Once you decide to buy in Lowes and determine the door price that suits you, you also need to calculate the cost of installation and labor. For a start, ask for a quote and an approximate estimate on the official site.
However, the final installation cost will depend on various factors since unexpected work may occur. That is why you need to know exactly how much does Lowes charge to install a door and all possible additional complications.
Measuring Fee
You probably think that it is easy to determine the exact dimensions of the opening and that measuring tape is all you need for that task. However, a Lowes contributor explains that this company can’t guarantee that the door will properly fit if you want to order based on the dimensions you measured yourself.
Instead, Lowes experts recommend accepting their help. They will come to your house and professionally measure the opening and frame. Unfortunately, you need to pay $30 to $50 for this service.
The Door Types
The primary factor for determining the price of installation is the type of door you want to order. The two main kinds are a slab and a pre-hung door. So, be prepared that the mounting process and time necessary for it will be different.
For instance, the pre-hung unit comes with all the necessary elements, so its price is always higher. You will get a pre-installed slab, hinges, and frame so that it will only take about half an hour to install this model.
The reasons Lowes charges more for this door type are its higher weight and size. Plus, they will need to send more than one person to mount it correctly.
On the other hand, the slab door is just the door itself. That means the contractor installs it on the existing frame. If the old frame is inadequate, you need to pay for the new one. However, if you choose the model that differs in size and configuration to the old one, mounting will last longer, and you will need to pay for additional carpentry.
Lowes installation cost |
||||
|
Door type |
Slab door |
Pre-hung door |
||
| $80 | $100 | $160 | $180 | |
| Hollow core | $30 | $40 | $70 |
$80 |
|
Labor cost |
$120 | $180 | $199 |
$300 |
On average, the slab door installation starts at around $30 to $40 for models with a hollow core. Solid core slab piece cost more and Lowes charge for mounting it from $80 to $100. If you decide to buy the pre-hung package, the installation cost will be from $70 to $180.
National average door installation costs |
Average cost range |
|
Labor |
$150 to $300 |
| Door |
$30 to $400 |
|
Supplies |
$100 to $300 |
| Jamb |
$150 to $300 |
| $200 to $650 | |
| Total |
$750 to $2000 |
However, keep in mind that the primary price includes only the door mounting, which means that the contractor comes to your house, takes the old door off, and sets a new one. You will always pay the labor cost separately. Plus, any adjustment on and around the door will cost you extra.
Door Material and Style
Door material will also affect the installation cost. Be prepared that Lowes charges differently for doors made of wood, steel, and fiberglass. Each of them comes in many variations and price range. For example, installing the sturdy exterior door will cost more than a hollow core interior unit.
- Wooden door cost – Wood is probably the most common material for both interior and exterior entrances. However, there is a huge difference between solid wood, solid core, and hollow core. While you can expect to pay approximately $50 for the internal hollow-core door, the set-up of the exterior door made of solid wood will cost you up to $500 per piece.
- Steel door prices – The standard steel variant costs $150 to $300. You can expect Lowes to charge between $500 and $1,230 to install or replace a steel door. Be prepared that the prices will go up if you pick out a model with glass.
The Differences in Prices According to the Door Style
Some styles of doors are easy to install, like a single-entry slab door. If you choose this model, you will pay it for $500 to $2000 in total, including material and labor costs. Others require more work and effort. Therefore, you need to plan a more significant impact on the home budget.
| Type | Material | Labor |
Total |
|
French |
$400 to $4800 | $200 to $1000 | $600 to $5800 |
| Double | $250 to $4000 | $500 to $1000 |
$750 to $5000 |
|
Single entry |
$300 to $1500 | $200 to $500 | $500 to $2000 |
| Entry with sidelights | $1200 to $5000 | $800 to $1500 |
$2000 to $6500 |
|
Patio |
$300 to $4000 | $200 to $500 | $500 to $4500 |
| Bi-fold door | $50 to $1050 | $100 to $300 |
$150 to $1350 |
|
Fire rated model |
$100 to $500 | $300 to $800 | $400 to $1,300 |
| Basement | $100 to $1000 | $1000 to $5000 |
$1100 to $6000 |
French door – Typically, the French design consists of two identical glass panels that open outwards. Lowes install decorative models for $400, but some can reach several thousand dollars, depending on the glass quality.
Double door – Typically, the double door and its installation will cost you in range for $750 to $5000 in total. Style and material affect the final bill more than the labor cost. You can find in Lowes offer a luxurious wrought iron door, which surpasses $7000. However, you should count on higher labor costs if the contractor works with load-bearing walls since it increases project time.
Single entry – For the installation of the classic slab or pre-hung door with no additional elements, Lowes prices range between $200 and $500. The crucial thing is whether the door has a solid or hollow core.
Entry door with sidelights – This model has vertical pieces of glass on both sides of the front door. This way, you provide more natural light in your home. Be prepared to set aside at least $800 to install the sidelight.
Patio door – Unlike the French type, the patio door slides when you open it. You can choose a one-piece model or the one with several smaller panels. Lowes offers the patio door from $300 to $4000, while labor costs are from $200 to $500 per one entry.
Bi-fold door – This model consists of several glass panels, and you can fold it like an accordion. Typically, it has two and seven panels that glide on the track. Therefore, adjusting it to work correctly is potentially demanding. Lowes has a wide price range for the bi-fold door, which will depend on the number of panels.
Fire-rated door – This type of door has a fire-resistance rating and prevents the spread of smoke. The contractors use it more in commercial buildings. However, the building code of some states considers the fire-rated entrance mandatory. Lowes charges the installation from $300 to $800 on average.
Basement door – Basement entrance installation is one of the most expensive services that a professional contractor can provide. Works include digging and installing a wooden frame, but also the stairs if you need them. Thus, the labor and installation costs exceed the cost of materials and can reach up to $5000.
Additional Expenses
Once you decide to replace the door, some work that you didn’t plan can quickly appear. Those can be simple changes, such as painting the new entrance in a shade that suits you, or complex works involving more experts. Some of the most common additional costs are:
- Casing replaces – Whether you decide to replace casing for aesthetic reasons or it is old or rotten, the labor cost will start at $100.
- Structural changes – If the contractor needs to cut through the supporting walls, installing the new header is mandatory. You need to hire a structural engineer for $100 to $150 per hour. Plus, you may need drywall, electrical, and even plumbing work. In such a case, you need to pay about $50 to $100 for rerouting per hour.
- New door frame – If the old, damaged frame doesn’t fit the door you purchase, you need to replace it. Frame set-up costs $7 to $16 per 1 sq ft (0.09 square meters).
- Waterproof layer and sealing – It is necessary to protect the house exterior from moisture, mold, and weather conditions in general. The protective coating on the door calls for an extra $80 to $200.
- Labor warranty – Lowes includes a 1-year labor warranty on the door installation in the final bill. However, once the warranty expires, the company advises a professional inspection once a year to ensure everything functions properly.
- Door disposal – If you can’t dispose of the old door properly, you need someone to do it. Lowes charge $30 to $40 for this service.
Summary
How much Lowes charges for the door installation depends on the model you choose, its dimensions, and complexity. That means you may pay $100 or a few thousand for this job. You can get an approximate estimate of the costs when you send a quote with details about your project.
However, it often happens that costs become higher during the process. The most common reason is structural changes in the walls.
How much for the add on of a screen door , lock and all. Plus I am 73. Any senior disc?
Here’s a good story for you My wife and I wanted to sliding doors so we had the guys from Lowe’s come out and measure as you know they used so contractors. I then decided not to go with their very expensive price and decided to put the sliding doors on myself so I bought the kit picked up the doors from Lowe’s and when the doors got home they were an inch and a half too long and I was not able to install them. After calling Lowe’s at the store level they then tell me that they always go over the measurements so the contractor can cut the doors when they put them in. Keep in mind these are special order special painted doors so when I call up the store they hand me a BS story about the contractor always overshoots the measurement so they cut it when they install it. I was not born yesterday and I am no idiot but these are special order doors with special paint and I know they were not measured to be cut on site. So I’m waiting to hear back from corporate because essentially what they do to customers is handcuff them. Since I am not a contractor I am unable to install the doors that I purchased with the measurement that I paid for. But their contractor can come out and complete the job. I am waiting back to hear from corporate and I’m either going to drop the doors back off or they’re going to provide free installation. They should also use a full disclosure sheet when anyone is getting anything measured if the contractor is going to over measure they should let you know that before you pay the $35 for them to come in. This is just another bad experience that I’ve had at Lowe’s and Home Depot is exactly the same. Their employee turnover is one of the highest in this country they’re constantly going through people and they’re doing that for a reason. The reason is they don’t pay anything, the next reason is their management is terrible, customer service on the floor is terrible, can’t find anyone. To me that shows you how Lowe’s CEO BOD and all other executives don’t seem to care about the people walking through their doors. Especially when they’re over measured.
I know this is no laughing matter, but your final comment has so many meanings an i definitely chuckled.
And yes, they definitely bullshitted you about the over measuring….
If i am to replace custom made panels, i measure them exactly 110% on the dot. Even if i have to remove them to do be sure i get an accurate number.
I’m a independent contractor myself I’ve just finished installing some French doors for a customer another company had given the homeowners the measurements for their doors the doors were purchased when I came into the picture I realized the other contractor had measurements that were 2 1/2 inches to tall and 11/4 to wide the homeowners tried to insinuate that I was at fault what do you do in a case as this sir
You measure doors and windows yourself any job no matter what it is measure yourself. In this case it is your fault for not checking someone else’s measurements
Wow. Thanks so much for sharing, Mark. I am just starting to plan for doors, and I will avoid the big box stores.
Thanks, I almost hired them for measuring and installing interior doors.
Sounds to me like you were trying to pay for the measurement and then install it yourself by lowballing them, rather than paying for the install. Then when you realized you can’t install it because of some reason or the other you blame others. That’s what you get for thinking you could get one off on someone.
I guess it doesn’t occur to you that the Lowes price was just too high to afford. I guess you’re rich enough you can just shell out whatever they say and not worry about it. It must be nice. Some of us have to watch what we spend and make do the best we can.
Contractors do a lot more than you guys think, yes! over measuring is b.s…but! warranty, removal, reinstall, delivery, disposal, proper tools, gas….its not as easy as homeowners may think…come on people..you guys think doors grow on trees.
Why is that most homeowners try to get things done for nothing I guarantee you if you went to their jobs they all want to be compensated well for what ever they do and expect those of us in the home remodeling business to do our jobs for as little as possible double standards if you were to ask me
Well, isn’t that what estimates are for? If you were going to install it yourself, then please do your own measurements and do it. I wouldn’t know where to start so I guess I’ll have to pay.😒
Can I apply to be an installer in your company
How?
Hi, Ibrahim,
We are just a blog for helping people know more about the window & door.
I sure do hate to read your post, Mark! I just went through having a contractor come out for $35, he tells me the size of the French patio door I need, which happens to be a standard size that Lowe’s carries, but when Lowe’s called me to come in to pick it a door they said I had to get a special ordered size because the frame is all brick. So I said okay and then they quoted me $2800, which included the contractor’s labor charge of $800 and the door and materials. After my military discount and also a business discount, they got it down to $2200 with taxes and all. I went ahead and paid it. That was a month ago, but they did tell me it might be a few weeks for the door to get to the store and then the contractor is supposed to call to schedule a time. He said when he came out that it takes about 4 hours to install it. And I’ll come back and let you guys know how it goes. At first I was thinking of doing it myself or getting some kind of handy man to do it, but I’ve heard horror stories of unlicensed people who don’t know what they’re doing tearing up a house or doing a terrible job. At least I know the contractor is licensed and Lowe’s will cover any damages if they happen.
So, good luck to you, would like to hear how your situation comes out as well!
Unlike What’s his name? Who tried to install the door himself. You were smart in realising that the liability of installation was covered by the company, rather then trying to save a few bucks and then spending more in the long run.
Mark what part of the country are you in, let me know if they resolved your issue! Danny 28169077 one two,. as a 22yr door installer I have a theory on this (mishap)
This is very unfair. We get a false sense of security from a place being attached to a big name like them. I am a carpenter and all purpose handyman. If anyone needing any installs or work done (or corrected) who lives near Riverside County California, then feel free to shoot me an email at thejuantocall@repairman.com
Subject line : “Prospective Client”
For any jobs: BIG & small- Juan Andrade is The “Juan” To Call
If anyone needs custom made doors interior or exterior. Contact the Owner of The Empty Cross ,LLC custom woodworking in Louisiana. They do it all ! Also make Beautiful Cabinets and butcher block counter tops as well as Custom made furniture . Email .. theemptycross@yahoo.com
South Central KY
Need double basement door replaced
Lowes doesn’t seem to help
Hello,
Let me tell everyone something. I work at Home Depot and since the Corina Virus hit lasst year we saw an increase of over 2-3 months plus for the manufacturing of Entry Doors especially Custom Doors. One of the problems is the Glass that folks pick to be in the doors. ANY Door w/sidelights are extremely expensive. Especially when you put that in relationship with just a single 2x4x8 that use to be around $2.00 each now is $ 5.35. Cost to install is extravagantly high but when you put into prospective compared to 10 years ago wages till now. My advise is to find a private contractor who is willing to install for about $750.00 which I believe is more than fare.
Lowe’s just sent me a bid for installation on a sliding patio door. In the bid there is something called a project level fees which are in addition to labor and everything else. I ask John because he seems to be the corporate spokesman.
I am amazed at the lack of real skill and professional people doing this work.
Had an awful experience buying appliances at Lowe’s. I emailed the CEO and an executive vice president was assigned to me to follow through. She earned her salary getting the lazy store employees to fix my issues. At least corporate cared.
So how much SHOULD it cost to install a replacement sliding patio door? Mine is badly rotted, so it needs to be done (and maybe some repair to the frame) but all the horror stories have scared me off this project for several years. Anywhere I try to find a quote won’t provide even a vague estimate and all want to send someone to my home. I’m in SE Wisconsin.
That is what I want to know – how much to install a replacement door. Pella will replace but not install and Lowes wants $1,400 to install.
I usually charge $400 to install a vinyl new construction sliding glass door under 8ft. If I can pick it up by myself and it’s easily accessible. I’ll chip stucco and add flashing but new stucco is another 3-500. Pre-painted wood clad doors are double that price ($800). I wouldn’t pay more than 3k for a vinyl two panel patio door project. Lowes does better than Home Depot in my opinion. You can ask for their best contractor for your job. When the contractor comes to measure your doors or windows please don’t stand behind him asking questions or make conversation. Give him space so he can think🙏 “This is what I want, I’ll be over here if you have any questions”
I’m an installer at lowes an I’m seeing all these high numbers an I can assure you I don’t see them does anyone know how much lowes takes off the top for themselves?
They give the contractor 400 for labor on patio door. It’s not a bad place to use if your project is basic.
How much does it cost to add a bathroom door that had a frame and just no door? We just bought a house and the master bathroom doesn’t have a door just a frame.
Not much, $100-200 depends what material you want. I don’t like doing slabs lol I’m too meticulous about my craftsmanship. I would charge more for a slab because it takes a lot of skill to get it perfect.
What is cost to install an 8 Ft. Pre-hung front door and how soon could it be installed
Thanks for sharing this information with us i really appreciate that.
Does anyone know how much it cost to have a security door put over a sliding glass patio door and does lowes installers do this?
They do. Cost the same as a patio door installation. 3-4$
3/17/22
Just bought two screen doors. The instillation is $165.00 per door in Concord NH. Doors were $157.00 each with retractable screen.
Went to Lowes. The door I wanted had a price of $1,812.00 on it, painted finish. Had the guy come measure for the $35. No call after a week, went to Lowes today. The $1,812 is now over $3,000 for the door unpainted. He said you have to paint them after install as they always get scratched. The “1/2 hour to 1 hour” install charge is over $700 for just the labor, and they are charging $250 for the permit which the county charges $68.
Mega rip-off bait and switch from original costs.
Who installed a exterior door in an hour? If they did then they are very skilled. I can probably do it if the opening is perfect but the trim and caulking is something that can be perfected if you have the time. Don’t feel ripped off guy. It took a lot of skill to be able to install it that fast. I love doors because they can be very challenging and everyone has their own way of doing them. The multitude of pitfalls that can occur can be devious lol
Wonder what the extra fee is if they have to remove and replace vinyl siding after they install the door and also how much for inside trim that would need reworked. If that’s included in price then that’s pretty good.