Door Fitting Services Price Guide: What Impacts Labor for Interior and Exterior Doors

Learn what impacts door fitting services pricing, including labor costs for interior and exterior door installation, materials, and structural adjustments.

dunlapconstructionllc dunlapconstructionllc
Feb 23, 2026 - 23:30
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Door Fitting Services Price Guide: What Impacts Labor for Interior and Exterior Doors

Replacing or installing a door seems simple at first glance. Remove the old slab, place the new one, secure the hinges, and you are done. In reality, professional door-fitting services involve structural precision, alignment accuracy, hardware integration, and, at times, framing modifications. 

Labor costs vary widely depending on the type of door, site conditions, and finishing requirements. So, before beginning the project, understand what influences the pricing to plan budgets realistically and avoid unexpected charges. 

This guide breaks down the key labor factors affecting both interior and exterior door installations. Take a quick read at it: 

Key Takeaways 

  1. Interior door labor is typically lower due to lighter materials and minimal structural adjustments. 

  1. Exterior doors cost more to install because of security, insulation, and weatherproofing requirements. 

  1. Framing corrections, uneven walls, and structural modifications significantly increase labor time. 

  1. Hardware complexity and custom finishes can raise installation costs. 

  1. Professional installation protects long-term performance and energy efficiency. 

Average Labor Costs for Door Fitting Services 

While pricing varies by region, labor typically falls within these ranges: 

Interior Door Installation 

  • Basic Slab Replacement: Moderate labor range 

  • Prehung Door Installation: Slightly higher due to frame alignment 

  • Custom or Oversized Interior Doors: Higher labor due to adjustments 

Exterior Door Installation 

  • Standard Prehung Exterior Door: Higher labor due to sealing and structural anchoring 

  • Steel or Fiberglass Security Doors: Additional labor for reinforcement 

  • Custom Wood Entry Systems: Premium labor due to weight and precision finishing 

Exterior installations almost always require more time because performance standards are stricter. 

What Impacts Labor Costs for Interior Doors 

Interior doors may seem straightforward, but several variables affect labor pricing. 

Slab vs Prehung Installation 

A slab door replaces only the door panel. Labor includes: 

  • Hinge alignment 

  • Handle and latch boring 

  • Minor trimming 

A prehung door includes the frame and requires: 

  • Removing existing casing 

  • Adjusting rough opening 

  • Shimming and leveling 

  • Reinstalling trim 

Prehung installations require more time and precision during door fitting services. 

Frame Condition 

If the existing frame is: 

  • Warped 

  • Out of square 

  • Water damaged 

Additional carpentry work may be needed before installation. Even minor frame corrections increase labor hours. 

Hardware Complexity 

Basic passage handles install quickly. Labor increases when installing: 

  • Smart locks 

  • Privacy hardware 

  • Magnetic latches 

  • Long cabinet pulls and specialty hardware 

  • Soft-close systems 

Precision drilling and alignment protect long-term durability. 

Door Material and Weight 

Hollow core interior doors are lightweight and easy to maneuver. 

Solid core, engineered wood, or glass-paneled doors require: 

  • Two-person installation 

  • Extra hinge reinforcement 

  • Careful handling to prevent surface damage 

Heavier materials increase labor time during door fitting services. 

What Impacts Labor Costs for Exterior Doors 

Exterior doors demand higher performance standards. Installation errors can lead to air leaks, water intrusion, or security vulnerabilities. 

Structural Adjustments 

Exterior installations may require: 

  • Resizing rough openings 

  • Header reinforcement 

  • Threshold leveling 

  • Sill replacement 

Structural changes increase labor significantly. 

Weatherproofing and Insulation 

Proper sealing is critical. Door fitting services must: 

  • Apply flashing tape 

  • Install moisture barriers 

  • Seal with weather-resistant caulk 

  • Insulate gaps around framing 

Precision here protects energy efficiency and prevents long-term damage. 

Security Reinforcement 

Entry doors must anchor securely into framing. Labor may include: 

  • Longer structural screws 

  • Reinforced strike plates 

  • Multi-point locking systems 

  • Deadbolt alignment adjustments 

Security-focused installation requires additional time. 

Door Type and Design 

Different exterior doors require different labor approaches. For example: 

  • Steel Doors: Heavy but structurally consistent. Moderate labor. 

  • Fiberglass Door Installation: Durable and energy efficient. Similar to steel in labor requirements. 

  • Solid Wood Doors: Heavier and more sensitive to humidity. Require careful sealing and finishing. 

  • Sliding or French Doors: Higher labor due to track alignment, glass panels, and sealing complexity. 

Large multi-panel systems significantly increase labor hours. 

Hidden Factors That Increase Installation Costs by Door Fitting Services  

Some variables are not obvious until work begins. 

  • Uneven Floors or Walls 

Homes settle over time. Contractor project management may need to compensate for sloping floors or bowed framing. 

  • Trim and Finish Work 

Reinstalling or replacing: 

  • Casing 

  • Crown molding 

  • Baseboards 

Adds carpentry time. 

  • Painting and Staining 

Finishing services are usually priced separately from basic installation. 

  • Disposal of Old Doors 

Removing and hauling away heavy exterior doors may carry an additional fee. 

Interior vs Exterior Door Labor Comparison 

Factor 

Interior Door 

Exterior Door 

Structural Work 

Minimal 

Often required 

Weather Sealing 

Not required 

Essential 

Security Hardware 

Basic 

Reinforced 

Weight 

Light to moderate 

Moderate to heavy 

Installation Time 

Shorter 

Longer 

Exterior doors demand more precision and protection, which increases labor pricing. 

Conclusion 

Door fitting services pricing depends on more than the door itself. Labor costs are influenced by structural conditions, material weight, hardware complexity, and performance requirements. Interior doors generally require less time and fewer adjustments, while exterior doors demand weatherproofing, reinforcement, and precise alignment. 

Investing in professional installation protects energy efficiency, security, and long-term durability. So, now that you know what impacts labor, budget confidently. Also, remember to hire professional residential building services to ensure your door installation delivers both function and lasting value. 

FAQs 

  1. Is it cheaper to replace just the door slab instead of the full frame? 

Yes, replacing only the slab is typically less expensive if the existing frame is square and in good condition. However, if the frame is damaged or misaligned, installing a prehung door may be the better long-term solution. 

  1. Why does exterior door installation cost more? 

Exterior doors require weather sealing, insulation, structural anchoring, and secure hardware installation. These additional steps increase labor time and precision, which raises overall costs. 

  1. Does installing smart locks increase labor charges? 

In many cases, yes. Smart locks, multi-point systems, and specialty hardware require precise drilling, wiring alignment, and calibration, which can add installation time. 

  1. How long does professional door installation take? 

A standard interior door replacement may take a few hours. Exterior door fitting services requiring framing adjustments can take most of a day or longer, depending on site conditions.