How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Door Frame? [2024 Data]

Door Frame Replacement Cost Factors

Door frame replacement is a straightforward job for most door pros. It mainly comes down to the replacement materials and labor costs. 

Materials

Most homeowners choose wooden door frames (and doors), although some choose other materials for added strength and durability. In the main, wooden door frames are made from softwood species such as pine, hemlock, and fir. The softness of the wood makes it easier to work with and usually less expensive. Other options include vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass door frames. All of these materials offer decent insulation and resistance to scratching. 

In addition to the frame itself, your materials for this project can also include fasteners, flashing, caulking, and shims. Typically, for a single door frame replacement, these additional costs will range between $10 and $20. 

Labor

Replacing a door frame takes about three hours for an experienced professional. That labor is generally billed at an hourly rate of between $70 and $125 per hour for a total cost ranging from $230 to $380.

Some materials—like hardwood—require extra care when installing and add time to the job, increasing the total labor cost. Decorative or specialty frames will also increase the cost of labor.

Wall Repairs

Wall repairs are fairly common when replacing a door frame, especially in older homes or if the door’s been exposed to moisture. Some types of repairs that might factor into the cost include:

Cost to Replace a Door Frame by Type

The cost to replace door frames depends in large part on the type of door you’re working with and whether it’s an exterior door (one leading into the home from the outdoors) or an interior one. Typically, exterior door frames cost a bit more on average.

Exterior Door Frames

Exterior door frames range in cost between $130 to $400. Security steel door frames for exterior doors can cost substantially more, starting at $200 up to $900 (in some cases, even more).

Interior Door Frames

On average, interior door frames cost between $120 and $230. However, that average cost varies for specialized styles. For example, pocket door frames average between $200 and $340, while barn door track kits average in price from $170 to $300. French door frames cost an average of $180 to $240. 

Sliding Door Frames

Sliding doors that are typically used as interior closet doors have frames that include a track and vinyl rollers. Door frame kits for sliding doors typically cost an average of around $350. 

Cost to Replace a Door Frame Yourself

“When building a door frame, it’s always better to create a larger opening than a smaller one,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “The frame is what is called the ‘rough opening,’ and any gaps will be covered by the casing and trim.”

You’ll save on the total labor cost when replacing a door frame yourself ($230 to $380), but you’ll also need access to specific tools. Some of those tools are commonly found in many homeowners’ basic tool kits, such as a power drill, a screwdriver, a hammer, a utility knife, and a tape measure. On average, these required tools and materials cost a minimum of $150.

Below is a look at all the parts of a door frame—and where they go—so you have a mental map of how your door frame should look.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

It’s possible to replace a door frame if you have moderate DIY home improvement skills and experience. By selecting to install a door that is prehung in the frame, you can also make the process a little easier. However, given the overall complexity of the work and the tools you’ll need to get the job done, hiring a door frame installation company or a general contractor is often worth the cost. This is especially true if you have to widen the frame for a new door. It’s a more complicated structural task, and you may need a building permit.

Botching this job can result in unsightly misalignment, door damage, security or draft issues, and, worst-case scenario, structural problems.

Door Frame Repair vs. Replacement

A quality door frame should be able to last years (or even decades) of regular use before needing a replacement. It may be more cost effective to fix a door frame yourself if it’s an easy repair. These repairs are pretty DIY-friendly and typically cost between $50 and $150, making it more budget-friendly than full replacement:

• Small cracks

• Dents

• A loose hinge

• Repainting

That said, if your door frame is showing any of these signs of more major repairs, it may be easier to get a full replacement:

• Rotted wood

• Cracks or splits

• Warping

Attempts to repair these door frame issues will only mask the problem and—especially for exterior door frames—pose a security risk. Plus, a replacement could be a good opportunity to upgrade to a more durable material or a style that better suits your home.

Ways to Save Money on the Cost to Replace a Door Frame

Photo: photovs / iStock / Getty Images

To reduce the costs of replacing a door frame, hire a professional only after you ask for and evaluate written quotes from at least three professional installation companies or general contractors. Some other tips include:

• Select a less expensive door frame material, like aluminum or vinyl, to save on material costs.

• Take extra care when removing the existing framing and trim. You may be able to reuse trim if it hasn’t been damaged during its removal, and avoiding additional damage to the surrounding wall can save you money, too. 

• Consider whether the frame needs replacing at all. In some cases, a door frame can be repaired instead of replaced, assuming that the damage isn’t too extensive. Repair work should cost significantly less than a full replacement, especially if you can handle the work yourself.

Annie Sisk contributed to this article.