Home improvements always seem to take longer than we expect, especially when the job involves something as central to your home as a new door.
Understanding how long door installation takes helps you plan your schedule, arrange time off work if needed, and set realistic expectations for your home improvement project.
In general, the time taken for door replacement depends on the type of door, the condition of your frame, and even the weather outside.
Factors That Affect Door Installation Time
Some projects can be finished before lunch, while others may stretch into a full-day commitment.
Several critical factors influence how long your door installation will take. Professional installers evaluate these factors during their initial assessment to provide accurate time estimates for your specific project.
Type of Door
Every door presents its own installation challenges, and some require far more time and craftsmanship than others.
Front Door Replacement
The front door is the face of your home. Because it’s such a focal point, the installation has to be impeccable.
On average, replacing a front door takes two to four hours. The lower end of that range applies when the new door is the same size as the old and the frame is in good condition.
However, many homeowners use the opportunity to upgrade to a heavier insulated door or add sidelights for more curb appeal. Those extras add to the timeframe.
For Chicago homeowners, the right weather sealing is particularly important, which means installers spend extra time checking insulation and thresholds.
Garage Door Replacement
Garage doors are massive compared to any other door in the home, and installing them is a project in itself. Even for a skilled team, a garage door replacement often runs four to six hours.
The size, weight, and mechanical systems all play a role. If the job includes upgrading the opener to a smart or Wi-Fi-enabled model, more time is required to program and test the system.
Safety checks are non-negotiable here, and the installer must make sure the door balances properly and the auto-reverse sensors work flawlessly.
Screen Door Replacement
Screen doors are straightforward, but precision still matters. If the frame is level and the hardware aligns, the job may take less than an hour.
In older homes, alignment is rarely perfect, and installers often spend extra time trimming or adjusting the frame. Add in weather stripping or reinforced mesh for pets, and you may be looking at closer to two hours.
Sliding Glass Door Replacement
Sliding doors are beautiful but complex. The glass panels are heavy, the tracks must be perfectly aligned, and the rollers need to move smoothly. Replacing a sliding glass door usually takes between four and six hours.
Double-pane or triple-pane glass, which many Chicago homeowners choose for insulation, adds weight and slows the process.
If the old track is damaged, replacing it requires removing and reframing the opening, which can easily turn the project into an all-day affair.
Patio Screen Door Replacement
Patio screen doors might look simple, but they demand careful fitting. Typically, a replacement runs one to two hours.
The installer ensures that the door glides without sticking, the mesh is taut, and the latch works securely. Chicago’s winds can be unforgiving, so reinforcement against rattling or bending is often added during installation.
Security Door Replacement
A security door is typically built from reinforced steel or wrought iron. These doors are heavy and require strong hinges and a reinforced frame. Installation often takes two to three hours, sometimes longer if the frame needs to be strengthened.
Because they often include multi-point locking systems, every latch must be tested for faultless operation before the job is complete.
Patio Door Replacement
Patio doors come in many styles, such as sliding, hinged, or folding. Each has its own requirements. Replacing a simple hinged patio door might take three to four hours, but a large multi-panel slider can take all day.
Homeowners often choose energy-efficient models with insulated glass, which increases installation time, but pays off with lower heating and cooling bills.
Storm Door Replacement
A storm door serves as your home’s armor against the elements, and in Wind City, that’s a wise investment.
Installation often takes about two to three hours, and the most time-consuming part is aligning the hinges so that the door seals tightly against drafts. Note that additions like retractable screens or built-in glass panels can extend the process.
Exterior French Door Replacement
Few doors add as much charm as French doors. But that elegance comes with complexity. With two panels that must align perfectly, lots of glass, and often custom sizing, installation can stretch to five or six hours.
If transoms or sidelights are included, the job can easily take a full day. Every gap has to be sealed to prevent air leaks, making this one of the most precise installations around.
Double Door Replacement
Double doors, whether entry or interior, require perfect balance between the two panels. Replacing them typically takes four to five hours.
Decorative glass or transoms can extend that time, as can any adjustments to ensure both doors swing evenly and close tightly.
Condition of the Existing Frame
The best-case scenario is when the old frame is still square and sound. But in reality, many homes haven’t aged too well, with wood that may have rotted or warped over time.
If the frame needs repairs, that can add one to three extra hours to the job. In some cases, a full frame replacement is necessary, turning a half-day job into a full-day project.
Custom vs. Standard Sizes
Standard doors are easier and faster to install because they fit right into common openings. Custom doors, on the other hand, require modifications to the opening. In addition to that, trimming, reframing, or shimming all add time.
The payoff is a door that perfectly suits your home’s style, but expect the installation to take one to two hours longer.
Additional Features
Modern doors offer numerous optional features that can extend installation time but provide better functionality, security, and convenience.
Smart lock systems typically add 30-60 minutes to installation for setup and testing. Similarly, decorative glass panels require careful handling, which might extend installation time by 15-30 minutes.
Sidelights and transoms increase installation complexity and time, potentially adding 1-2 hours depending on the configuration.
Advanced weatherproofing systems, while beneficial for energy efficiency, require additional installation steps that extend the overall timeframe.
Security features like reinforced frames, multi-point locking systems, and impact-resistant glass add time to the installation process but provide valuable protection for your home.
Every feature you add increases the timeline slightly.
Weather Conditions
Chicago’s weather can be a wild card when it comes to installing your new door. Bitter cold might make materials trickier to handle, and gusty winds can complicate things, especially with large doors like sliding glass or patio models.
Rain or snow might delay work to protect your home’s interior and ensure proper sealing. Skilled installers, however, can often proceed in moderate conditions with the right precautions. Indoor prep work can typically continue regardless of the weather, and the project stays on track.
Professional teams stay ahead by monitoring forecasts and coordinating with homeowners to adjust schedules.
Typical Door Installation Time
So, what does installation day actually look like? It’s not just a matter of swapping one door for another.
Pre-Installation Steps
One to two days before your door installation, a 30-60 minute pre-installation phase ensures everything is set for a seamless process. This includes taking final measurements, delivering materials, and preparing the site.
Professional installers will confirm measurements and assess the area to address any potential issues.
Homeowners should clear the installation space of furniture, ensure unobstructed access for the crew and materials, and secure pets for safety on installation day. For interior doors, plan for temporary alternate routes during the work.
Installers will inspect all components to verify they’re correct and undamaged, preventing delays. Any concerns are resolved beforehand, ensuring a smooth and efficient installation process.
Installation Day
On installation day, the timeline depends on the door type, but most single-door projects wrap up in half a day, while larger jobs, like multiple doors or complex frameworks, may take a full day.
The process kicks off with carefully removing the old door and evaluating the frame. Installers shield your home’s interior with plastic sheeting to keep dust and debris to a minimum.
Next, they prep the frame, making minor adjustments, updating insulation, and mounting hardware as needed.
The new door is then precisely positioned, with hardware attached and operation tested to ensure smooth function and secure fit.
Final steps include weatherproofing, adding trim, and tidying up the work area, leaving your home ready to enjoy its new door.
Post-Installation
After installation, expect a 30-60 minute post-installation phase to ensure everything is perfect. Installers perform final quality checks, testing door functions, seals, locks, and hardware for smooth operation.
They’ll walk you through proper use, maintenance tips, and warranty details, providing clear care instructions and a contact for any future questions.
The team should handle the final cleanup, leaving your home spotless. You’ll then receive documentation, including warranty registration and care guides.
Many installers also follow up later to confirm your satisfaction and address any concerns, making sure your new door performs flawlessly.
Why Choose Evergreen To Install Replacement Doors
Evergreen Door & Window is the top choice for replacement door installations, as it’s backed by over 60 years of expertise tailored to the city’s unique climate and architectural styles.
Their certified professionals deliver efficient, high-quality installations within promised timelines, minimizing disruption while ensuring lasting performance.
Evergreen excels in installing all door types, from simple storm doors to intricate French or sliding glass doors, following industry best practices and manufacturer specifications to maintain warranties.
Their process includes meticulous pre-installation planning, expert installation techniques, and thorough post-installation support for flawless results.
With a focus on customer satisfaction, Evergreen ensures clear communication, accurate timelines, and service that exceeds expectations. Their deep knowledge of Chicago’s building codes and weather challenges guarantees compliant, high-performing installations.
Using top-quality materials, Evergreen enhances your home’s security, energy efficiency, and curb appeal, earning its trusted reputation in the Chicagoland area.
FAQs
Can I stay home during door installation?
Absolutely. Most homeowners remain at home during installation, and many prefer to do so in order to answer questions and see the progress.
The work may be noisy at times, but there’s no need to leave. Installers are used to working around household routines, and you’ll likely just need to stay clear of the immediate work area.
What should I do to prepare for door installation day?
To ensure a smooth door installation, first clear the work area of furniture, decorations, and items like wreaths or cameras. Next, keep the children occupied elsewhere, and secure pets in a safe spot away from the installation zone.
Clear a path from the driveway or street to the door for easy material transport. Meanwhile, plan alternative entry/exit routes, as exterior door work may temporarily block your main access.
Finally, confirm the timeline and any specific needs with your contractor. Thorough prep not only helps installers focus on quality but also speeds up the process and prevents delays.
