Estimate door quantity, hardware, and total replacement cost.
Door Material Guide
Selecting the right doors affects your home’s appearance, sound insulation, security, and energy efficiency.
| Type | Cost | Best For | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollow Core | $50-150 | Interior, closets | 20-30 yrs |
| Solid Core | $150-500 | Bedrooms, offices | 30+ yrs |
| Fiberglass (ext) | $200-600 | Front entry | 20-30 yrs |
| Steel (ext) | $150-400 | Security, garage entry | 20-30 yrs |
| Solid Wood (ext) | $500-2,000 | Premium entry | 30+ yrs |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a new door cost?
Interior hollow core: $50-150. Interior solid core: $150-500. Exterior fiberglass: $200-600. Exterior steel: $150-400. Solid wood entry: $500-2,000+. Installation adds $100-300 per door.
What is a standard door size?
Standard interior doors: 80 inches tall × 28-36 inches wide (most common is 80×32 or 80×36). Standard exterior doors: 80×36 inches. Double entry doors: 80×72 inches. Custom sizes are available at higher cost.
What is the difference between hollow core and solid core doors?
Hollow core doors have a cardboard honeycomb interior — lightweight and inexpensive. Solid core doors have a composite or wood interior — heavier, better sound insulation, more durable, and required for fire ratings.
How do I measure for a replacement door?
Measure the width and height of the existing door (not the frame). For pre-hung doors, measure the rough opening: width between studs and height from floor to header. Standard rough openings are 2 inches wider and taller than the door.
Do I need a pre-hung or slab door?
Pre-hung doors come with the frame attached — ideal for new openings or frame replacement. Slab doors are just the door panel — used to replace a door in an existing frame. Pre-hung is easier; slab is cheaper.
What is the best exterior door material?
Fiberglass: best overall (durable, insulating, low maintenance). Steel: most secure and affordable. Wood: most beautiful but requires maintenance. Fiberglass can mimic wood grain without the upkeep.
How long does door installation take?
Pre-hung interior door: 1-2 hours. Slab door (re-hang): 1-3 hours. Exterior pre-hung: 2-4 hours. Entry door with sidelights: 4-6 hours. Times vary with experience and complexity.
What R-value should an exterior door have?
Exterior doors should have an R-value of 5-6 minimum. Insulated fiberglass and steel doors typically have R-5 to R-15. Wood doors range R-2 to R-5. Higher R-values mean better energy efficiency.
Do I need a storm door?
Storm doors protect entry doors from weather, improve insulation, and allow ventilation. They’re most beneficial in extreme climates. Skip if you have a protected entryway or a high-quality insulated entry door.
How many doors does an average house have?
An average 3-bedroom house has 12-18 doors: 8-12 interior passage doors, 1-2 exterior doors, 1-2 closet doors, and possibly a garage entry door. Larger homes may have 20-30+.