Comparing costs, durability, and results to help you make the right choice
Replacing doors throughout your home can quickly become an expensive project, with costs ranging from $200 to $800 per door depending on quality and style. Door wrapping has gained popularity as an affordable alternative, offering homeowners the chance to refresh their interior doors without the hefty price tag of complete replacement. But can this vinyl film solution truly match the quality and longevity of new doors, or should you invest in full replacements?
Door wrapping involves applying specialized vinyl films to existing door surfaces, transforming wood, metal, or composite doors with new colors, textures, and finishes. This process can typically update an entire home's doors for under $2,000, compared to $5,000 to $15,000 for full door replacement. The installation is also significantly faster, with most homes completed in a single day rather than the week-long disruption that comes with hanging new doors and adjusting frames.
Key factors to consider when choosing between door wrapping and replacement:
- Cost savings - Wrapping costs 60-70% less than replacement but may require renewal in 7-12 years
- Installation speed - Wrapping takes 1 day versus 3-7 days for complete door replacement project
- Structural integrity - Wrapping preserves existing door function while replacement can fix warping or damage issues
- Design options - Wrapping offers hundreds of finishes while replacement provides unlimited material choices
- Home value impact - New doors typically add more resale value than wrapped doors in premium markets
- Maintenance requirements - Wrapped doors need gentler cleaning while quality replacement doors are more durable
