Why front doors fail so fast
Almost every peeling, greying, blotchy entry door in New Jersey failed for one of four reasons: it was never stripped back to bare wood, the top and bottom edges were never sealed, it was finished with interior-grade product, or it was done in one thick coat instead of several thin ones. South and west-facing doors take the worst of it.
We fix the cause, not just the appearance:
- Door off the hinges, hardware and glazing beads removed
- Stripped to bare wood — chemical and hand, never a belt sander on a panel door
- Repairs to splits, rot at the bottom rail, failed joints and weather damage
- All six edges sealed, including top and bottom — the two everyone skips and the two that let water in
- Stain and multiple thin coats of exterior-grade UV-resistant finish, sanded between coats
- Rehung, adjusted, weatherstripping renewed
Prices
| Work | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Interior door — strip, stain and finish | $250 – $400 |
| Whole-house interior doors (10 – 15) | $200 – $300 each |
| Solid wood entry door — full refinish | $400 – $750 |
| Entry door with sidelights and transom | $700 – $1,400 |
| Rot repair at the bottom rail or stile | from $150 |
| Annual maintenance recoat | $150 – $300 |
Also: garage doors, shutters, railings and columns
Anything exterior and wooden takes the same beating and responds to the same treatment. If it is on the outside of your house and made of wood, send us a photograph.
Common questions
How much does it cost to refinish a front door?
A solid wood entry door is typically $400 to $750 done properly — stripped to bare wood, repaired, all six edges sealed and built up in several coats of exterior finish. Doors with sidelights and a transom run $700 to $1,400. Cheaper quotes usually mean a scuff-and-recoat, which will fail again within a year or two.
Do you have to take the door away?
Usually yes — stripping and finishing outdoors in New Jersey weather is how you get dust, bugs and a bad finish. We can fit a temporary door while yours is in the shop.
How long will the finish last?
On a sheltered or north-facing door, five to eight years. On a fully exposed south or west-facing door, two to four before it wants a maintenance recoat. A recoat is far cheaper than a full refinish, which is why we recommend booking one before the finish actually breaks down.
Can you match my other doors or trim?
Yes. We colour match to existing woodwork and bring samples before committing.
Send a photo of your door
A straight-on shot plus close-ups of the worst area is all we need to give you a price range.