How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Door Frame? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $200 - $550
Replacing a door frame costs $400
, on average, but prices can range from $110
up to $700
depending on the type of door.
The average cost to replace door frames in your home is around $400
, including two hours of labor at $70 per hour. The frame itself can cost anywhere from $80 to $500, depending on the type, material, and style. Specialized types of doors such as barn doors and French doors might cost more, given that their average dimensions are usually larger than a single interior or exterior door. If the wall surrounding your door opening has been damaged and needs to be repaired, this could also increase your total costs.
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. This project can typically be finished in a few hours, unless more serious repairs are needed.
Door Frame Material | Average Cost (Labor Included) |
---|---|
Wood | $630 – $780 |
Non-wood | $360 – $510 |
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.
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, like repainting some trim or covering up minor scratches. That said, if your door frame is showing any of these signs of repair, 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.
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.
Ways to Save Money on the Cost to Replace a Door Frame
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The difference between a door frame and a door jamb is that one is part of the other. A door frame consists of:
Side jambs: The flat vertical part of the frame that runs up to the left and right of the door
Head jamb: The horizontal part of the frame at the very top of the door
Mullions or mulls (optional): The vertical piece that joins two separate doors into one frame, often concealed with a mull casing
So, the side and head door jambs are part of the overall door frame.
If your door frame is exhibiting any signs of wood rot, it’s best to have it replaced unless the rot is truly minimal. Signs of wood rot include flaking and disintegrating bits of wood, apparent misalignment that doesn’t permit the door to close as it should, and darkened spots of wood on the frame.
Yes, you can replace only the door frame without replacing the door assuming that the door is in acceptable condition. You’ll need to remove the door first and then rehang it after you’ve replaced the frame. If the door has sustained any damage or significant wear and tear, it’s a good time to replace the door as well, since you’ll have to remove the door anyway.