Cost to replace a door frame

In this guide, we detail the costs to replace a door frame, including wooden doors, composite doors and metal doors.

Average cost to replace a door frame

The average cost to replace a softwood internal door frame, including materials and labour is £277.50.

The costs in this guide are based upon on single doorway, up to 900mm in diameter. The costs are to replace the frame, not replacing or refitting the door.

Different types of door frame

Door frames are made up of a selection of parts that allow your door to swing, open and close freely.

The visual part of a door frame are called the jambs. These are upright planks of wood (or other material) that sit along the insides of the door frame vertically and horizontally.

On external doors, the bottom of the door frame is called the sill. Inside the jambs are stops that stop the door from opening and closing.

The door frame structure itself is secured to the wall using waterproof glue and screws. Internal and external door frames can come with a variety of case designs to suit your property.

There are three types of door frame to choose from:

• Wooden
• Composite
• Metal

The total replacement door frame cost will be affected by the type of door frame you choose and the material it is constructed from.

Internal door frames are typically constructed from softwood. External door frames can be hardwood, composite or metal.

Common issues with door frames

Door frames can become damaged or distressed for several reasons, such as:

• Sticking – Changes in humidity can result in door frames expanding and contracting, causing problems with opening and closing doors.
• Split door jambs – Door jambs can split as a result of being kicked, hit or damaged in other ways.
• Sagging – Sagging is a technical term for a door dropping within a door frame. Rather than the door being the problem, it’s likely to be the frame. Sagging doors can let in drafts and be unsafe.
• Drafts – Uneven door frames, including door frames that have warped, will allow drafts into the home.

As well as structural problems with a door frame, you may choose to replace older door frames because of how they look. Door frames can become damaged through wear and tear, and fitting different sized hinges can affect the look of doorframes, meaning a change may be in order.

The cost of replacing a door frame is low but it’s a job that can make a big impact on how your property looks and feels.

Door frame replacement costs

Here are the door frame replacement costs you should expect to pay.

Cost of replacing internal door frames

The average cost of replacing an internal softwood door frame (materials only) is £197.50.

It should take an expert tradesperson 2 – 3 hours to fit a new internal door frame, costing on average £80.

Cost of replacing external door frame

While costs can vary, the average cost for a composite door frame is £125. Replacing a metal door frame should cost around £175. And a hardwood doorframe will set you back £445 on average.

It should take an expert tradesperson 4 – 5 hours to fit a new external door frame, costing on average £180.

Factors affecting door frame replacement cost

The total replacing door frame cost will be affected by several factors, including:

• Location – expect to pay more if you live in a city such as London.
• How many door frames are being fitted – If you’re replacing more than one door frame, the door frame replacement costs will be lower.
• Building type – You will pay more to replace door frames in a listed or historic building.

While replacing your door frame, there may be damage to the surrounding paintwork and plaster that may need to be covered. If you choose a wooden door frame, this will need to be painted or finished.

If you want your tradesperson to dispose of the old door frame or architraves that they are replacing, you should expect to pay for this.

Door frame replacement cost calculator

To calculate the cost of your door frame replacement you’ll need to start by working out the cost of the door frame itself.

To do this you’ll need to factor in the size, style and material used for the door frame. Then, on top of the material costs, you’ll need to add on the cost of labour for the installation – including removing the existing door frame and installing the new one.

Door frame replacement quote

We always recommend obtaining at least three quotes from our trusted tradespeople.

Our free request a quote tool is perfect for getting quotes – you post details about the job you want doing and we’ll send it out to local tradespeople in your area. Try it out!

Door frame replacement hourly rates

For a door frame installer, you can expect to pay on average around £31.25 per hour to replace a door.

If you need to hire a carpenter as part of the project, they’ll usually charge on average £31.25 per hour or £250 per day – depending on the actual carpentry work required.

Can I fit my own door frame?

Fitting a replacement door frame is a specialist job that demands precision. As well as replacing the door frame, in most cases your tradesperson will hang (or re-hang) the door, cutting new hinges and fitting all furniture to the frame.

Unless you are experienced, we recommend you leave door hanging to a professional – particularly for external doors.

You can find the UK’s largest selection of expert tradespeople at Checkatrade.

Key door frame replacement takeaways

• Replacing a door frame is a simple job for a tradesperson and can improve the look and enjoyment of your home.
• The average cost to replace a softwood internal door frame is £277.50.
• The average cost to replace a composite external door frame is £305.
• It should take an expert tradesperson 2 – 3 hours to fit a new internal door frame.