Door frame installation costs
Costs for installing new door frames in 2026
Installing new door frames costs on average between €50 and €1,550, depending on the type of frame, the material, and the complexity of the installation. A frame is the structure in which a door or window is placed, ensuring it stays firmly in place and closes correctly. The price varies from a simple plastic interior frame to a luxury front door with decorative moldings. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of installing new frames and what to look out for.
Table of Contents
- What does it cost to install a door frame?
- Door frame costs by door type and design
- Price-determining factors when installing a door frame
- Additional costs and surcharges for door frame installation
- How does the professional work when installing a door frame?
- How can you save on installing a door frame?
- Common causes and problems with door frames
- Find the best professional for installing new frames
- Frequently asked questions about installing a door frame
- Book a professional now for the installation of new frames
- Useful links
What does it cost to install a door frame?
Installing a new door frame for an interior door costs on average between €50 and €250, depending on the chosen material. For a front door frame, the costs are higher: between €400 and €1,100. These prices include installation by the professional performing the task.
Interior door frame costs
| Type of door frame | Costs |
|---|---|
| Plastic door frame | €50 to €150 |
| Wooden door frame | €100 to €200 |
| Steel door frame | €150 to €250 |
Plastic frames are the most affordable and suitable for standard interior doors. Wood offers a natural appearance and is in the mid-range price-wise. Steel is more expensive but provides extra strength and an industrial look.
Front door frame costs
| Type of front door frame | Costs |
|---|---|
| Plastic door frame | €400 to €650 |
| Wooden door frame | €450 to €900 |
| Steel door frame | €650 to €1,100 |
When installing new frames for a front door, the costs are higher than for interior doors. A front door frame must be weather-resistant and well-insulated, requiring extra material and installation work. Plastic remains the cheapest option here, while steel requires the highest investment but offers the longest lifespan.
All mentioned prices include 21% VAT and labour from the affiliated professionals.
Door frame costs by door type and design
The price for installing new frames depends heavily on the type of door you choose. A standard front door is the cheapest, while a door with decorative moldings and a cast-iron grille represents the most expensive scenario. Additionally, you can choose extra options such as a cylinder lock or anti-burglar strip.
Costs per type of door
| Type of door | Costs |
|---|---|
| Standard door | €400 to €600 |
| Door with stained glass | €650 to €1,150 |
| Door with moldings and cast-iron grille | €1,100 to €1,550 |
Extra options
| Extra option | Costs |
|---|---|
| Lock | €20 |
| Door restrictor | €25 |
| Anti-burglar strip | €60 |
| Cylinder lock | €100 |
Price-determining factors when installing a door frame
The costs for installing new frames vary greatly per situation. These factors determine why one job costs more than another and what you should consider when planning your project.
Material type
Plastic frames are the cheapest (€50 to €650) because the material is easy to process and requires less labour-intensive installation. Wood is in the mid-range (€100 to €900) and requires precision work during assembly to accommodate shrinkage and expansion. Steel is the most expensive (€150 to €1,100) due to the higher weight, occasional welding requirements, and the extra time installation takes.
Interior door versus front door
Front doors cost significantly more than interior doors because they are more heavily affected by weather conditions. A front door frame must insulate better, meet stricter safety requirements, and requires more complex installation with attention to draught-proofing and water drainage. This results in more material usage and longer labour duration.
Door type and appearance
A standard door costs €400 to €600. A door with stained glass costs €650 to €1,150 due to the extra weight and the careful installation that glasswork requires. A door with decorative moldings and a cast-iron grille costs €1,100 to €1,550 as these components must be manually adjusted and mounted.
Renovation versus full replacement
With renovation, you can sometimes suffice with repainting or local repair of wood rot, which is cheaper than installing new frames. Full replacement is necessary for severe wood rot, sagging, or outdated insulation, and requires more labour hours and material.
Structural complications
Crooked door openings, sagging, or wall problems require extra preparatory work. The professional must first straighten or reinforce the opening before the frame can be placed, which increases labour time.
New construction versus existing buildings
In existing buildings, the old frame must be removed first. Sometimes masonry needs to be adjusted or repaired, which is not necessary in new builds. This extra work increases the costs.
Wall thickness and wall type
Cavity walls require extra attention for insulation and moisture-proof finishing of the cavity edge. Solid walls may require more demolition work if the opening needs to be enlarged or adjusted.
Customisation
Non-standard sizes or unique openings in old buildings require custom work. The frame must be made to measure, and the professional needs more time for fitting and finishing.
Permits
For listed buildings, protected cityscapes, or adjustments to the facade opening, a permit may be required. This involves extra preparation time and administrative actions.
Urgent versus planned
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work because the professional must adjust their schedule and possibly move other tasks.
Weekend
Work on weekends costs more than during the week due to weekend rates.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas due to higher overhead costs and travel time.
Preparation and accessibility
Ensure the workspace is clear and accessible. This saves labour time and keeps costs lower.
Additional costs and surcharges for door frame installation
Additional costs depend on the situation. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
- An urgency surcharge applies when you need new frames installed quickly and the professional has to adjust their schedule.
- Weekend work is more expensive than work on weekdays.
- An extra lock costs €20, a door restrictor €25, an anti-burglar strip €60, and a cylinder lock €100.
- Sills, architraves, and seals may be necessary for good insulation and are calculated as additional work.
- Fire-resistant or burglar-resistant frames (RC2, RC3) are sometimes mandatory in apartments or storage rooms and increase the costs.
How does the professional work when installing a door frame?
Installing a door frame follows a fixed step-by-step plan where accuracy and careful sealing are central.
- The professional accurately measures the door opening and checks if it is level and rectangular. In old buildings, this receives extra attention as sagging can occur.
- During renovation, the old frame is carefully removed. Any damage to the masonry is immediately repaired before the new frame can be placed.
- The opening is levelled and cleaned. For cavity walls, the installer pays extra attention to insulation to prevent thermal bridges.
- The new frame is placed and exactly aligned with a spirit level. This step is crucial for the door to close properly.
- The frame is firmly secured with screws and plugs into the wall. This ensures stability and long-term durability.
- The joints are sealed with caulk to prevent draughts and moisture. This sealing is essential for good insulation.
- The frame is neatly finished. Wooden frames receive a topcoat if necessary. Installing an interior door frame takes on average two to four hours, a front door frame half a day to a full day.
How can you save on installing a door frame?
There are several ways to save costs when installing new frames.
- Tackle problems early: Treat beginning wood rot, draughts, or cracks immediately. This prevents the need to replace the entire frame later, which is significantly more expensive.
- Clear the workspace: Ensure the door opening is easily accessible and remove obstacles. The professional saves labour time this way, keeping costs lower.
- Plan during the week: Do not book on weekends or as an urgent task. Weekday work is cheaper because no weekend or urgency surcharges apply.
- Maintain regularly: Repaint wooden frames every five to seven years, clean plastic frames with mild soap, and check steel frames for rust. This extends the lifespan and prevents expensive repairs.
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, with no call-out charges and no surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.
Common causes and problems with door frames
Problems with door frames often have clear causes that you can recognise in time.
Wood rot
Wood rot is visible as soft or discoloured wood, especially at the bottom of the frame where moisture collects. This occurs due to long-term exposure to water and lack of maintenance. Ignoring it leads to structural damage where installing new frames is the only solution.
Draughts around the door
Noticeable cold air along the door edge indicates poor sealing or a warped frame. This occurs due to ageing of the sealant or natural wood movements. it increases your energy costs and reduces living comfort.
Find the best professional for installing new frames
Installing a door frame requires craftsmanship, as accurate measurement, level placement, and correct sealing are essential for a properly functioning door.
- No call-out charges: you never pay extra for the professional's arrival, only for the actual work.
- Fixed price in advance: you know exactly what installing new frames costs, without surprises afterwards.
- Fast booking without quote hassle: directly choose a time and have a new door and frame installed without lengthy quote rounds.
- Payment via QR code after completion: you only pay once the job is finished and the result is good.
- Reliable, verified professionals: all professionals performing the task are screened for professional knowledge and experience.
- Warranty on labour: the affiliated professionals offer a standard warranty on the installed work, often 1 to 2 years.
- Insured professionals: ask in advance if the professional is insured, so you are covered for any damage during the work.
Frequently asked questions about installing a door frame
What does it cost to have a door frame installed?
The costs for installing new frames lie between €50 and €1,550, depending on the material and the type of door. An interior door frame costs €50 to €250, while a front door frame costs €400 to €1,100. All prices include installation by the affiliated professionals.
How long does it take to install a door frame?
Installing an interior door frame takes 2 to 4 hours. A front door frame can take half a day to a full day, depending on the complexity and whether the old frame needs to be removed first.
Do I need a permit for installing a door frame?
For listed buildings, protected cityscapes, or if the facade opening is adjusted, a permit may be required. Check this with your local council before having new frames installed.
What does a wooden frame cost including installation?
A wooden interior door frame costs €100 to €200 including installation. For a wooden front door frame, you pay €450 to €900. Wood gives a natural look and is repaintable.
What is the best material for a door frame?
Plastic is cheap and low-maintenance. Wood provides warmth and is repaintable. Steel is the strongest and lasts 50+ years, but is the most expensive.
Why is a front door frame more expensive than an interior door frame?
Front doors are more heavily burdened, need better insulation, must be weather-resistant, and face stricter safety requirements regarding burglary resistance. This requires more material and more complex installation.
How long does a door frame last?
Plastic frames last 25 to 30 years, wooden frames 30 to 40 years if well-maintained, and steel frames can last 50+ years.
What is the difference between a flush door and an overrebated door?
A flush door fits inside the frame, while an overrebated door falls against the wall in front of it, hiding the frame. Overrebated doors provide a sleeker appearance.
Can you negotiate on frames?
At Zoofy, you get a fixed price in advance without call-out charges. You know exactly what installing new frames costs, without negotiations or surprises afterwards.
Can I install a door frame myself?
It is technically possible but requires professional knowledge for accurate measurement, level placement, and correct sealing. Mistakes can lead to draughts, sticking, or moisture problems.
Book a professional now for the installation of new frames
Ready to have new frames installed? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you with a reliable, verified professional. You only pay when the work is finished.