Swap, full-frame, or resize?
How the door goes in matters as much as the door:
- Like-for-like swap ($470–$800 labor) — new slab/pre-hung in the existing frame; fastest and cheapest when the frame is sound.
- Full-frame replacement ($1,176–$2,000 labor) — new frame, threshold, and flashing; the right call if the frame is rotted, racked, or leaking.
- Resize the opening ($2,647–$4,500) — structural work to change the door size or add sidelights ($470–$800 each) or a transom ($470–$800).
Security, smart locks, and resale
A few worthwhile add-ons: a security or steel-frame entry ($1,764–$3,000) for serious break-in resistance, a smart lock ($294–$500) for keypad/phone entry, and a storm door ($470–$800) that adds an insulating air gap and shields the main door from weather. Worth knowing: a new front door consistently ranks among the highest return-on-investment projects at resale — it's one of the cheapest ways to lift curb appeal, so the fiberglass mid-tier often makes the most financial sense.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an entry door cost in 2026?
Steel pre-hung swap: $2,300-$3,800 installed. Fiberglass swap: $2,700-$4,500. Solid wood entry: $3,300-$5,800. Custom premium wood with sidelights and transom: $10,600-$18,500. Storm door alone: $1,600-$2,200 installed. Full-frame replacement adds $700-$1,200 over a like-for-like swap.
Steel vs fiberglass vs wood?
Steel = cheapest, dent-resistant, but rusts at edges in 10-15 yr in coastal climates. Fiberglass = best insulator, mimics wood grain, no rust, slightly higher cost. Wood = best looks, custom shapes, but requires refinishing every 3-5 yr. For 80%+ of homes, fiberglass is the right answer.
Like-for-like swap vs full-frame?
Swap reuses the existing jamb and threshold ($300-$800 labor). Full-frame replaces the whole frame, weatherstrip, and threshold ($800-$2,000 labor) — needed when the frame is rotten, the door has shifted, or you're upsizing. Resize the opening (taller / wider) and you'll add framing labor + likely a permit.
Is a smart lock worth it?
$200-$500 for the lock + $100-$300 install. Wifi unlocks, codes for guests, push alerts. Schlage Encode and Yale Assure Lock 2 are popular.
Can I DIY?
Pre-hung swap into existing opening — yes for a confident DIYer (4-6 hr work). Full-frame requires precise plumb / level / square — pro work for most.
How much does it cost to replace an entry door?
A steel pre-hung swap runs $2,300-$3,800, a fiberglass full-frame with sidelights $4,400-$7,300, solid wood $3,300-$5,800, and premium custom wood $10,600-$18,500. A storm door over an existing entry is $1,600-$2,200.
Fiberglass or steel entry door?
Fiberglass ($882-$1,500) is the value pick - low-maintenance, energy-efficient, dent-resistant, and it looks like wood. Steel ($470-$800) is cheaper and secure but dents and conducts cold. For a front door, fiberglass usually wins.
Insert or full-frame door replacement?
A like-for-like swap into the existing frame ($2,300-$3,800) is cheapest when the frame is sound. Full-frame replacement ($3,000-$5,000) installs a new frame and flashing and is the right fix if the frame is rotted or leaking.
