Door Hardware Installation Cost Guide 2026

Price source: Costs shown are derived from our proprietary U.S. construction cost database (updated continuously from contractor/bid/pricing inputs and normalization rules).

Eva Steinmetzer-Shaw

Head of Marketing

Understanding Door Hardware Installation Costs in Construction

Door hardware installation costs can vary significantly based on several factors. On average, installation costs range from $150–$400 per opening per opening, depending on the hardware type and regional labor rates. This guide provides insights into what influences these costs and how to manage them effectively.

Key Factors Affecting Installation Costs

1. Hardware Type: Basic knobs start at $30–80, while advanced smart locks can exceed $400.

2. Door Material: Hollow-core doors are cheaper to install than solid-core or metal doors.

3. Prep Requirements: Retrofitting may require additional labor for drilling or mortising.

4. Finish Level: Specialty finishes can increase both material and labor costs.

5. Quantity & Repetition: Larger projects benefit from reduced setup time.

Sample Cost Breakdown

Project: 2,800 ft² custom home – 24 interior doors, 1 main entry, 1 garage entry

Interior passage sets: $30–50 each × 24 = $720
Exterior smart deadbolt: $150–425
Keyed knob for garage: $30–100
Hinges and misc.: $4–6 per hinge per door × 26 = $104
Labor: 12.4 hours × $50–100 = $730

Total Cost: $1,850

Regional Cost Variations

Costs can vary by region. For example, installation in Houston may be 12-15% cheaper than in coastal California due to labor rate differences.

How to Optimize Costs

Use real-time data to adjust estimates and avoid overestimating. Consider factors like material volatility and regional labor rates to keep costs in check.