How Much Does Widening a Doorway Cost in 2025?
Widening a doorway costs an average of $4,348
Widening a doorway improves accessibility and mobility.
The average total cost is $4,348.
Factors such as labor, materials, and structural changes significantly impact the cost.
Wider doorways can raise your home’s value and make future renovations easier.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Widening your doorway makes everyday movement safer and more comfortable for everyone in the home. Most homeowners spend an average of $4,348, although prices range from $699 to $7,998, depending on the door chosen and any necessary structural work to the wall. Smaller projects can cost as little as $125, while larger or more complex tasks can go as high as $19,000. Labor is billed by the hour, while framing is billed per linear foot and finishing is billed per square foot.
Cost Factors for Widening a Doorway
Your final price depends on the door you select, local labor rates, and any unexpected repairs that may arise during the remodel. Exterior door installation costs more than interior doors, and double doors cost twice as much in materials and labor. If pipes or electrical lines need to be relocated, plan on additional professional fees.
Cost of a New Door
A new interior door costs anywhere from $30 to $600, excluding labor, for materials alone. Hollow core doors are the least expensive, while solid wood and accent doors are the most costly. Expect to pay toward the higher end of each price range for wider doors to fit wider doorways for accessibility.
| Door Type | Average cost Range |
|---|---|
| Hollow-core | $30–$240 |
| Solid-core | $60–$330 |
| Slab | $30–$300 |
| Solid wood | $150–$850 |
| $450–$3,300 | |
| French | $400–$2,000 |
| Double | $170–$1,200 |
| Sliding | $300–$4,000 |
Hollow Core
Most hollow-core doors cost between $30 and $240. They’re cheaper, lighter, and less durable, making them best suited for low-traffic areas. They’re called hollow-core doors because they’re made with a wood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF) shell filled with honeycomb cardboard.
Solid Core
Unlike hollow-core doors, solid-core doors are made from a solid core of MDF, engineered wood, or foam with a wood veneer. This makes them stronger and heavier, providing better noise insulation and fire protection in higher-traffic areas, such as bedrooms. Expect to pay $60 to $330 for a solid-core door.
Slab
Slab doors can be made from wood, steel, or fiberglass and are sold without frames, hinges, or other hardware. They cost $30 to $300 on their own, and because they lack hardware, they may be more expensive to install.
Solid Wood
Made of real wood, solid wood doors cost between $150 and $850 each. They are more expensive than hollow-core or solid-core doors, but they offer improved sound-dampening and heat insulation. Prices vary based on the type and quality of the wood.
Specialty Doors
Specialty doors will cost more to install in your home, both in terms of labor and materials. They often have specialized hardware or specific installation requirements.
Pocket door installation costs $450 to $3,300. These doors slide into empty wall space, meaning anything in the way must first be removed and replaced.
French door installation costs $400 to $2,000, depending on the number of glass panels.
Interior double doors without glass cost between $170 and $1,200, excluding installation. They’re a popular choice for pantries, bedrooms, and closets.
Sliding doors cost $300 to $4,000 to install. Glass doors tend to be more expensive. Barn door installation costs are similar.
New Door Frame Cost
A significant portion of the cost of widening doorways is attributed to cutting the larger wall opening and refitting it. On average, carpenters charge between $250 and $400 for this job. Replacing an interior door frame costs $7 to $14 per linear foot, which takes approximately two to three hours.
Door trim or door casing costs $2 to $4 per linear foot, or up to $155 per door. Door casing refers to the trim nailed to the drywall around the sides of the door, creating the appearance of an aesthetically pleasing frame.
Type of Wall
Before you enlarge the opening, confirm whether the wall is load-bearing. Load-bearing walls require additional structural support, which adds time and expense. Hiring a structural engineer costs $ 100 to $250 per hour.
Labor
Most contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour, plus any call-out fee, to widen a doorway and hang the new door. A basic install runs one to three hours. Expect the job to take longer, particularly with wider doors in newly widened doorways, as the contractor will need more time to replace the door frame and complete other necessary repairs. You may also need to budget for the cost of hiring a painter to complete the project.
Labor costs for widening doorways to accommodate wheelchair access are detailed in the table below.
| Labor Task | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Installing the door | $100–$350 |
| Widening the door opening | $250–$400 |
| Reframing the door opening | $110–$220 |
| Removing and disposing of the old door | $40–$80 |
| Installing a lock | $40–$330 |
| Replacing knobs and handles | $40–$360 |
Does Widening a Doorway Increase Home Value?
Accessibility upgrades, such as wider doorways, do more than improve daily life—they also make your property more marketable and can boost overall value. Widening a doorway for disability access demonstrates a forward-thinking design that appeals to a diverse range of potential buyers, including multigenerational families, aging-in-place homeowners, and individuals with mobility challenges.
Homeowners may see a return on investment of 50% of the cost of widening a doorway for wheelchair access. This is especially promising in markets with aging populations or areas with high concentrations of retirees. Potential buyers may appreciate the potential for aging in place or accommodating family members with changing mobility needs. Widened doorways can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your living space.
Budgeting for Widening a Doorway
A few smart strategies can keep costs in check while you create a safer, more functional space:
Obtain detailed estimates from at least three local home remodeling pros to compare pricing and the scope of work required.
Choose standard-width accessibility doors rather than custom doors to reduce material and labor costs.
Check for accessibility grants from local, state, and federal programs that may provide financial assistance to veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Combine your door widening project with other home improvements to negotiate for a package discount with contractors.
Opt for durable, mid-range materials that provide long-term functional value rather than premium aesthetic upgrades.
Consult a tax professional about possible medical expense deductions or home improvement tax credits.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If the wall isn’t load-bearing and you’re an experienced DIYer with the right tools, you can tackle the job yourself and save the labor charges. You’ll need saws, drills, levels, and full safety gear. Just remember that framing errors or missed code details can become expensive do-overs. Pros charge $50 to $150 per hour but handle the header, drywall, and inspections for a safe, code-compliant finish.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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