
Exterior & Entry Door Installation in Denver means weatherproofing your home against the Front Range's most punishing climate: intense high-altitude UV, dry winter wind, freeze-thaw cycles that crack unprotected wood, and hailstorms that dent and splinter door frames and thresholds year after year. Whether you need a new entry door installed weather-tight, a back door or French door secured and flashed against moisture, or a damaged frame and threshold repaired or replaced, we install and repair doors that stand up to Denver's specific demands. Since 2016, we've hung doors in Capitol Hill Victorians, Denver Square foursquares in Curtis Park and Five Points, Highland craftsman bungalows, and stucco subdivisions across Stapleton and the outer metro. We work with the same crew from start to finish, explain what we're doing, and repair sound frames whenever possible before we recommend replacement.
Why Exterior & Entry Door Installation Matters in Denver's High-Altitude Climate
Denver sits exactly one mile above sea level, where the air is thin, UV radiation is intense, and humidity is chronically low. This combination dries exterior wood aggressively, checking and cracking door frames, jambs, and thresholds long before rot sets in. Add freeze-thaw cycles in winter, and wood that's already stressed splits further. But the single biggest threat to doors in Denver and the surrounding suburbs is hail. Metro Denver sits in the heart of America's Hail Alley, and impact damage to door frames, sills, and the door itself happens routinely. A poorly installed or damaged door also leaks air and water, driving heating costs up and letting moisture into the wall cavity where it can damage framing and insulation.
- We repair hail-dented frames, thresholds, and door edges, or replace the full unit when impact has compromised the seal or structural integrity.
- We install entry doors, back doors, and French doors with proper flashing, weather stripping, and insulation to resist Denver's dry heat and winter wind.
- We secure door frames and jambs into the wall framing with fasteners and shims that account for the settling and movement typical of Denver's older masonry homes.
- We replace rotted or sun-cracked door sills and thresholds, which take the most weather exposure and fail first.
A properly installed and sealed exterior door keeps energy costs down, prevents water intrusion, and maintains the weather envelope that protects your home's framing and interior.
Key info: Hail damage to doors is one of the most common insurance claims in Denver and the metro area. We can help document the damage for your claim and install a replacement door that meets your insurer's requirements. Check your homeowner's policy for coverage details, and contact your local building department if your door is on a historic home or in a protected district.
For more on how weather and age affect exterior woodwork, see our guide to fascia, soffit, and exterior trim repair, which covers the same climate stressors.
How We Install and Repair Exterior Doors in Denver
Door installation in Denver requires attention to the specific challenges of high altitude, dry air, and the masonry and frame construction typical of the city's residential stock. We assess whether a door frame and threshold can be repaired or must be replaced, measure and fit the new unit precisely, flash it to shed water, seal it against air leakage, and fasten it securely into the wall framing. Every door we install is tested for operation, weather-tightness, and proper clearance before we consider the job complete.
- We inspect the existing door frame, threshold, jambs, and surrounding wall for damage, rot, water intrusion, and structural soundness.
- We measure the opening and select a door unit sized and rated for Denver's climate and your home's aesthetic.
- We remove the old door and frame if replacement is necessary, taking care not to damage the wall opening or surrounding trim.
- We install flashing at the sill and head to direct water away from the wall cavity and down the exterior face.
- We set and shim the new door frame square and level, accounting for settling and out-of-plumb walls common in older Denver homes.
- We seal the gap between the new frame and wall framing with expanding foam, caulk, and weather stripping.
- We hang the door, adjust hinges and strike, and test the latch, operation, and weather seal.
This methodical approach ensures the door operates smoothly, seals tight against Denver's dry wind and occasional moisture, and will not shift or rattle as the house settles.
Example: A 1920s Denver Square foursquare in Congress Park had a sun-cracked entry door frame and a threshold damaged by freeze-thaw splitting. We removed the old door and frame, installed flashing and a new insulated entry door with a composite threshold rated for high-altitude UV, and sealed the perimeter with foam and exterior-grade caulk. The homeowner saved the original interior casing and trim, which we reinstalled around the new frame. The door now operates smoothly and sheds water reliably.
For interior door installation and repair, see our interior door installation service.
| Approach | Description | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Frame and threshold repair | Replace rotted sill or jamb, repair hail dents, re-seal and re-shim the existing door. | Doors with sound frames and good operation, minor damage or weather-sealing issues. |
| Full door unit replacement | Remove old frame and door, install new pre-hung unit with flashing, foam, and caulk. | Frames compromised by rot, impact, or poor installation; doors that no longer operate or seal. |
| French door or multi-light installation | Install pre-hung French or multi-pane units with proper flashing and insulation for Denver climate. | Back doors, patio access, or homes where aesthetics and light are priorities alongside weather resistance. |
| Threshold replacement | Remove old sill, install new composite or aluminum threshold with proper slope and seal. | Thresholds that crack, split, or no longer shed water; the most common point of entry damage in Denver. |
Exterior & Entry Door Installation Cost in Denver: What to Expect
Exterior & Entry Door Installation cost in Denver ranges widely depending on whether you are repairing an existing frame or replacing the entire unit, the size and style of the door, the condition of the opening, and whether flashing, trim, or surrounding damage must be addressed. A threshold repair or a straightforward door replacement in a sound frame typically starts around $850 to $1,200. A full frame replacement with flashing, foam, caulk, and trim reinstallation can run $1,500 to $2,500 or more. French doors, multi-light units, and custom-fit doors in older homes with out-of-plumb openings cost more because they require careful measurement, custom flashing, and additional trim work.
The most common cost drivers are the size of the opening, whether the frame is salvageable or must be removed entirely, the type and quality of the door unit itself, and whether surrounding trim, casing, or exterior siding must be removed and reinstalled. Labor in Denver typically runs $65 to $85 per hour for finish carpentry and door installation. An on-site estimate is the only way to get an accurate quote, because every home and every opening is different. We offer free estimates within 24 hours at (720) 807-5448. For a detailed breakdown of our pricing across all services, visit our pricing page.
What to Look for When Hiring a Carpentry Contractor Near Me for Exterior & Entry Door Installation
Finding a reliable carpentry contractor near Denver for door installation means looking beyond price and checking whether the person or crew has real experience with the specific challenges of Denver's climate, building stock, and code requirements. A good contractor will visit your home, explain what they see, discuss repair versus replacement honestly, get multiple estimates so you can compare, and answer your questions about permits, materials, and timeline before starting work.
Verify that the contractor is fully insured with general liability and worker's compensation coverage. Ask for references from recent door installations in Denver or nearby suburbs like Lakewood, Arvada, or Centennial, and call them to ask about the quality of the work and whether the contractor showed up on time and cleaned up after the job. If your home is on the historic register or in a protected district (common in Capitol Hill, Congress Park, and Five Points), check with the city's landmark preservation office about whether the door style or materials must match the original. If you live in a homeowner association community, review the HOA's architectural guidelines before selecting a door style. Some neighborhoods have specific color or material requirements.
Ask the contractor whether a permit is required for your door installation. In Denver, a simple door replacement in an existing opening often does not require a permit, but if the opening size is changing, framing is being altered, or the door is on a historic property, a permit may be necessary. The contractor should be familiar with Denver's building code and willing to work with your local building department if a permit is required. Never hire someone who refuses to discuss permits or who offers to skip them to save money. Contact our team for a free estimate and to discuss your specific needs and any regulatory questions.
Exterior & Entry Door Installation in Denver: Pricing Guide
| Service | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold repair or replacement | Starting at $850 | Replace rotted or cracked sill, install new composite threshold with proper slope and seal. |
| Door unit replacement in existing frame | Starting at $1,100 | Install new pre-hung door with flashing, foam, caulk, and weather stripping in sound opening. |
| Full frame and door replacement | Starting at $1,600 | Remove old frame and door, install new unit with flashing, foam, trim reinstallation, and caulking. |
| French door or multi-light installation | Starting at $1,800 | Install French or multi-pane doors with custom flashing and insulation for Denver's high-altitude climate. |
| Complex or large-scale job | On estimate | Out-of-plumb openings, historic trim restoration, or damage to surrounding framing require site assessment. |
| Estimate and travel | Free within 24 hours | No obligation to book, covered in Denver and surrounding metro areas, response at (720) 807-5448. |
Indicative pricing, the exact cost depends on square footage, finish, and site access. Free personalized estimate within 24h at (720) 807-5448.