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 is a straightforward job for most door pros. It mainly comes down to the replacement materials and labor costs.
| 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. 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 it’s usually less expensive to install wooden doors and door frames.
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.
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 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:
| Repair Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Minor drywall damage | $20–$100 |
| Water damage | $50–$200 |
| Large cracks | $200–$500 |
| Paint | $15–$55 per gallon |
Your contractor may include the cost of disposing of the old door frame in their total project cost. If not, you can save money by disposing of the old frame at your local dump for $50 to $100 per ton. The cost to do this varies by municipality, so it’s wise to call ahead to see how much it would cost. If you want the old frame picked up, expect to pay at least $60 in junk removal costs.
The cost to replace door frames largely depends 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 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).
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 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.
“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.
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.
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.
| DIY-Friendly Repairs | Replacement Recommended |
|---|---|
| Small cracks | Rotted wood |
| Dents | Cracks |
| Loose hinges | Splits |
| Repainting | Warping |
Attempts to repair these door frame issues will only mask the problem and pose a security risk—especially for exterior door frames. Plus, a replacement could be a good opportunity to upgrade to a more durable material or a style that better suits your home.
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. Sometimes, a door frame can be repaired instead of replaced, assuming the damage isn’t too extensive. Repair work should cost significantly less than a full replacement, especially if you can handle the work yourself.
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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.
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 rehang it after replacing 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.
A few signs that you need a new door frame include:
The door no longer fits properly in its frame and sticks or scrapes.
You notice cracks, holes, or rotting.
You feel a draft coming from around the door when it’s closed.
You find yourself frequently needing to make repairs.
