Front Door Replacement: Security, Style, and Energy Efficiency
A new front door is one of the highest-ROI home improvements — typically recouping 60–70% of the cost at resale. Beyond curb appeal, modern doors significantly improve insulation and security over aging originals.
Steel doors are durable and budget-friendly. Fiberglass doors are thermally superior, look more like wood, and resist warping and rusting. Solid wood doors offer the most premium look but require more maintenance in humid or extreme climates. Smart doors with keypad or app-controlled locks add convenience and can alert you when the door opens.
Installation typically includes removing the old door, adjusting the frame if needed, and weather-stripping. If the frame is rotted or out of square, add $200–500 for frame repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard same-size door swap takes 2–4 hours. Frame replacement or custom sizing adds another 2–4 hours and additional cost.
Fiberglass and insulated steel doors have the best energy ratings. Look for an ENERGY STAR label and a high R-value (R-5 to R-9 is excellent). Solid wood performs poorly for insulation without added weatherstripping.