Door Replacement Guide: Types, Cost & Buying Tips

Door only: steel: $200-$1,000. Fiberglass: $500-$2,500. Wood: $500-$5,000+. Installed: steel: $500-$2,000. Fiberglass: $800-$4,000. Wood: $1,000-$7,000+. Add sidelights: $500-$2,000. Add transom: $300-$1,000. National average (installed): $1,000-$3,000. ROI: front door replacement is one of the best home improvements for resale value. Recoups 60-100% of cost. Curb appeal impact is immediate and significant.

Steel: cost: $500-$2,000 installed. Security: best. Insulation: excellent (foam core). Maintenance: low (repaint every 5-10 years). Durability: very durable, may dent. Best for: security-conscious, budget, most climates. Fiberglass: cost: $800-$4,000 installed. Security: very good. Insulation: very good. Maintenance: very low. Durability: excellent, does not dent, warp, or rot. Best for: most homeowners, all climates, wood-look aesthetic. Wood: cost: $1,000-$7,000+ installed. Security: good. Insulation: good. Maintenance: high (refinish every 1-3 years). Durability: good with maintenance, can warp and rot. Best for: traditional/luxury homes, historic properties. Recommendation: fiberglass is the best all-around choice for most homeowners.

Per door (installed): hollow-core: $150-$350. Solid-core: $200-$500. Solid wood: $350-$1,200+. Barn door: $200-$800. Pocket door: $300-$1,500. Whole house (10-15 doors): hollow-core: $1,500-$5,000. Solid-core: $2,000-$7,500. Solid wood: $3,500-$15,000+. Tips: replace all interior doors at once for consistent look. Solid-core doors are the best value (better sound insulation than hollow-core, much cheaper than solid wood). Consider pre-hung vs slab (pre-hung is easier to install but costs more).

Replace exterior doors when: visible damage (cracks, rot, warping). Drafts around closed door. Difficulty locking or closing. Visible light around edges. High energy bills (poor insulation). Security concerns (weak door, poor locks). Replacing interior doors: damaged or warped. Outdated style. Poor sound insulation (upgrade from hollow to solid-core). Selling the home (updated doors improve appeal). Not necessary: if doors are functioning well and in good condition. Minor issues (sticking, hardware) can often be repaired for much less than replacement.