Updated 27 September 2026
Paint an exterior door cost UK 2026
The going rate for paint an exterior door in 2026 is £150–£300/door (total, ex VAT). Below: a calculator, what the job involves, materials at three price levels, and the prep that changes the price.
Market band£150–£300/door
Worked example, 1 door£180
Time on site3 h
Paint an exterior door calculator
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Market band source: Checkatrade.
What the job involves
| Stage | Task | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| prep | Sand, fill, knot and prime | 1 h per door |
| paint | Undercoat and top coat, both faces and frame | 2 h per door |
Materials at three price levels
| Material | Budget | Trade | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior door primer, undercoat and gloss (per door) per door | £22 Trade exterior gloss + undercoat — MyJobQuote: £30–£55 a litre, a door takes about ¾ L | £30 Dulux Weathershield gloss system — Flexible, weather-resistant | £45 Sikkens / specialist door paint — Longest-lasting front door finish |
| Filler, caulk, abrasives and tape job | £10 Filler, caulk, sandpaper — T2B: £60–£120 room materials incl. paint | £15 Toupret filler, decorator caulk, abrasives, tape — Crisp edges, no cracks | £22 Premium fillers, low-tack tape, dust-free sanding — Lived-in homes |
Trade prices ex VAT, estimates checked 2026-09-27. Log your receipts in Grafto and your own prices replace these.
What changes the price
- Door style? plain · glazed or panelled big effect
- Current paint? sound · flaking or old gloss
Prep to look for
| Condition | Check | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Old lead-based paint | Pre-1970 paintwork (many layers, alligator cracking)? | Treat as lead: no dry sanding or burning off; wet-abrade or chemical strip, bag waste |
| Rotten fascia or window timber | Screwdriver test: any soft or rotten timber? | Timber repairs £100–£400. Soft timber: cut out and splice or resin-repair before painting |
| Flaking or peeling paint | paint lifting, peeling or flaking off, bare wood or metal showing |
Questions
How much does paint an exterior door cost in the UK in 2026?
The researched market band is £150–£300/door (total, ex VAT), from Checkatrade. A worked example of 1 door comes to about £163–£209 across budget, trade and premium materials.
How long does paint an exterior door take?
The worked example of 1 door takes about 3 hours.
What changes the price of paint an exterior door?
Mainly door style, plus any prep found on site: old lead-based paint, rotten fascia or window timber, flaking or peeling paint.
More decorating prices
Paint a roomPaint walls or ceilings (per m²)Hall, stairs and landingDecorate a whole house (interior)Paint internal doorsPaint skirting and architraveHang wallpaperStrip wallpaperPaint house exterior (masonry)Paint fascias and soffitsPaint or stain a fenceKitchen cabinet resprayPaint radiatorsPaint timber windows (exterior)Stain or oil deckingPaint a garage door