Cost to Install Exterior Doors
Exterior doors are often larger and heavier than interior doors, making them more challenging to install. Installation costs can vary, depending on the number of installed doors, their type(s), and whether or not you need additional framing, structural support, or weatherproofing.
Number of Doors
Expect to spend about $550 to $640 in labor costs for each exterior door. The more exterior entrances you have, the higher the total cost.
Type of Door
Depending on the type of door, labor costs for exterior door installation can range from about $75 for a lightweight screen door to over $1,200 for a 12-foot-wide, multi-panel folding glass door.
Double: Because of the size, labor tends to be slightly higher at $500 to $1,000per installation.
Screen: Average screen door costs range between $100 and $1,550, which tend to be lightweight and easier to install. Factor in around $75 to $150 for labor.
Storm: Storm doors cost $200 to $600 in labor and provide added protection against rain and wind.
Fire-rated: A fire-rated door costs $400 to $1,300 to install. These doors are typically used in commercial buildings and require specialized hardware.
Patio: Patio doors range from $500 to $1,000 in installation costs, depending on the size and style.
Sliding glass: Sliding glass doors cost about $70 to $100 per hour or $300 to $800 total.Ā
French: French doors add $200 to $1,000 in labor costs. This type of door includes a full-view or top to bottom window and offers an elegant look.
Multi-panel and multi-slide: These are the most expensive exterior doors to install at $100 to $150 per linear foot, or around $1,200 to $1,800 for a 12-foot door.
Labor
Labor rates run anywhere from $40 to $90 per hour, with an average of about $70 per hour. It only takes two to three hours for a pre-hung door installation versus six to seven hours for a door with a frame.
Pre-hung
Installing a pre-hung door costs about $140 to $210 for the labor, plus the cost of materials. A pre-hung door is sold with the door already attached to the frame, making installation easier.
Structural Integrity
You may need to work with a structural engineer, which will cost about $500 total, in order to cut through supporting walls and install new headers. It's best to hire a structural engineer for $100 to $150 per hour to make sure this work is done safely and will hold up over time. Most municipalities also require a permit for this type of work, and permits cost an average of $435 to $2,300.
Framing
Framing costs $7 to $16 per square foot. Expect the higher end of that range when installing a load-bearing header.
Waterproof and Sealing
The door itself needs proper sealing for an additional $80 to $200. Exterior varieties require proper flashing, house wrap, and waterproofing membranes to keep moisture out. This is usually part of the rough framework.
DIY vs. Hiring Door Installers
You could save about $70 an hour on installation costs by installing an exterior door yourself, but youāll still need at least one other set of hands to help hold the door, especially if you work with a heavier material.
However, hiring a local door installer is the best way to go, as the pros can get the job done quicker and make sure the door fits and secures properly. If you want to save on labor costs, opt for a pre-hung door, which can reduce the price of installation by 30% to 50%.