Cost of External Doors: Fitting Expenses

When planning to upgrade your home’s entrance, the cost of external doors goes beyond just the price of the product itself.

You might have a firm budget in mind, but it’s crucial not to overlook the additional expenses associated with installation, finishing, and hardware.

Many people choose their door purely on design or material, only to discover later that fittings, paintwork, and labour can lift the total well above what they expected.

So, as you budget for your new front door replacement or timber door upgrade, make sure you understand the factors influencing overall cost from materials and finishes to labour and required adjustments.

The condition of the existing door frame often determines how straightforward installation will be, and what additional costs to expect.

Verifying the standard size of your doorway is essential to avoid unexpected expenses and ensure a proper fit. Standard sizes make selection and installation easier, while non-standard sizes may require custom work and higher costs.

How Much do External Doors Cost?

The short answer: it depends.

The price range for external doors varies depending on the material, design, and construction.

Price ranges for front doors can vary widely based on these factors, with different materials, glazing options, and hardware choices all impacting the final cost.

The size and specifications of a door also make a difference, larger or thicker doors require more materials and stronger hardware.

Standard‑sized doors are usually the most cost‑effective choice, as they are mass‑produced and often ready to hang.

Prices for standard size front doors are generally lower than for custom options.

Opting for custom designs, such as oversized entry doors or panoramic glass sliding doors, can raise the price significantly due to extra crafting time and specialised components.

Other variables, such as paint or stain finish, frame preparation, and installation complexity, all affect the total external door cost.

If your property has a unique entrance or an uneven surface, you may need a custom frame or additional carpentry work before fitting.

It also pays to include professional installation in your calculations.

While DIY can reduce initial spending, improper fitting can lead to draughts, alignment issues, or premature wear that costs more to repair later.

Always consider the total package: materials, design, installation, and finishing.

How much to hang a door?

The cost to hang a door depends on several sites‑specific aspects: door type, number of panels, style, and existing structure.

Basic single or double hinged doors are often the easiest to fit, while wider double doors or complex folding and stacking systems require greater precision and labour time.

Installation cost can vary significantly depending on the type of door you choose and any custom requirements, such as structural repairs or unique fittings.

If you are equipped with carpentry skills and tools, hanging a basic door yourself can save some money, but external or front door installations require accuracy to ensure smooth operation and proper sealing.

Installing the right door with professional help ensures long-term performance and value. Re‑fitting a misaligned door later can end up costing more than hiring a professional installer in the first place.

Cost to replace exterior doors

Replacing old doors involves more than simply hanging a new one.

The process typically includes removing the old door, checking or repairing the existing frame, fitting the new door, and ensuring that all hardware and locks are installed properly.

Labour costs rise for more intricate or heavy solid timber designs, glass inserts, or double door layouts.

Similarly, if renovations are required to the surrounding wall or threshold to accommodate a new design, the overall price will increase.

When planning your front door installation, request a full quote that includes removal, materials, and fitting to avoid unexpected expenses.

External door material options vs cost

Material is one of the biggest drivers of the cost of external doors, as each option offers distinct qualities in appearance, strength, maintenance, and longevity.

• Solid Core and Composite Doors: These are among the most practical and affordable options, offering good insulation and stability at a moderate price.
• Timber and Wood Doors: A classic choice for their warmth and aesthetic appeal. Solid timber doors are strong, naturally insulating, and convey craftsmanship, but they do need regular sealing or staining to maintain their elegance over time. Timber doors provide excellent insulation, which helps regulate your home’s temperature and can reduce energy bills. They also offer extensive customisation options, with a wide range of styles, finishes, and design choices to suit individual preferences.
• Aluminium Doors: A premium choice offering clean, sleek lines, minimal maintenance, and durability against heat and moisture. Their modern appeal and structural integrity make them ideal for contemporary homes.
• Glass Doors or Glazed Panels: Adding glass inserts creates a brighter, inviting look but usually raises the price. The type of glass such as frosted, tinted, double glazed affects both cost and insulation performance.
• Fibreglass Doors: Fibreglass is durable and low maintenance, but it may have limited customisation options, especially when it comes to intricate designs or detailed ornamentation.

Ultimately, balance aesthetic goals against budget and expected maintenance. A cheaper door may need refinishing sooner, while a higher‑quality design delivers better durability and weather performance for years.

External door finish options

A quality finish is as much about protection as appearance. You can choose pre‑finished external doors that arrive ready to hang or select undercoated options that let you apply your own paint or stain.

Our timber doors may be stained to highlight the natural woodgrain or painted to suit your décor. Composite doors often come primed and ready to coat, while the hard, smooth surfaces of HMR skins or fibreglass provide easy paint application.

If you prefer glass doors or glazed panels, consider translucent glass finishes. These provide privacy while still allowing natural light to enter, combining practicality with a modern aesthetic.

Doors Plus also supplies ClimActive fibreglass doors, factory‑painted white and ready to install, saving you time and drying delays. For modern homes, powder‑coated aluminium doors deliver a sleek, low‑maintenance finish in a range of contemporary tones.

Remember, good preparation and finishing matter for long‑term results. A properly sealed finish protects the material, improves insulation, and keeps the door looking new for years.

What’s the Cheapest External Door Option?

If budget is your top priority, choose a solid core flat‑panel door with a pre‑primed skin. These are economical, easy to paint, quick to install, and suitable for straightforward openings. Lightweight yet sturdy, they provide good performance for everyday use at a fraction of the price of premium designs.

Benefits include:

• Simple, versatile style
• Smooth surface for painting in any colour
• Ready to hang for fast installation
• Low maintenance and easy to clean
• Lighter weight for easier handling

Choosing a package deal that includes installation, hardware, and warranty can reduce your overall cost, while ensuring consistent quality from start to finish. Browse the Doors Plus catalogue for our latest integrated packages and discover how different materials and styles compare on total value and performance.

Additional Features for External Doors

Beyond style and material, there are a number of upgrades that can improve the functionality, security, and energy efficiency of your new door.

Think about multi‑point locking systems for better protection, double glazing for insulation, or weather‑sealing strips to keep your entrance protected from wind and rain.

Decorative glass, modern pull handles, and innovative pivot hinges can also transform a simple entrance into a statement feature.

While these features can increase the upfront cost, they often deliver long‑term benefits in comfort, safety, and durability.

When planning a front door replacement or new door installation, weigh the added cost of these extras against their value and performance improvements.

DIY vs Professionally Fitted External Doors

Although the DIY route can appear economical, external door installation demands precision and tools that most homeowners don’t own.

A professional installation guarantees correct alignment, consistent sealing, and smooth operation which is essential to prevent drafts, moisture, and security issues.

At Doors Plus, many of our external door packages include professional fitting.

Our team assesses your entry space beforehand, so that everything down to the hinges and locks is ready on installation day.

This ensures there are no hidden costs or unexpected challenges during the process.

A properly installed door not only performs better but lasts longer, saving you time and money in the long term.

Book your free measure and quote today or visit your nearest showroom to explore our extensive range of doors, hardware, and installation packages.

For transparent pricing, expert guidance, and a professional finish, trust Doors Plus to supply and install quality external doors that look superb and perform beautifully.

FAQ

Are materials and style the only factors that influence cost?

No. While material and style are major factors, the total cost of external doors is also shaped by installation, finishing, and the quality of hardware. Features such as glass inserts, weather‑seals, and decorative profiles add both value and expense. Always include installation costs and frame adjustments in your planning.

Does replacing an old door always require a new frame? 

Not necessarily. If your existing door frame is sound and level, it may be reused after minor modifications. However, if it shows signs of warping or decay, replacing the frame alongside the door ensures stability and the best possible fit. Our installers check this as part of every free measure and quote.

What is the average installation time for an external door?

Standard hinged door installations can often be completed within a few hours. More complex or custom designs, especially those involving double doors or structural adjustments, may take longer. Your installer will confirm a suitable timeframe after assessing your project on site.