New Door, Same Jamb
Replace the door only — keep the existing frame and trim
“I need a new door. Do I really have to replace the door, the frame, and everything around it?”
Not necessarily.
In some cases, the door can be replaced while keeping the existing frame and trim. When the frame is solid, this avoids turning a door problem into a much larger construction project.
Once you know that’s possible, there are three common ways people end up replacing a door. The differences come down to cost, control, and where the work happens.
Replacing a Door: The Three Common Paths
Option 1: Big-box store — pre-hung door
This option replaces the door and the frame. The existing door and frame are removed and a new pre-hung unit (door and frame together) is installed. This is typically the least expensive upfront option, but it does not keep the existing frame.
Option 2: On-site door hanging by a carpenter
This option keeps the existing frame and trim. A new door only is installed and adjusted to the existing opening. Hinges and hardware are laid out to match the frame. All fitting happens in the home, and cost and results can vary depending on the condition of the frame and the carpenter’s experience.
Option 3: Door specialist company
This option also keeps the existing frame and trim. The opening is evaluated first and the door is fit ahead of time. Hardware can be installed in advance and the door can be pre-painted. Because most of the work happens before installation, time on site is usually much shorter—often just a few hours—and the outcome is more controlled.
Pricing Guides
Actual pricing depends on the door, the opening, and the condition of the frame, but these ranges reflect what homeowners commonly see:
- Big-box store, pre-hung door: $600 – $900
- On-site door hanging by a carpenter: $800 – $1,500
- Door specialist company: $1,300 – $2,300
Why This Isn’t a Simple Swap
New doors are made straight and square. Existing frames often aren’t. Replacing only the door shifts the work from installing a product to fitting it—adjusting the door so it swings, latches, and seals correctly in the existing opening.
Bottom Line
If you want to replace only the door and keep the existing frame and trim, those are the three real options. The right choice depends on the condition of the frame and how much certainty you want in the result.
