Replacing an external door is one of those jobs where the quote can swing by hundreds of pounds, and it's rarely clear why. This guide breaks down what a new external door actually costs in the UK — the door itself, fitting, and a new frame if you need one — so you can budget with confidence before you ask for a single quote.
How much does it cost to replace an external door?
As a rule of thumb, budget between £550 and £2,600 for a new external door supplied and fitted. Where you land depends mostly on the door material and whether the frame is replaced too. The door itself is the biggest single cost, and it varies widely by material:
| Door type | Typical supply price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC external door | £250 – £600 | Budget replacements |
| Composite door | £600 – £2,000 | Low-maintenance security |
| Solid timber / oak door | £450 – £2,500 | Character and kerb appeal |
| Bespoke / made-to-measure | £1,500 – £4,000 | Non-standard openings |
Our own oak external doors and hardwood external doors start at around £450, with glazed cottage styles nearer £460–£580 — mid-range for solid timber, and far more characterful than uPVC for the money.
What fitting a new external door adds
Unless you're a confident DIYer, most of the remaining cost is labour. A straightforward like-for-like swap into a sound frame is usually a half- to full-day job; replacing the frame, adjusting the opening or hanging a heavier timber door takes longer. Expect roughly:
| Cost component | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Fitting labour | £50 – £120 per hour |
| Fit into an existing opening (door only) | £150 – £450 |
| Remove & dispose of the old door | £40 – £180 |
| New timber frame or frame kit | £130 – £400 |
| Handles, letterplate & hardware | £5 – £100 per item |
Supplied and fitted, a mid-range external door typically comes to £900–£2,100 all in. Buying the door supply only and using your own joiner is the usual way to trim the total, since you're not paying an installer's markup on the door.
Front door vs back door replacement costs
A back door uses the same solid external construction as a front door, so replacing a back door costs much the same as a front — budget to the ranges above. A new front door typically lands between £450 and £2,500 supplied depending on material and glazing, with fitting on top. Because a front door does more for kerb appeal, it's often where people choose to spend a little more on a timber or glazed design; a back door can be a plainer, more practical spec for less.
What affects the price of a new external door
Two identical-looking quotes can differ by hundreds of pounds. These are the factors that move the number most:
| Factor | Effect on price |
|---|---|
| Material & size | Solid oak and non-standard sizes cost more than standard uPVC or stock timber. |
| Glazing | Double glazing and decorative glass panels add to the door price. |
| Frame condition | A sound frame saves you a new one; a rotten frame adds £130–£400. |
| Location | Labour rates run around 20% higher in London and the South East. |
| Access & complexity | Awkward openings, out-of-square frames or removals add labour hours. |
| Who fits it | A local joiner is usually cheaper than a national installer. |
How to keep external door replacement costs down
The simplest saving is to buy the door supply only and have a trusted local joiner hang it — you avoid the installer's markup and often get a better door for the same outlay. Get two or three written quotes so you can compare like for like, and keep the existing frame if it's still sound rather than replacing it out of habit. It's also worth spending a little more on a durable material up front: a well-finished oak or hardwood door that lasts decades usually works out cheaper per year than a budget door you replace sooner.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace an external door in the UK?
Most homeowners spend between £550 and £2,600 to replace an external door supplied and fitted. The door itself is the biggest variable — from around £250 for uPVC to £2,500-plus for solid timber — with fitting, a new frame and hardware on top.
How much does a new front door cost?
A new front door typically costs £450–£2,500 supplied, depending on material, size and glazing, with fitting adding roughly £150–£450 for a straightforward swap. Composite and bespoke timber doors sit at the higher end.
Is it cheaper to replace just the door or the door and frame?
Replacing the door alone is cheaper if the existing frame is sound and square — you save the £130–£400 a new frame or kit costs, plus the extra fitting time. Replace the frame if it's rotten, damaged or out of square, as a poor frame undermines a new door's seal and security.
Can I fit an external door myself to save money?
Hanging an external door is achievable for a confident DIYer if the frame stays in place, but getting the seal, security and weatherproofing right is fiddly. Buying supply only and paying a joiner just for fitting is a sensible middle ground — you skip the installer's markup on the door.
Do I need building regulations approval for a new external door?
Replacing an existing external door like-for-like usually doesn't need approval, but the door must meet current thermal (energy-efficiency) standards. Forming a new opening or doing structural work is different — check with your local authority if you're unsure.
Ready to price up your replacement? Browse our full range of external doors — from warm oak and hard-wearing hardwood doors to back doors and matching external door frames. Need a hand choosing? Our team is happy to help you find the right door for your opening and budget.
Related reads
| Top things to consider when buying a new front door | What to weigh up before you spend — style, security and glazing. |
| Guide to door frame materials | Choosing the right frame when you're replacing the door and lining. |
| How to weatherproof your doors | Protect your new door and get the most life out of the investment. |
