Quick Answer
A new front door costs $800–$3,500 supplied and installed in Melbourne, depending on material and style. A solid timber door runs $1,200–$3,000 installed, aluminium $1,000–$2,500, and steel security doors $600–$1,800. Like-for-like replacement in an existing frame is the cheapest option; new frames, sidelights, or structural changes push costs higher. Most jobs take a carpenter half a day to a full day.
Complete Cost Breakdown
Door Types and Supply Costs
| Door Type | Supply Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hollow-core timber (interior-grade, not recommended for front) | $150–$350 | Not suitable for exterior — poor insulation and security |
| Solid core timber (e.g. Corinthian, Hume) | $400–$1,200 | Good choice for SE Melbourne — solid feel, paintable |
| Solid hardwood feature door | $800–$2,500 | Jarrah, blackbutt — premium look, requires regular oiling |
| Aluminium framed door (single leaf) | $600–$1,500 | Low maintenance, good for coastal areas (Frankston, Mornington) |
| uPVC door | $1,000–$2,500 | Excellent insulation, growing in popularity in Melbourne |
| Steel security screen door (add-on) | $300–$800 | Added security layer — does not replace the main door |
| Full steel security door (replaces main door) | $400–$900 | Maximum security, common in SE Melbourne rental properties |
Installation Labour Costs
| Job Type | Labour Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-like swap (same frame, same size) | $200–$400 | 2–4 hours |
| New door into existing frame (minor adjustments) | $300–$500 | 3–5 hours |
| New door + new frame (no structural changes) | $500–$900 | Full day |
| New door + frame + structural opening work | $1,000–$2,500 | 1–2 days, may need building permit |
| Security door installation (screen type, existing frame) | $150–$300 | 1–2 hours |
Total Installed Cost by Scenario
| Scenario | Total Cost | Typical For |
|---|---|---|
| Budget steel security door, existing frame | $600–$1,000 | Rental properties, quick security upgrade |
| Mid-range solid core timber, like-for-like | $900–$1,800 | Standard renovation in SE Melbourne suburb |
| Premium solid hardwood + new frame | $2,000–$4,000 | Full kerb appeal upgrade, established home |
| Aluminium + sidelights, new opening | $3,500–$7,000 | Major entry upgrade, may need building permit |
What Affects Front Door Installation Costs?
1. Frame Condition
If your existing door frame is square, structurally sound, and the right size, a like-for-like swap is simple and cheap. If the frame is rotten, twisted, or the wrong size for the new door, it needs replacing — this adds $300–$700 in labour and materials. In SE Melbourne homes from the 1960s–1980s, timber frames in exposed positions often have rot at the sill and corners from years of driving rain.
2. Door Material
Solid timber is the most common choice in Melbourne’s established suburbs. It requires periodic painting or oiling (every 3–5 years) but is repairable if damaged. Aluminium needs no maintenance but costs more upfront and can’t be easily repaired if dented. uPVC is excellent for thermal insulation and is growing in popularity but costs more than timber. Steel security doors are the toughest option but offer less design flexibility.
3. Hardware and Locking
Standard lever handles and a deadbolt run $80–$200. Quality hardware from brands like Lockwood or Gainsborough costs $150–$350. Multipoint locking systems (three lock points in the door edge) add $200–$400 but provide significantly better security — recommended for SE Melbourne properties. Smart locks with keypad or app control add $200–$600 to the hardware cost.
4. Structural Changes
Widening, raising, or moving a door opening requires a structural engineer’s assessment and may need a building permit from your local council (Casey, Cardinia, Frankston, or Mornington Peninsula councils). This adds $500–$2,000 to the total job cost but is required if you want a wider or taller opening than the existing frame allows.
5. Security Screen Door
Many Melbourne homeowners add an aluminium or steel security screen door in addition to the main door — this gives ventilation without compromising security. Security screen doors cost $300–$800 supplied and installed, and most come with a 10-year anti-jemmy warranty from brands like Crimsafe, SecureView, or Amplimesh.
DIY vs Professional Installation
| Task | DIY Feasibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Remove old door from hinges | Yes | Standard hinge removal, no special tools needed |
| Fit like-for-like replacement door | Possible but difficult | Requires accurate measuring, planing, and hanging — mistakes are costly |
| Install new frame | Not recommended | Frame must be plumb and square — experienced carpenter strongly recommended |
| Fit door hardware and locks | Yes | Lockwood and Gainsborough provide good DIY instructions |
| Install security screen door | Possible | Many manufacturers offer DIY kits; professional fitting available for $150–$300 |
Signs You Need a New Front Door
| Problem | Symptom | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Draughts and cold air | Noticeable air movement around door edges in winter | Recheck weatherstripping first; replace door if frame is warped |
| Door sticks or won’t close properly | Has to be lifted or forced shut | Check hinge screws first; may need rehanging or frame replacement |
| Visible rot or soft timber | Soft spots when you press the door surface or frame | Repair small spots with epoxy filler; replace door if rot is extensive |
| Security concerns | Old or damaged lock, hollow sound when knocked | Upgrade to solid core door + quality deadbolt + security screen |
| Cracked or peeling paint that keeps returning | Paint fails within 1–2 years of repainting | Likely moisture ingress — inspect frame and consider replacement |
Top 10 Tips and Gotchas
- Measure the rough opening, not the old door. The door must fit the frame opening with clearance for the frame thickness and adjustment space. Measure height and width at multiple points — frames in older Melbourne homes are rarely perfectly square.
- Check the frame before ordering a door. If the frame is rotten, replace it at the same time as the door. Fitting a new door into a damaged frame wastes money — the door will bind or leak air within 12 months.
- Don’t use hollow-core doors for exterior use. Hollow-core doors have no insulation, warp in Melbourne’s climate, and offer negligible security. Always specify solid-core or solid timber for the front door.
- Budget for quality hardware. The lock is your primary security component. A $60 lock on a $1,500 door is a false economy. Lockwood and Gainsborough are Australian-standard brands — budget $150–$300 for a quality deadbolt and handle set.
- Prime and paint timber doors before hanging. All six faces of a timber door (including top and bottom edges) must be sealed before installation to prevent moisture uptake and warping. This is the most commonly skipped step.
- Consider an outward-opening door. Most Melbourne front doors open inward, but outward-opening doors can’t be jemmied off the hinges from outside and save interior space. Discuss this with your carpenter — hinge and frame details differ.
- Check strata or heritage overlays. In older SE Melbourne suburbs (Frankston, Mornington, parts of Berwick), some properties have heritage overlays that restrict exterior changes including door style and colour. Check with your council before ordering.
- Combine door replacement with draught-proofing. While the frame is exposed during installation, fit compression seals to the frame rebates and a quality door sweep at the base. This adds $50–$120 but dramatically improves the finished result.
- Ask for a plumb check on the frame. If your carpenter finds the frame is more than 5mm out of plumb, factor in time to pack and adjust before hanging. Forcing a door into an out-of-plumb frame creates binding and gaps.
- Get a building permit check for any structural work. If you’re widening the opening or adding sidelights, councils in Casey, Cardinia, and Mornington Peninsula require a building permit. Your carpenter should advise — DIY structural work without a permit can cause problems when you sell.
Local Melbourne Resources
- Bunnings — Doors range — solid core and hollow core options at SE Melbourne stores; Dandenong, Pakenham, Frankston
- Corinthian Doors — Australian-made solid core and feature doors, wide range for Melbourne homes
- Crimsafe — Find a Dealer — security screen doors; dealers across SE Melbourne
- Victorian Building Authority — Find a Licensed Carpenter — verify builder and carpenter registrations in Victoria
- Mitre 10 — Doors — alternative to Bunnings with solid timber and aluminium options
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a building permit to replace my front door in Melbourne?
A like-for-like door replacement in the same opening does not require a building permit in Victoria. However, if you’re changing the size of the opening, adding sidelights that require structural work, or your property has a heritage overlay, a permit from your local council is required. Always check with your council (Casey, Cardinia, Frankston, Mornington Peninsula) before starting structural work — your carpenter can usually advise.
How long does a new front door last in Melbourne?
A quality solid timber door that’s properly sealed and maintained (painted or oiled every 3–5 years) can last 30–50 years. Aluminium and steel doors last 20–30+ years with minimal maintenance. The frame and hardware often need attention before the door itself — check hinges, locks, and weatherstripping every 5 years.
What is the best front door material for Melbourne’s climate?
For most SE Melbourne suburbs, solid core timber is the best balance of performance, appearance, and cost. It handles Melbourne’s variable climate well when properly sealed, can be repaired if damaged, and looks appropriate on the brick-veneer and weatherboard homes common across Berwick, Narre Warren, Pakenham, and Frankston. Aluminium is better for coastal properties (Mornington, Frankston) where salt air degrades timber finishes faster.
Can I fit a new front door myself?
Removing the old door and doing basic prep is within most competent DIYers’ abilities. Accurately hanging and fitting the new door — especially getting it perfectly plumb, square, and sealed — is much harder than it looks. A poorly hung door that doesn’t seal properly or binds on the frame is both frustrating and expensive to fix. For a front door, most Melbourne homeowners are better off paying a carpenter $200–$400 to do it right.
Is a security screen door worth it in Melbourne?
For most SE Melbourne homes, yes. A quality security screen door (Crimsafe, SecureView, or Amplimesh) adds a tested, anti-jemmy barrier that lets you ventilate with the main door open safely. Costs run $500–$1,000 supplied and installed for quality stainless mesh units — cheaper aluminium grille doors offer less protection. Crime prevention data consistently shows that visible security measures reduce opportunistic break-ins.
Final Thoughts
A new front door is one of the highest-return home improvements for Melbourne homeowners — it improves security, kerb appeal, thermal performance, and resale value. Budget $900–$1,800 for a solid core timber door replaced like-for-like, or $2,000–$4,000 for a premium solid hardwood with a new frame. Don’t cut corners on the door material, hardware, or installation — this is the first thing visitors and buyers see, and the primary barrier between your home and the outside world.
- Always use solid core or solid timber — never hollow-core for a front door
- Budget $150–$300 for quality Lockwood or Gainsborough hardware
- Check the frame condition before ordering — rotten frames need replacement too
- Add a security screen door for ventilation without compromising security
- Seal all six faces of a timber door before installation to prevent warping