, per-unit pricing dominates: hollow core $40-$150, solid wood $180-$700, with install added.
Labor Time and Crew Size Variations
Single-door installs commonly take 2-6 hours for interior doors and 4-12 hours for exterior doors with framing, weatherproofing, and hardware upgrades. Labor time scales with door type, site access, and existing framing, and a two-person crew is typical on exterior replacements.
Regional Price Variations Across the U.S.
Coastline markets and large metro areas show higher price ranges than rural regions. Interior doors generally follow local carpentry rates, while exterior door installs in colder regions may require extended weatherproofing, increasing total cost. Assumptions: regionally adjusted labor rates, standard material choices.
Common Add-Ons That Change the Bottom Line
Weatherstripping upgrades, prefinishing, and smart-lock hardware add $20-$300 per unit, while top-mounted sidelights or decorative glass can add $500-$2,000 per unit. Plan for delivery, removal, and disposal of old doors where applicable.
How Material Choice Impacts Long-Term Value
Solid wood doors offer classic aesthetics but require more maintenance than fiberglass or steel. Fiberglass doors balance insulation and durability, with prices typically $400-$1,800 depending on finish and glass. Assumptions: standard energy performance, mid-range hardware.
Practical Ways to Cut Door Costs Without Sacrificing Safety
Choose standard sizes, reuse existing frames when possible, and compare prehung options with basic hardware. Bundling doors for multiple rooms often reduces per-unit labor, while DIY prep work can shave hours from installation estimates. Cost-conscious choices often revolve around scope control and material selection.
One Quick Quote Scenario: Typical House Door Package
Consider a 3-door interior package plus 1 exterior entry with standard hardware. Interior hollow core (2 doors): $80 each on average; one solid core for a pantry door: $150; exterior fiberglass entry with prehung frame: $900. Labor: interior installation $300 total, exterior installation $1,000. Total package: $1,530-$3,000 depending on finishes and regional labor. Assumptions: mid-range materials, standard prehang, standard framing.
Summary of Key Pricing Insights
Expect interior doors to be a fraction of exterior door costs, with labor adding substantial share. Exterior doors vary most by material, insulation, and hardware, while interior doors mostly reflect size, finish, and mounting complexity. Regional labor rates and installation conditions remain decisive for final quotes.
