How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Door Frame? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to replace a door frame is $400, based on 6,453 verified projects reported by Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $200 and $550, with door type, material, and labor time driving the cost. If the wall surrounding your door opening has been damaged and needs repair, or if you're replacing a specialized door like a barn door or French door, your total could climb higher.

Door Frame Replacement Costs: What Determines the Price?

Door frame replacement costs depend primarily on the materials you choose and the labor required to install them. Most jobs are straightforward for an experienced door pro, with the final price driven by the frame material, door type, and any additional work the opening requires.

Materials

The door frame material costs range from $325 to $780. Wood is the most common door frame material, typically made from softwood species such as pine, hemlock, and fir, which are easier to work with and generally less expensive to install. 

Vinyl, aluminum, and fiberglass are solid alternatives that offer good insulation and resistance to scratching. Beyond the frame itself, budget an additional $10 to $20 for fasteners, flashing, caulking, and shims on a single door frame replacement. 

Costs vary by material, as the breakdown below shows:

Labor

Labor to replace a door frame typically runs $70 to $125 per hour, with most jobs totaling $230 to $380 for about three hours of professional work. Hardwood frames, decorative styles, and specialty designs require extra care and additional installation time, which pushes labor costs toward the higher end of that range.

Wall Repairs

Wall repairs are fairly common when replacing a door frame, so keep in mind that they cost anywhere from $20 to $500. They're commonly needed in older homes or if the door's been exposed to moisture. 

Some types of repairs that might factor into the cost include:

Disposal

Some contractors include disposal in their project quote, but if yours does not, dropping the old frame at your local dump costs $50 to $100 per ton, though rates vary by municipality, so it is worth calling ahead. If you prefer curbside pickup, expect to pay at least $60 in junk removal costs.

Additional Carpentry Work: What to Budget For

When replacing a door frame, work with your local door repair pro to assess whether additional carpentry is needed, such as replacing rotten or damaged studs, adjusting the rough opening to fit a standard door size, or shimming the frame to ensure it is level and plumb. According to Angi data gathered from 9,800 customers, 23% of homeowners relied on their pro's recommendation to determine whether extra work was necessary during their project.

Door Frame Replacement Costs by Type: How Much Does Each Door Cost?

The cost to replace a door frame largely depends on the door type, with prices ranging from $290 to $900. Whether the frame is for an exterior or interior opening makes a difference, with exterior frames generally costing more.  

The following table outlines costs for common types of doors:

Exterior Door Frames

Exterior door frames typically cost $130 to $400, covering most standard hinged and sliding options. Security steel door frames for exterior doors can cost substantially more, starting at $200 and going up to $900 (in some cases, even more).

Interior Door Frames

Interior door frames average $120 to $230 for standard styles, but specialized options cost more. For example, pocket door frames average between $200 and $340, while barn door track kits average $170 to $300. French door frames cost $180 to $240.

Why You Should Hire a Door Frame Replacement Pro

It's possible to replace a door frame if you have moderate DIY skills, experience, and plan to use a prehung door. However, given the overall complexity of the work and the tools required, hiring a door frame installer near you or a general contractor is often worth the cost. This is especially true if you have to widen the frame for a new door. It's a more complicated structural task, and you may need a building permit.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a door frame replacement pro

If you want a reliable, code‑compliant result with minimal hassle, a professional brings clear advantages:

• Accurate rough‑opening layout and framing to ensure the new frame is plumb and square, allowing the door to operate smoothly

• Expertise in widening openings or working on load‑bearing walls, including proper header installation and permit management

• Precise trimming, shimming, and weatherproofing to prevent drafts, sticking, or security gaps

• Access to specialized tools and materials (such as jamb saws, planers, shims, and foam sealants) and experience with prehung versus slab installations

• Faster project completion, cleanup, and warranty or follow‑up service to minimize callbacks or rework

If you want to DIY a door frame replacement

If you have moderate carpentry experience and the project is straightforward, these tasks are achievable for a capable homeowner:

• Use a prehung door to make alignment easier and minimize complex jamb construction.

• Remove the old frame, inspect and repair surrounding studs, and prepare a proper rough opening before installing the new frame.

• Trim and plane the door or jamb as needed, install hinges and hardware, and shim the jamb to ensure it is plumb and the reveal is even.

• Seal and finish with casing and trim to conceal gaps and give the installation a professional appearance.

Door Frame Repair vs. Replacement

A quality door frame should be able to last years (or even decades) of regular use before needing a replacement. It may be more cost effective to fix a door frame yourself if it's an easy repair. These repairs are pretty DIY-friendly and typically cost between $50 and $150, making it more budget-friendly than full replacement.

Here is a comparison of door frame issues that are DIY-friendly repairs versus those that warrant full replacement:

Attempts to repair these door frame issues will only mask the problem and pose a security risk—especially for exterior door frames. Plus, a replacement could be a good opportunity to upgrade to a more durable material or a style that better suits your home.

Ways to Save Money on Door Frame Replacement Costs

To reduce the costs of replacing a door frame, hire a professional only after you ask for and evaluate written quotes from at least three professional installation companies or general contractors. Some other tips include:

1. Select a less expensive door frame material, like aluminum or vinyl, to save on material costs.

2. Take extra care when removing the existing framing and trim. You may be able to reuse trim if it hasn't been damaged during its removal, and avoiding additional damage to the surrounding wall can save you money, too.

3. Consider whether the frame needs replacing at all. Sometimes, a door frame can be repaired instead of replaced, assuming the damage isn't too extensive. Repair work should cost significantly less than a full replacement, especially if you can handle the work yourself.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.