Replacing doors is an affordable way to quickly enhance and upgrade the appearance and decor of your home. Additionally, replacing a front entryway door can improve energy efficiency and curb appeal. But before you run off to the home improvement center, take a few minutes (and some careful measurements) to consider all the options you have when it comes to home door replacement. Our handy guide on entry doors (both exterior and interior) will cover several of these options and explain how to best replace your doors.


    Exterior Door Material Options

    Your home’s exterior door plays a key role in creating a lasting impression on visitors. If you plan to replace your exterior door, consider the benefits of various materials such as wood, steel, and fiberglass, as well as different design factors like energy efficiency, security, noise reduction, and overall visual appeal. This helps you in making an informed and wise decision for your home.

    Wooden doors are an excellent choice to add natural beauty to your home. They’re available in various styles and colors, with or without glass, and cost between $500 and $3000, depending on the wood species and design. 

    To ensure the longevity of your wooden doors, properly seal and insulate them during installation and opt for a covered entryway to protect them from sunlight and moisture.

    Metal doors, particularly those made of steel, are durable and affordable. They’re available in various colors and can mimic wood grain patterns. 

    Entry-level doors are made of galvanized steel filled with polyurethane foam insulation, while higher-end models have better insulation for higher energy efficiency. The average price for a pre-hung door with a frame ranges from $150 to $1,400.

    Fiberglass doors are a popular choice for exterior entry doors. They offer the same beauty and versatility as wood doors but have superior durability and reliable operation. 

    Fiberglass doors don’t really expand or contract with weather changes, making them ideal for all seasons. They also come in various styles, and you can stain or paint them. The average price for a pre-hung fiberglass door with a frame and no sidelights starts at $150 and can cost upwards of $3,000.


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    Image Credit: Canva

    Interior Door Material Options

    Replacing interior doors provides an easy, affordable way to update the style and decor of individual rooms. Evaluate whether a basic smooth wood door, molded hardboard, or solid wood door best fits your needs and budget for each space.

    Smooth or hollow-core wood doors are affordable and lightweight. They lack decorative detailing and insulation, and their central pocket or honeycomb interior is less durable than solid core doors. 

    These doors are excellent for secondary living spaces such as closets and utility rooms. The average starting price of these doors is $30, making them affordable for those on a budget.

    If you’re on a budget and looking for an alternative to solid wood doors, consider paneled hardboard doors. These doors are hollow in the center, making them more affordable than solid wood doors. However, the exterior still resembles the traditional wood paneling in popular interior door styles.

    Hardboard doors are molded hardboard skins attached to a perimeter frame with a lightweight core. They are moderately durable and resistant to dents. You can also paint them, though you can’t stain them like real wood. Hardboard doors are good for kids’ rooms, secondary bedrooms, closets, and basement renovations.

    Although they can’t match the quality and longevity of solid wood, properly installed hardboard doors are an attractive and affordable solution that will last up to 20 years in most households. The average price for hardboard doors is $30 and up.

    Solid wood doors are a beautiful and versatile option for any home. They come in many wood species, and you can paint or stain them to match your decor. 

    The average starting price of a paneled solid wood door starts at $160. While they may cost more than hardboard doors, their durability and aesthetic appeal make them a worthwhile investment. 

    You may need extra hinges and jambs for the door’s weight, and we recommend professional installation if you purchase doors without pre-hung jambs. Solid wood doors can last for generations with periodic refinishing, adding value and ambiance to your home.

    Glass doors are an ideal way to enhance your home’s interior with natural light and an open, airy feel. They come in various designs, including ten lite, fifteen lite, half lite, and full lite, and you can etch, lead, or bevel them at an added cost. 

    Frames are available in different materials and fit existing doorways. Glass doors can provide privacy with removable frosted film. They can last for decades if you properly install and care for them.


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    Image Credit: Canva

    How to Replace a Door

    Before replacing a door, choose the style and materials for the new door, then decide whether you’ll use or replace the existing hardware. Be sure to take accurate measurements of the existing door and rough opening for the frame.

    Follow these steps to install your new door:

    1. Remove the hinge pins from the hinges on the old door.
    2. Remove the existing door from the frame.
    3. Remove the lockset and half of the hinges on the old door.
    4. Transfer the location of the hinge mortises and lockset from the existing door to the new one.
    5. Chisel out the recessed mortises for the hinges.
    6. Drill holes for the lockset if the door didn’t come pre-drilled.
    7. Attach the hinges to the new door with screws.
    8. Hang the new door in the frame and insert the pins in the hinges.
    9. Paint or stain the new door and allow it to dry.
    10. Install the lockset on the new door.
    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    If you replace the hinges with new ones, simply remove the entire hinge from the existing frame and then follow the remaining steps.

    Regardless of if you’re replacing an interior or exterior door, the steps are the same. However, if you want to completely upgrade your front entryway, you may want to hire a contractor, as the process can be somewhat more involved depending on how much you’d like to change around the doorway. 


    So, Should You Upgrade or Replace Your Home’s Entry Doors?

    Upgrading entry doors is a wise investment. New doors create positive first impressions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance security. Durable materials like fiberglass and steel ensure long-term operation. From budget to luxury options, new doors boost functionality and beauty. Proper installation is crucial, so hire reputable contractors if you have a complicated door replacement project that surpasses your DIY abilities. 


    FAQs About Replacing Entry Doors

    How much does it cost to replace an exterior entry door?

    Replacing an existing exterior door with a new pre-hung door costs $550 to $2,100 professionally installed. Fiberglass or steel entry doors cost $150 to $3,000. More expensive wood species and custom sizes increase costs.


    How do you know if you need a new front door?

    Signs you need a new front door include air leaks, loose hinges, sticking or hard operation, rotting wood, ineffective weatherstripping, outdated appearance, and locking issues. Replacing 15- to 25-year-old doors boosts efficiency and curb appeal.


    What are the best materials for exterior doors?

    Fiberglass and steel are best for durable, weather-resistant exterior doors. Fiberglass mimics wood grain at a lower cost while resisting moisture damage. Insulated steel doors provide exceptional strength for high-traffic entryways. You can stain or paint either option to complement your home exterior.


    What signs indicate that I should replace my interior doors?

    Replace interior doors with sticking, sagging operation, loose hinges, locking failures, unsightly dents/scratches, or decaying wood. Hollow-core doors may need facelifts after 5 to 10 years. New doors improve room aesthetics and better seal off spaces.


    Should I get a hollow core or solid wood interior doors?

    Hollow core doors are value buys for closets and secondary rooms. Paneled solid wood doors better withstand abuse and age more gracefully for high-traffic, prominent spaces like bedrooms. Weigh durability against your budget when deciding.


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    Abbie Clark

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    Abbie Clark is a writer and blogger. She is the founder of "Hey She Thrives", where she writes about all things motherhood, coupled with expert cleaning tips that echo the warmth and order of a loving home. She is also the co founder of "RideRambler." There, you can find all of the info you'll ever need on DIY car fixes and Auto news.When not writing, you can find Abbie chasing her toddler, trying a new cookie recipe, or fishing with her husband.

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    Lori Zaino

    Lori Zaino is a freelance writer and editor based in Madrid, Spain. With nearly two decades of editorial experience, she’s written and edited for publications like Forbes, CNN, Insider, NBC, Newsweek, The Points Guy, The Infatuation, and many others. Having just completed her first home renovation, she’s more interested in home improvements than ever, dedicated to bringing you fresh and accurate content to help you update your living spaces.

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