The Frame Game: Here's How Much It'll Cost to Install or Replace a Door Frame

By Rowan Guthrie

October 18, 2025

If you’ve wondered how much it costs to replace a door frame in your home, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re considering an exterior door frame and door, a replacement door frame or a door and frame kit, understanding the cost of door replacement — comprising both labor and materials — can help you plan your home improvement project with confidence.

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A door frame may seem like a simple structure, but it plays a crucial role in supporting the door, keeping it aligned and ensuring your home is energy-efficient and secure. Because of that, the costs of replacing door frames can vary widely depending on the materials you choose and the condition of the surrounding wall.

Some Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Door Frame

When should you consider replacing rather than repairing?

Water damage, rot or rust at the sill or jamb
A sagging or warping door that won’t close properly
Persistent drafts or insulation issues
Visible cracks or splits in the wood or frame
Repeated hardware or hinge failure

Homeowners sometimes try quick fixes such as tightening hinges or sealing gaps with weather stripping, but if the door frame itself is compromised, those repairs won’t last long. A weakened frame can make your home more vulnerable to break-ins or simply drive up energy bills because of heat loss. In some cases, the only way to restore function and safety is a full frame replacement.

How Much Does a Door Frame Cost?

You’ll pay roughly:

$62 to $93 (CAD 86 to CAD 129) for a basic prebuilt door jamb of a standard size (32" × 80" slab door, 4 5/8" framing), rising to $357 to $551 (CAD 494 to CAD 762) with installation costs
$113 to $222 (CAD 157 to CAD 307) for installation of a pre-hung interior door unit (frame and door included)

Keep in mind that prices for door frames also depend on regional availability and the type of finish. A primed wood frame typically costs less than a fully stained or painted frame. Custom sizes, which are common in older homes, often require ordering special door frame parts or having a carpenter fabricate the frame, which can add to the total price. If you're replacing a frame in a historic home, restoration-grade lumber or ornate trim can double or even triple the material cost.

What Are the Different Types of Door Frames (and Costs)?

Here are a few common types and their installed cost ranges:

Wooden Interior door frame (replacement only): As already mentioned, about $113 to $222 (CAD 157 to CAD 307)
Exterior door frame: Roughly $131 to $382 (CAD 181 to CAD 528)
Aluminum entry door frame: Around $150 to $240 (CAD 208 to CAD 332)
Sliding or hinged patio door frame: About $350 (CAD 484)
Security steel door frame: $180 to $850 (CAD 249 to CAD 1,176)
Entry Colonial wood frame: $676 to $1,490 (CAD 935 to CAD 2,061)

Interior frames are the most affordable because they don’t need to withstand weather or provide heavy-duty security. Exterior frames, by contrast, must support thicker doors and often come with weather stripping, thresholds and reinforcement plates. Sliding and French door frames are more complex, requiring precise track systems or double openings, which is why they cost more to install. Security frames add additional steel reinforcement, which can be a worthwhile investment if safety is a top concern.

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How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Door Frame? (Materials and Labor)?

Let’s break it down:

Material Costs

Basic jamb: $62 to $93 (CAD 86 to CAD 129)
Pre-hung interior unit: $109 to $440 installed (CAD 151 to CAD 609)
Material costs: Wood $130 to $400 (CAD 180 to CAD 553), interior $120 to $230 (CAD 166 to CAD 318), sliding or hinged $350 (CAD 484), metal $850+ (CAD 1,176+)

Accessories such as new hinges, strike plates and trim can add another $25 to $100 (CAD 35 to CAD 138) to the total cost. If you’re installing a storm door, you may also need a reinforced frame or additional hardware, which can push material costs higher.

Labor Costs

Estimates range between $357 to $551 (CAD 494 to CAD 762) per door.
Average handyman labor is $50 to $80 (CAD 69 to CAD 111) per hour.

Labor costs are often higher for exterior frames because installers must account for insulation, flashing and weatherproofing. In addition, labor rates vary from city to city — urban areas with higher living costs usually come with higher contractor rates. If your project requires structural modifications, such as widening an opening to accommodate French doors, the labor cost may increase substantially.

Cost Factors That Influence the Final Price

Prices depend on many factors:

Type of door and frame. Exterior doors, storm doors or slab door versus a pre-hung kit
Material. Wood (usually cheapest), vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass or security steel
Installation method. Installing a door and frame kit versus just the frame
Complexity. Wall repairs, insulation, shimming, aligning and trimming
Extra costs. Permits or disposal of the old frame
Location. Geographic labor rates and general contractor overheads

Finally, another factor to think about is energy efficiency. Choosing a frame that includes proper insulation and weather stripping may cost more initially, but it can save money over time by lowering heating and cooling bills. Likewise, fire-rated frames are often required for certain areas of a home, such as between a garage and living space. These specialized products come at a higher price but provide added protection and peace of mind.

It's a good idea to budget for surprises. Once the old frame is removed, contractors may uncover hidden water damage, mold or even structural issues with the surrounding wall. Addressing these problems can increase both material and labor costs, but tackling them during installation helps prevent more expensive repairs in the future. For that reason, it’s a good idea to set aside an extra 10% to 15% of your budget as a contingency fund.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.

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