Door Installation Cost in Canada: 2026 Guide

Door Installation Cost: Key Insights

• Framing costs: creating a new wall opening rather than replacing an existing door typically adds $300 to $800 to the total project, and not every quote separates this from the base installation price.
• Standard sizing: a door even a few inches outside standard dimensions can cost twice as much for the unit alone, so confirming your opening measurements before shopping has a real impact on the budget.
• Material choice: fibreglass holds its shape better than wood in climates with significant freeze-thaw cycles, which is a practical consideration for exterior installations across most of Canada.
• Structural readiness: sliding glass doors require the floor and header to support the lateral load of the panels, so any deterioration in the surrounding structure needs to be addressed before installation begins, at additional cost.

In this guide, you'll read about:

1. Average Cost of Door Installation
2. Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Door?
3. Costs for Common Door Projects
4. How to Save on Door Installation Costs
5. Find a Door Installation Pro on HomeStars
6. Frequently Asked Questions

Average Cost of Door Installation

The table below covers typical total costs for the most common door installation and replacement projects in Canada, including both the door unit and labour. Hardware such as locksets, deadbolts, and weatherstripping is sometimes quoted separately, so confirm this with your pro before work begins.

Project	Typical Cost Range
Interior door installation (pre-hung unit)	$250 to $650
Interior door replacement (slab swap)	$150 to $450
Exterior door installation	$600 to $2,000
Front door installation	$900 to $3,500
Sliding glass door installation	$1,500 to $4,500
French door installation (pair)	$1,200 to $3,800
Storm door installation	$350 to $800

For a broader look at typical door and window project costs across Canadian cities, see the windows and doors cost guide on HomeStars.

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Breakdown: How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Door?

Several factors shape the number on a door installation quote. Understanding each one helps you evaluate an estimate and identify where there is room to adjust scope or budget.

Labour

Labour typically runs $100 to $500 per door depending on complexity. A straightforward interior door swap on an existing opening takes a few hours at the lower end of that range, while an exterior door installation, particularly where the opening needs widening or the framing needs reinforcement, takes longer and costs more. In major urban centres like Toronto or Vancouver, expect labour rates to run $50 to $150 higher per door than in smaller markets.

Equipment and Finishing Materials

Standard installation requires carpentry tools that most pros bring with them. When the project involves cutting a new opening in the wall, additional materials come into play: framing lumber, insulation, and vapour barrier together add $150 to $400. Finishing work, including casing, trim, and paint-ready jambs, adds $80 to $250 depending on the profile selected.

Door Type and Material

The door unit itself is the largest cost variable in any installation. Common options and their typical price ranges:

• Wood doors: $200 to $2,000+ depending on species and finish; prone to warping in humid or cold conditions.
• Steel doors: $150 to $800; durable and low-maintenance, common for exterior applications.
• Fibreglass doors: $300 to $2,500; strong resistance to dents, rot, and temperature changes, a practical choice for Canadian exterior installations.
• Glass panel doors: $400 to $3,000+ for decorative inserts; add natural light but reduce insulation value.
• Sliding glass door units: $800 to $3,500 for the unit before installation.

Number of Doors

Installing multiple doors in a single visit often reduces the effective per-door labour cost. Combining two or three interior door installations in one project can reduce the per-door labour charge by $50 to $100, since setup, transport, and finishing work are shared across the project.

Installation vs. Replacement

Replacing a door in an existing frame is simpler and less expensive than new installation. Replacement involves removing the old unit, checking the frame for rot or damage, and fitting the new door to the existing opening. New installation requires cutting and framing a wall opening, setting the frame, insulating, and finishing, which typically adds $300 to $800 to the total compared to a straightforward replacement on the same door type.

When replacing a door, confirm with your pro whether disposal of the old unit is included. Removal and disposal adds $50 to $150 if not specified in the original quote.

Accessibility Features

Widening an opening to 36 inches from a standard 32 inches, to accommodate a wheelchair or mobility aid, requires reframing and adds $200 to $600 in labour. Lever-style hardware starts at around $150 for a set; motorized openers run $300 to $1,200 depending on the type and installation complexity.

Worksite Access

Narrow hallways, finished ceilings above a door frame, or restricted exterior access all slow down the work. Projects involving upper-floor doors or doors in fully finished spaces generally cost more than equivalent projects on the main floor with clear access.

Security Features

For any exterior-facing doors, upgrading the lock and hardware on a new front or exterior door is worth factoring into the budget from the start, since retrofitting after installation costs more than specifying it upfront.

Security feature	Typical cost
Deadbolt lock	$50 to $200 (smart deadbolts with keypad or app control: $150 to $400)
Multipoint locking system	$200 to $600 added to door cost
Reinforced strike plate	$20 to $80
Video doorbell and smart lock (combined)	$250 to $600

Note: Steel and fibreglass doors offer better resistance to forced entry than wood by default, but the frame and hardware determine how secure the overall installation is. Ask your pro whether the frame is being anchored into the structural framing of the wall, not just the drywall or cladding.

Costs for Common Door Projects

The breakdown below covers the most common door installation projects in Canada, with more detail on what drives cost in each case.

Cost to Install a Front Door

The cost to install a front door typically ranges from $900 to $3,500, including the door unit and labour.

• Steel entry doors: sit at the lower end, typically $600 to $1,200 all in.
• Fibreglass entry doors: run $1,000 to $2,500 installed.
• Solid wood entry doors: can reach $3,500 or more for units with custom glazing or millwork.
• Sidelights or transom windows: add $400 to $1,500 depending on configuration and glazing type.

Exterior Door Installation Cost

Exterior door installation cost ranges from $600 to $2,000 for a standard single door. The door itself typically costs from $150 to $1,500 depending on material and insulation rating, and labour runs around $200 to $500 for a standard replacement. If the existing frame shows rot or moisture damage, structural repairs add another $150 to $500 on top of those figures.

For properties with an attached garage, confirm whether the entry from the garage into the home is subject to fire-rated door requirements under your provincial building code, as the required unit costs more than a standard exterior door. For garage door costs specifically, see the garage doors and hardware cost guide.

Cost of Sliding Glass Doors

The cost of sliding glass doors in Canada ranges from $1,500 to $4,500 installed, with premium or wider units reaching $6,000 or more. The door itself accounts for $800 to $3,500 of that total, depending on frame material (vinyl, aluminum, or wood-clad), glass thickness, and panel size.

• Vinyl frames: the most affordable option, low-maintenance and a good insulator.
• Aluminum frames: slimmer profiles and more durable, at a higher price point.
• Wood-clad frames: the most expensive option, with a natural interior finish and strong insulation performance.

Moving beyond a standard 6-foot opening requires header reinforcement, adding $300 to $700. Ask your pro for the ER (energy) rating on any door they quote, since ratings vary widely and affect long-term heating costs.

Door Replacement Cost

Door replacement cost runs $150 to $450 for an interior slab swap and $600 to $2,500 for an exterior door replacement in a sound existing frame. Where the frame needs repair or full replacement, add $200 to $600. A full door and frame replacement on a standard exterior opening, where the entire assembly including jamb, threshold, and brickmould is removed and replaced, runs $800 to $2,500. This is generally the better call when the existing frame has been repaired multiple times, shows ongoing rot, or is visibly warped.

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How to Save on Door Installation Costs

There are a few ways you can reduce the total cost of your door installation project without cutting corners on the result:

• Time your project: late fall and winter typically see lower demand for door installation; booking during the off-peak season can improve scheduling flexibility and, in some cases, reduce labour rates.
• Buy the unit directly: purchasing the door through a supplier rather than through the contractor can save $100 to $400 on markup. Confirm your pro is willing to install a customer-supplied unit before purchasing, and share the product specifications so they can check compatibility with your opening.
• Stick to standard sizing: a standard 32-inch or 36-inch opening avoids custom framing costs. If your opening is non-standard, ask your pro whether adjusting to a standard dimension costs less than ordering a custom unit.
• Combine installations: having two or three doors done in a single visit reduces effective per-door labour cost, since setup and finishing time are shared across the project. If you are replacing windows around the entryway as part of the same project, see our window replacement cost guide for a combined project estimate.
• Inspect the frame before quoting: a deteriorating frame discovered mid-project adds cost and delays. Checking frame condition before requesting quotes lets you include any needed repairs in the original scope rather than as a change order.

Keep in mind: some Canadian municipalities and utility providers offer rebates for energy-efficient door upgrades. Confirm eligibility with your local programme before purchasing, as some require pre-approval before work begins.

Find a Door Installation Pro on HomeStars

Getting accurate quotes for door installation starts with connecting with pros who have done similar projects in your area. On HomeStars, you can post your project for free, read reviews from other homeowners, view verified pro profiles, and compare your options before any decisions are made. You can also browse door installation pros near you to get started.

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Common Questions About Door Installation Costs

How long does door installation take?

A standard interior door replacement on an existing opening takes two to four hours. An exterior door replacement, including removing the old unit and finishing the frame, takes half a day to a full day. New installation with framing, insulation, and trim takes one to two days depending on the number of doors and the complexity of each opening. Most pros will give you a timeline estimate alongside their quote.

Do I need a permit for door installation in Canada?

Replacing a door in an existing opening with a unit of the same size generally does not require a permit in most Canadian municipalities. Creating a new opening or significantly widening an existing one typically does, since structural work is involved. Permit fees for residential door projects usually run $100 to $300 depending on the municipality. Your pro should be able to confirm what applies in your area before work begins.

What warranty should I expect on a new door?

Door manufacturers typically offer separate warranties on the unit: hardware warranties of around 10 years are common, while fibreglass panels often carry lifetime coverage against dents, rot, and delamination. Labour warranties from the installer usually run one to two years. Get both in writing before the project begins, and confirm the installation method meets the manufacturer's requirements, since improper installation can void the product warranty.

What is the difference between a pre-hung door and a slab door?

A pre-hung door comes as a unit with the frame, hinges, and often the door stop already assembled, which simplifies installation and is the standard choice for new openings and most exterior replacements. A slab door is only the door panel, without any frame, and is used when the existing frame is in sound condition. Slab doors cost less for the unit but require precise fitting to ensure the door swings and seals correctly. Pre-hung units are more common for exterior projects; slab replacements are more common for interior doors.

Are there rebates available for energy-efficient door installation in Canada?

Several provincial programs offer rebates when ENERGY STAR-certified doors are installed. Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program covers $100 per door opening, and BC’s CleanBC Better Homes Program offers rebates that vary based on household income. Eligibility, amounts, and documentation requirements vary by province, and some programs require a home energy assessment before work begins. Check the current program listings through Natural Resources Canada’s Directory of Energy Efficiency Programs for Homes before purchasing, since qualifying products must meet specific ENERGY STAR certification thresholds.