Reviewed by Mario Garcia, General Manager at Windows Hawaii
A new front door changes how your whole house looks and feels, but prices range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Here’s what entry door replacement really costs, how material choices affect the price and what’s worth upgrading.
Average Entry Door Replacement Cost
Thumbtack reports that replacing a front door typically costs around $304 to $995, with simple jobs as low as about $120 and higher-end projects above $2,000. Those figures lean toward basic doors. For a premium fiberglass door, LawnStarter puts the national average at about $1,265 installed, with most projects between $600 and $4,145.
Cost by Door Material
| Material | Relative cost | Lifespan and upkeep | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Lowest | Often 20 to 30 years with maintenance; can dent and rust | Budget projects away from the coast |
| Fiberglass | Mid to high | Often 30 to 50 years; won’t warp, rot or rust | Most homes, especially humid and coastal areas |
| Wood | Highest | Needs refinishing; can swell, warp and attract termites | Covered entries where looks come first |
Fiberglass costs more upfront than steel but needs the least maintenance, which is why it’s become the most popular choice for replacement doors. Brands like Therma-Tru offer fiberglass doors with realistic wood grain. If you love real wood, Simpson makes some of the best wood doors available.
Add-Ons That Change the Price
- Sidelights and transoms. LawnStarter reports sidelights typically add $500 to $2,765 to the door cost.
- Double doors. Roughly $1,050 to $6,525 installed, per LawnStarter.
- Decorative glass. Textured or privacy glass costs more than a solid panel.
- Hardware. Smart locks, multi-point locks and premium handlesets add up quickly.
- Storm or security screen doors. A storm door runs about $220 to $785 installed. A security screen door costs more but lets you keep the main door open safely.
Slab vs. Prehung Doors
A slab is just the door. It’s cheaper but only works if your frame is solid and square, and it takes careful fitting. A prehung door comes already mounted in a new frame with weatherstripping and a threshold. It costs more but usually seals better and is the right choice when the old frame is worn, rotted or out of square.
Labor and Installation
LawnStarter reports installers typically charge about $40 to $90 per hour. A simple swap is quick, but replacing the frame, fixing rot, adjusting the opening or adding sidelights takes longer and costs more. Removal and disposal of the old door is usually included.
What Entry Doors Cost in Hawaii
Hawaii pricing usually runs higher than national averages because doors are shipped from the mainland, labor costs more and general excise tax applies. Material choice matters more here too. Humidity, strong sun and termites are hard on wood, and steel can rust near the ocean. That’s why most Oahu homeowners we work with choose fiberglass, often paired with a security screen door so they can leave the front door open for the trade winds.
If you’re also thinking about windows, see our Hawaii window replacement cost guide.
Ways to Save on a New Front Door
- Keep the same size opening so no framing changes are needed.
- Choose a smooth fiberglass door and paint it, instead of a premium wood-grain finish.
- Limit decorative glass to sidelights instead of the door itself.
- Combine your door with a window project to save on setup.
Entry Door Cost FAQs
Is it worth replacing a front door?
A new entry door improves curb appeal, security and comfort, and it’s one of the more affordable exterior upgrades. If your door sticks, leaks or lets in light around the edges, replacement usually pays off.
Which lasts longer, fiberglass or steel?
Fiberglass generally lasts longer, especially in humid or coastal climates, because it won’t rust or dent.
Can I replace just the door and keep the frame?
Sometimes. If the frame is solid and square, a slab replacement can work. If not, a prehung door is the better long-term fix.
On Oahu? Call 808-671-0808 or request a free estimate. See all of our entry door options.
