How to Replace a Door With a Window

If you have an unnecessary exterior door in your home, you could replace it with a window, allowing for more light in the room. It’s a project for an advanced DIYer, but we take you step-by-step below.

Before you begin, check with your local building codes to ensure that it’s legal to change out your door for a window. A door that is a vital exit to your home can’t be replaced with a window. If you live in a community that has an HOA, be sure to check the regulations before you begin any changes. Also, know that this project requires some assistance in setting the window in place and making sure it’s level. Ask a family member or friend to help you.

Step 1 — Choose a Window

Choose a window that fits the width of the door frame. Read the product manual provided by the manufacturer of the window before beginning the installation process. Be sure to situate the window so that the opening is facing the proper direction.

Step 2 — Remove the Door and Trim

Remove the trim from around the door that you want to replace. Begin removing the trim at the top of the doorway and work your way to the floor. Once the trim is removed, take the door off its hinges. The remaining door frame should include two jack studs on each side of the doorway and a header across the top.

Step 3 — Build a Bottom Plate

You will need to make a bottom plate that will be placed on the subfloor between the two jack studs. Measure the space between the jack studs. Mark off the length on one of the 2 x 6 boards to create the bottom plate for the space. If the flooring in the room is raised above the height of the bottom plate, cut a rabbet notch out of the bottom plate so that it will fit over the existing flooring. Install the plate onto the subflooring. Use nails to secure the plate into place.

Step 4 — Build a Supporting Wall

Measure four 2×6 studs at the length you will need to support your window. Mark the length with a pencil and cut the studs with your table saw. Place two studs against each of the jack studs on either side of the opening. Secure the studs to the bottom plate and jack studs with nails. Secure the other two cut boards so that they sit vertically along the bottom plate, equal distance apart from the jack studs. Measure and cut a sill plate to run across the top of the supporting studs.

Step 5 — Sheath the Exterior Wall

Use your plywood to sheathe the outside of wall frame you built. Measure and cut the plywood to size and secure into place with nails. You will need to protect the perimeter seams around the plywood with 4 inch self-adhesive flashing. Carefully apply the flashing so that all of the seams are covered. The vertical areas on either side of the opening to the window will also need to be protected. Attach tarpaper so that it overlaps the flashing that you applied to the sheathing seams.

Step 6 — Position the Window

Adhesive caulk will secure the window once it’s in place. Apply a liberal amount of the caulk to the front of the upper area, along the sides, and across the bottom of the flange. Place the window into the space, setting the flange under the house exterior siding. Ensure that the window is centered in the space and is sitting level. If the window is not level, push shims into the space between the window and the frame to sit the window properly. Secure the window to the frame with roofing nails. Hammer the nails through the holes in the flange.

Step 7 — Finish the Exterior

You will need to finish the exterior to enhance the appearance of your newly installed window. This will also protect your plywood sheathing from the elements. Cut and install siding to cover the window flange and sheathing.

Step 8 — Insulate the Interior Space

Apply expanding spray insulation in the space between the window and the frame. Install insulation between the studs on the interior space. Attach a vapor barrier over the insulation and secure it in place with a stapler. Install the drywall over the vapor barrier.

Step 9 — Install Drywall

Measure and cut drywall to cover the space under the window. Mud the seams and apply tape over the mud to secure the drywall in place. Once the mud is dry, lightly sand over the surface until it’s smooth.

Step 10 — Install the Window Trim

Measure and cut your trim to fit around the window. The ends of the trim lengths will need to be cut at 45-degree angles for them to fit together properly. Set the pieces into your miter box to make the cuts. Secure the trim in place with finishing nails.

Step 11 — Paint the Wall Space

Apply primer to the newly installed drywall to get it ready for your application of paint. Once the primer is dry, paint the newly built wall to match the other wall space in the room. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly and, if necessary, apply a second coat.

How to replace Windows and Doors

For most people, window and door replacement is not something they have experience in. If your windows and doors are old and drafty, home energy bills may start to spike. Investing in energy efficient doors and windows will enhance your home’s appearance and save on energy bills, according to Brisbane based Scope Glass Pty Ltd. Cold air leaking through the doors and windows means high energy bills and uncomfortable room temperatures. Replacing doors and windows come with great benefits.

Advantages of replacing doors and windows

Increased Comfort

A huge advantage of having new doors and windows is increased comfort. Energy efficient doors and windows will properly seal leaks and prevent any drafts left by old ones. Doors and windows which are energy efficient are better-insulated meaning surface temperature is always regulated. This ensures cold air and heat is kept outside where it belongs.

Save energy bills

This is probably one of the biggest benefits through which money can be saved from replacing doors and windows. Thanks to a replacement, users can save over 40% of their total energy bills. This will also help users lower their carbon print which is priceless to dear Mother Nature.

Increased home value

As many homeowners will agree, the housing market has been through a turbulent time the last couple of years. There are several things to consider making your property more attractive. A good option is to replace doors and windows. Getting the right impression is critical and goes a long way in shaping a buyer’s decision. By installing new doors and windows, it makes the front of the house look appealing and clean.

How to Carefully Choose Door and Window Replacements Carefully

There are many functions doors and windows perform in your home. They provide imperative security features to your home. By protecting your house from outside noise, they act as a sound proof. Choosing the right door and window will greatly improve your energy consumption and improve natural light.

Most common window options include aluminum, steel, Vinyl, and wood. Vinyl is one of the most popular window replacement options for several reasons. This material does not blister, chip, crack, peel, or warp. They can also be customized in different ways not forgetting they require little to no maintenance.

When choosing a quality window, there are a number of features to look out for. In the case of Vinyl windows, always look for UPVC which helps to protect against discoloring and prolong window’s lifespan. Choose a window which is made up of quality insulating glass. This will help increase energy efficiency.

One of the most popular types of windows are double hung windows. This type of window uses the constant force of a coil to slide instead of a spiral. Make sure to consider your budget and always balance quality and price.

A solid door, on the other hand, will protect your home from intruders. This will also help stop outside noise from entering your home. The most important feature to consider when replacing your doors is energy efficiency. Make sure to choose the right door for the right position in your home. Doors come in a wide array of designs and types such as glass. Another feature to take note of is security plates.

Security plates for doors are important because they provide a high level of resistance against forced entry.

Another important factor to consider is window coverings. This is an important factor when doing doors and window replacement. Thanks to new technology the quality of blinds and shutters has greatly improved. This helps to control the degree of light and privacy in your room; this makes them a popular choice.

The durability of these shutters is also a great advantage as they don’t crack, fade, peel, or shrink. Shutters are mostly maintenance free because cleaning them is easy. Make sure the manufacturer gives you a good comprehensive warranty on your shutters. Price of window covering greatly depends on quality, size, and type.

Choose online price comparison websites to find affordable deals on doors and windows. Whether you’re thinking of getting a door installation Las Vegas or Orlando, having a local dealer can save money and time. Leading companies will only partner with carefully selected tradesmen as part of their approved suppliers. This ensures your plans are in good hands once you decide to hand over the project to a reliable firm.

Start planning for your new replacement windows or doors. Have you been dreaming of a bay window to up your home curb’s appeal? Have you considered a casement window to improve ventilation? How about opening up the view to the outdoors with a set of sliding doors? Make sure you schedule a design consultation to get started. For those who are tech savvy, a Product Visualizer tool will come in handy. This will help see what a custom replacement window would look like with the finish you want.

These multitudes of benefits explain why you should consider a window and door replacement without delay.

How Much Does It Cost To Install Or Replace A Door?

Typical Range: $478 — $1 561

How We Get This Data

Are you a Home Improvement or Service Pro?

Reviewed & Approved on August 7, 2020 by Cati O’Keefe, Expert Home Building & Sustainability Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Door Installation & Replacement Costs

On average, door installation costs $1,013, with most homeowners spending between $478 and $1,561. Replacing interior types in an existing frame runs anywhere from $100 to $1,000 . Entryways run upwards of $5,000 or more depending heavily on the material. Framing or reframing an opening averages $485. Prices vary depending on the size of the opening plus structural changes in load bearing walls.

Other cost factors include location, type, and framing needs. Most projects require hiring an expert for proper installation.

On This Page:

Door Cost Calculator

Let’s calculate cost data for you. Where are you located?

National Average	$ 1 013
Typical Range	$ 478 — $ 1 561
Low End — High End	$ 100 — $ 5 600

Want the most accurate estimates for your project?

We are still gathering data for this location.

Want the most accurate estimates for your project?

Door Prices by Material Type

Door materials are usually the largest cost factor. Slab and pre-hung types range from basic hollow core styles for $40 to $90 each up to solid oak and beveled glass for $1,000 to $1,400 or more. Extremely high-end varieties — typically double and wrought iron — range from $3,500 to $6,000. Add sidelights — also known as sidelites — and transoms for an added $600 to $2,000.

Doors can be made of wood, wood veneer, steel, aluminum or fiberglass — to name just some of the options. Exterior types will be sturdier than interior varieties and will have a higher installation price. Steel units are the most affordable option, and a range of options existsfor each kind of material. Though style and application play a significant role, material type is one of the largest factors impacting the budget.

Each material comes in a variety of styles including:

• Flushed: no designs, good for garages, and back and side entries.
• Paneled: can have panels made of fiberglass or wood.
• Arched: has an arch-shaped design.
• Glass: has glass windows or insets.
• Pocket: slides into the wall.
• Bifold: folds in half — used mostly in closets.
• Bypass or sliding: slides past an adjacent door, like sliding closet or patio types. Decorative: often with wood or metal scrollwork.

Wooden Door Cost

Wood is popular choice with an extremely wide variety of styles, ranging from $40 to $5,000.

• Interior: $40-$500. Come in hollow and solid
• Engineered solid wood: $150-$500 for exterior applications
• Exterior solid: $500-$5,000. Unit prices depend on whether it is a single or double, has sidelights, a transom, glass, or internal miniblinds.

Steel Door Prices

Homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $1,230 to install or replace a steel entry door. The cost of standard steel types ranges between $150 and $300. Adding glass increases the price to $300 to $1,200. Double or those with sidelights can range anywhere from $500 to $2,500 with an average range of $1,000 to $4,000.

Steel is cheap and long-lasting. It can handle weather almost as well as pricier fiberglass and wood options. It requires some maintenance if it’s dented or scratched. Steel is especially prone to rust if scratches and dents aren’t addressed quickly. Consult with a door professional before replacing or installing.

Wrought Iron

Higher-end wrought iron doors run anywhere from $1,500 to $7,000. Most often, these use a steel base, though wood with wrought details, usually in the glass, is common.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass doors cost anywhere from $150 to $5,000 and more though most fall in the $250 to $2,000 range. They’ll come in both smooth and wood grain textures. They are low maintenance and great for energy efficiency.

Composite Wood

One of the most economical varieties, composite and engineered doors cost between $40 and $500 on average. Some run as much as $1,000 or more. Composite wood is made from wood particles that are adhered using heat, pressure and glue.

Aluminum Metal

Most aluminum doors range from $100 to $2,000. This type is popular in both interior and exterior applications such as screen, entry and wardrobes. Sliding styles price at the high end of this range.

Solid Core vs Hollow Core Door Costs

Solid cores average about $50 to $200 more than their hollow counterparts. Labor costs for both remain about the same at $100 to $300 per installation. Solid doors are typically made from wood particles or foam. Solid core is not to be confused with solid wood. Hollow core typically has a honeycomb of cardboard slats with thin veneer faces.

Get a Quote for Your Door Installation

Average Cost to Install a Door

New installations have a variety of costs including labor, materials and supplies. Combined they average between $400 to $900. Some contractors discount larger projects with multiple installations. Contractors supply the tools necessary for the job. The homeowner is responsible for the price of all supplies and materials. These include all mounting hardware, hinges, screws and threshold. This chart doesn’t include specifics for exterior types like sidelights or transoms.

Average Door Installation Costs including Framing

Line Items	Average Cost Range
Labor	$150 — $300
Slab	$50 — $400
Supplies	$100 — $300
Jamb & Stop	$150 — $300
Frame Construction	$200 — $650
Total Cost	$750 — $2,000

New Door Frame Prices

A new rough frame costs anywhere from $200 to $650 depending on a variety of factors. Factors include whether it is located in a load-bearing wall and if plumbing or electrical wiring need to be rerouted. The finished frame or jamb will average $200. More contractors can add $300 to $1,000 to the project total.

Door Installation Labor Costs

Labor runs between $40 to $90 per hour or more with an average of about $70 per hour for a licensed contractor. Handyman rates are slightly less on average, or about $30 to $40 per hour. Your location will dictate final hourly costs. Contractors in areas with higher costs of living charge as much as $120 per hour or more.

Interior versus Exterior

A standard interior door costs about $30 to $500 or more. An exterior doors costs an average of $500 to $2,000 with some installations exceeding $10,000. Exterior types take a beating from use and weather while also holding in heat and looking good doing it. Because of this, they require special framing considerations, such as flashing to keep water out and the use of load-bearing headers with additional framing. These requirements increase the total cost of installation.

Exterior vs. Interior Doors

Item	Exterior	Interior
Average Cost	$230 — $3,300+	$30 — $500
Sidelights	Add $700 — $3,000+	Rare
Transom	$200 — $800	Rare
Insulation	Required	Rare
Security	Often Preferred	No
Weather Resistance	Required	No
Fire Resistance	Often Preferred	No
Framing	Requires flashing for weather and headers in load bearing wall	Nothing exceptional required

*Solid wood uses the wood as natural insulation. It doesn’t insulate as well as most steel and fiberglass varieties.

Basic vs. Custom Doors

A basic installation (excluding screen or storm doors) costs $200 to $1,800. It takes about 3 hours on average. The job includes removing the old door and trim, and then installing new trim, hinges, knobs and hardware. Custom jobs range from $500 to $10,000 or more. Custom work includes installing security systems, intricate transoms and sidelights.

Wall Material & Considerations

Installing a door in a new location often requires drywall work, electrical and sometimes plumbing. Rerouting plumbing or electrical averages $75 per hour. Removing and replacing drywall may also be required, which will add to the total price. Drywall installation averages $1.50 a square foot. While electrical work is common with new installations, plumbing isn’t. Some electrical work wont require drywall removal. Consult with a contractor for details on your project.

Jamb, Hinges, Knobs & Locks

Pre-hung prices include some hardware. Regardless of the type, you’ll need to supply knobs and locks. For slab types, you’ll need to include the cost of the jambs and hinges.

• Jambs: $150-$250 including all labor and materials. Created on-site, custom jambs include the stop, routering and holes drilled for hardware.
• Hinges: $2.50-$30. Requires two or three depending on the type. Solid core and entry varieties typically need three hinges because of their weight while lighter hollow varieties only require two hinges.
• Knobs & Locks: $10-$300. Often sold in sets. Simple exterior keyed knobs run as little as $30. Interior knobs with no locks are even cheaper at $10 to $30. Entry kits with electric codes and smart locks can run as high as $300+.

Cost to Hang Doors by Type

Type	Material	Labor	Total*
French	$400 — $4,800	$200 — $1,000	$600 — $5,800
Double	$250 — $4,000	$500 — $1,000	$750 — $5,000
Single Entry	$300 — $1,500	$200 — $500	$500 — $2,000
Entry w/ Sidelites	$1,200 — $5,000	$800 — $1,500	$2,000 — $6,500
Patio	$300 — $4,000	$200 — $500	$500 — $4,500
Bifold	$50 — $200	$100 — $300	$150 — $500
Fire-rated	$100 — $500	$300 — $800	$400 — $1,300
Bilco/Basement	$100 — $1,000	$1,000 — $5,000+	$1,100 — $6,000

*These prices represent average costs. Some extreme examples and custom work may fall outside these ranges. Labor will vary by market.

The kind you choose will affect the installation price. With thousands of door choices, prices will vary greatly from project to project. Despite the type you go with, labor costs will remain fixed at about $200 to $1,000 for most projects — more for custom work.

From single to French, sliding to bi-fold, and barn doors or pocket doors, there are a lot of choices. Some of these are larger than standard and will require specialized wall framing for a perfect fit. Increased specialization increases the price.

Cost to Install French Doors into a Wall

French doors cost $600 to $5,800 to install. French refers to any type with full-view windows. Inside the home, they are often single doors with a window, or multiple windowpanes, from top to bottom. Homeowners often use this style as double exterior throughways at patios and porches.

Entry Doors with Sidelights

Entry doors with sidelights run anywhere from $2,000 to $6,500 though some installations can reach $20,000. Sidelights (or sidelites) can double or triple the price of an entry installation. Add a transom window? Budget for triple the price.

Fire-Rated

Steel fire-rated doors run between $400 and $1,300 installed. Building code requires a fire-rated door between any garage and living space. Ratings run from 45 minutes to 3 hours of fire resistance.

Sliding Patio

Patio door installation costs between $1,200 to $10,000 with an average price of $2,500. On average, sliding glass door costs range between $900 and $5,000 including interior doors, which run $2,000 on average.

Installing Bifold

Bifold doors run from $150 to $500. Most often installed in closets, larger ones that use multiple bifolds can run upwards of $2,000.

Double Doors

Double doors run $750 to $5,000 or more for installation. Price varies due to the style and material rather than labor. However, exterior installation in load bearing walls increase project time and labor rates.

Bilco or Bulkhead Basement or Cellar Doors

Bilco, a type of basement bulkhead door, runs anywhere from $1,100 to $6,000 or more for a complete installation. It’s usually best to install these during the homes initial construction. Hire a professional to install this type. They require careful installation to avoid leaks that could result in basement water damage costs.

Standard Entry or Garage Side Door

Entry doors for both home and garage are going to run $500 to $2,000. All doors leading from a garage to a home must be fire-rated.

Find the Best Door Installers Near You

Door Replacement Costs

Removing and replacing an existing door can require more work than a new construction, and can cost more, depending on the condition of the frame. Labor for replacing a door in an existing gram can be as low as $100. The project can reach $1,500 or more if reframing is required, especially for exterior openings. Though the type and materials you choose make the largest impact on project pricing, consider these factors when budgeting.

Removing Interior & Exterior Doors

Removing a door takes a professional one hour at $70 on average. Disposal fees will vary by location but expect at least $25. Exterior varieties are much more expensive than interior. The same goes for removal. Exterior installs deal with weather, layers of material and homeowner traffic. The main interior concerns are dust and debris.

Cost to Replace a Door Frame

Frames will cost you $150 to $250 if it’s created on-site. Many replacements come as pre-hung doors with the jamb already installed. If you need the wall reframed, that will cost about $7 to $16 per square foot.

If an existing frame has succumbed to rot, you’ll need repairs or replacement before installing a door. If there’s any other maintenance, that will add to the price.

Reframing Front, Back & Other Exterior Doors

Enlarging or modifying an entryway requires reframing at a rate of $7 to $16 per square foot or more. It also entails working with siding, house wrap, insulation and electrical rewiring. Expect to pay an average of $75 per hour or more for an electrician.

Fitting it in an Existing Opening

Fitting a door to an existing opening averages $900 for installation. An existing opening means there is already a fitted hole. However, even with an existing hole, a door needs about 1 inch of space between the rough-in and frame for proper alignment on pre-hung types. Get at least three professional quotes before proceeding with any projects that include framing.

Older homes or homes with unusual sizes may need the hole re-cut to allow for custom and modern sizes. This is also true when you decide to enlarge any opening. This can increase the cost of installation significantly from a simple replacement. If you’re putting in a new door where there was none, then cutting the space will bring the installation price to the highest end of the spectrum.

Replacing a Door in an Existing Jamb or Frame

If it’s just a matter of hanging the same size in an existing jamb, it’ll cost the price of the door. In the home, that’s between $30 and $150 typically while exterior ones run anywhere from $300 to $1,500 or more. This is suitable for a DIY install with minimal tools needed.

Price to Move a Door

Moving a door costs the same as installing a new one with one exception: filling in the hole left by the old door. It’ll cost an average of $1,800 to close up the old opening. This means framing the opening and hanging drywall. Framing costs about $10 per square foot while drywall runs an additional $1.50 per square foot. Exterior work will be much higher due to siding and waterproofing requirements.

Replacing the Jamb

Replacing a door frame or jamb runs $250 plus any disposal fees. Jambs often need replacement due to rot and damage from use.

Get Door Installation Quotes From Top Pros

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Even experienced DIYers will find installing a door difficult. The simplest pre-hung types require skill to install correctly so it swings properly and lines up flush with the frame and stop.

You should use a professional to avoid the headache of redoing the job and possibly needing to purchase additional replacement materials. But interior installs can make excellent DIY projects for those with the patience and discipline to line up every angle and check every corner.

For almost all exterior installs, hire a door installation professional. Exterior units need to be weather tight and provide proper security. Improper installations can lead to expensive water damage to the walls, floors and basement.

How much does commercial steel door installation cost?

You can spend anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more installing a commercial steel door. Material prices start at $600. Hinges alone cost upwards of $100 each.

There are many differences between a residential and commercial steel entry. First, the jambs are steel. They are usually a thicker gauge making them heavier but better for security. Commercial costs depend on the location and size, if the jamb is a knock down, and whether the job is done during initial construction of as a retrofit.

How much does it cost to turn a window into a door?

Turning a window into a door will cost the same amount as replacing one, or $230 to $3,300. Higher-end fiberglass and wood varieties add an additional $1,000 to $4,000 to that figure.

What does it cost to convert a window into French doors?

It runs $600 to $5,800 or more to convert a window to a French door. It depends on the size of the window and whether you’re installing a single or double.

How much does it cost to cut a doorway into a brick wall?

Cutting a door into a brick wall runs from $300 to $2,200 not including materials. Expect to pay more for double doors or custom work. Exterior wall work falls on the higher end of the cost spectrum.

What’s the estimated price of removing a door and replacing with a wall?

To wall up an interior doorway it costs between $250 to $800 depending on the size of the opening. It requires removal, re-framing, hanging drywall, mudding and taping, and painting.