How Much Does It Cost to Install a Front Porch
An easy way to improve the curb appeal of your house is to change out your old front door for a new one. Swapping out might not just be a cosmetic fix, but something that helps insolate or protect a home as well. Whatever reason you're on the hunt, money is a factor to consider. We've been there, and we got all of your questions on cost covered.
The cost of a front door depends on the material, but the averages are:
- Wood – $450 – $3,500
- Fiberglass – $150 – $3,000
- Steel – $130 – $2,500
- Custom – $1,500 – $10,000
However, buying the door is not the only expense; things like where you buy from as well as installation can add to the overall cost. We'll help you sort out everything as we continue.
Contents
- Average Cost of A New Front Door
- The Typical Cost of a Wooden Door
- The Typical Cost of a Fiberglass Door
- The Typical Cost of a Steel Door
- The Typical Cost of a Custom Door
- Other Things Can Increase Cost
- Installation
- Where To Find A Door Installer
- How Much Does Lowe's Charge To Install A Front Door?
- How Much Does Home Depot Charge To Install A Front Door?
- Can I Install A Door On My Own?
- How Long Does It Take To Install A Door?
Average Cost of A New Front Door
While there are some ways to customize your front door, these prices are the averages today. Keep in mind, these are the prices for the doors themselves and not including installation. We'll be getting to that shortly. We will start first with the three most common types of doors: wood, fiberglass, and steel.
The Typical Cost of a Wooden Door
A wooden door is one of the most popular types of entry doors out there. It is seen as a classic. However, they do cost anywhere from $500 up to $3,000. A single wooden door that has no glass windows will be on the lower end of that spectrum.
The benefits of having a wood door are that they insulate very well and are easy to custom fit into your entryway. Plus, they look very nice.
However, they can be a little more expensive than some of the alternatives and, according to Consumer Reports, have a history of needing to be repainted or revarnished often.
Installation for a wooden door is about the same as for all door types unless it needs to be customized to fit your entryway as is. Count on about $200 – $700 for install.
We've selected this Mahogany Craftsman Door. It comes prehung and has sidelights, making it a great option for those not on a strict budget with a large entryway.
Click here to see this door on Amazon.
The Typical Cost of a Fiberglass Door
Fiberglass is perhaps the most common door that is bought now. It is popular because it can have the appearance of wood, as it can be embossed. But it comes with a much lower price tag than its counterparts. Anywhere from $150 – $3,000 is normal for a fiberglass door.
Additionally, fiberglass holds up well to all the outside forces that a door usually goes through. It resists wear better than wood and steel. They don't need to be painted or finished often, but they can be if you want to switch up the look.
Although fiberglass holds up well to the average dings and dents, a large impact could crack the door.
Installation for a fiberglass door is about $200 – $700 depending on whether or not it is a single door or double door.
This door here from BGW is intricate and looks as though made of mahogany, but it is fiberglass. A wooden double door would cost a thousand dollars more.
Click here to see this door on Amazon.
The Typical Cost of a Steel Door
Steel is known as the cheapest option for a new front door. While the high-end doors are in the thousands, you can usually find a good quality steel one for less than $300.
It remains one of the best materials for those who want something that is low maintenance. Steel doors also bring homeowners peace of mind, as they are highly secure and energy-efficient.
Steel doors are known to dent slightly on impact and those dents are hard to get out. Extreme weather may wear them out a little sooner as well.
Installation for these doors will come at around $200 – $700 typically, similar to the other doors that we have discussed.
The National Door Company also sells doors like these made of steel for a steal of a deal. They get great reviews and have a variety of options.
Click here to see this door at Amazon.
The Typical Cost of a Custom Door
As you probably have put together, if you want something made especially for your house entry, then the cost is going to spike. While there are plenty of carpenters and home-specialists who are willing to do that for you, the cost will likely be 3 times more than the other options at a minimum. Prices will likely start off at $2,000 and can go up all the way to $10,000.
In addition, customized work will usually include changing the doorway itself with framing.
But don't let that scare you off if that is what you want. You can get customized windows (like stain-glass). If this is what you're going for, check out our 21 Stained Glass Front Door Idea list.
Custom doors are best for those who know exactly what they want — a one-of-a-kind art piece rather than just a door.
Just look at what is possible!
Other Things Can Increase Cost
The overall size of your door/entryway is something that could possibly increase or decrease the cost of this project. One of the first things to do is to find the measurements of your doorway. If you need double doors, that will almost double your cost.
Features like glass windows or intricate designs could up the costs as well. If you want something simple, then your door will be at the lower end of the price range given. Even things like a doggy door could increase the cost if that's what you're looking for.
If you wish to include a sidelight, that will add $700+ to the overall cost, and that's only the installation. A sidelight is that glass, sometimes opaque, window flesh with the door that allows extra light in the entryway.
Some doors come with this or as an option, but it significantly increases the expense. For other ways to light your entrance hall, read our article here!
Installation
Here is when the overall cost of a door can increase. While it is very possible to install a door by yourself, that may not be the route you want to go. It can be less stressful for a professional to take over. Let's look at the details of what someone else installing that shiny new door for you really means.
Where To Find A Door Installer
One of the best places to find a door installer is at the place you are purchasing your door from. Given, with so many options available on the internet now, this may not be possible. But, if you purchase from a hardware store, they often attach installation deals to your purchase.
You can also use the internet. One great place to look for local installers is to look on Angie's List. This site compiles a list of contractors along with their reviews. It really can help.
Other ways are to put out an ad on Indeed.com or Craigslist. Even Facebook Marketplace is a great place to search. But, if you want a tested and true professional, going through a store might be easier.
How Much Does Lowe's Charge To Install A Front Door?
One of the most reliable places for installation services is going to be Lowe's Home Improvement. Not only do they sell the doors there, but they offer installation for single doors at around $350 or so. Prices vary on the project.
According to their website, they give a quote for your door installation after someone has looked over the space and has taken measurements in person.
Additionally, they offer competitive pricing for installation projects.
How Much Does Home Depot Charge To Install A Front Door?
According to Home Depot's website, the average cost for installing an exterior door, like the front door, is $225-$280. Of course, the price of the installation varies based on the material and type of door.
If you would like to add a screen door or security door in addition to the front entry door, there is an additional cost as well. Count on adding about $85 – $125 when budgeting.
Can I Install A Door On My Own?
As you can rightly tell, a professional install adds hundreds of dollars to the total project. The good news is that it is entirely possible to install a front door all by yourself.
However, it can be difficult. If the door is not installed right, there can be unwanted drafts and bugs getting into your home.
It is best to have some experience with home improvement to install the door properly. Confidence and know-how go a long way. If you are too nervous, it might be best to go ahead and call a professional.
How Long Does It Take To Install A Door?
If you decide to go ahead on installing the door by yourself, or if you just want to know how long you plan to have a handyman over, you should count on it taking approximately four hours.
If you are doing it on your own, it may take longer than that. Reviewing video tutorials and double-checking as you go may tack on an extra couple of hours.
More complicated installs with double doors or sidelights will also take longer.
Best of luck!
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Front Porch
Source: https://homedecorbliss.com/front-door-cost/