Homeowners can expect to pay between $600 and $2,920 for a steel door. The national average for steel door installation is $830.
Looking to make your castle more secure? A steel door may be the way to go. Steel doors are strong, durable, and hold up to weather and daily wear and tear. Steel doors have drawbacks, but this door material is long lasting and can withstand heavy impacts before denting.
In this cost guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Steel Door Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $830 |
| Typical Price Range | $600 – $2,920 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $120 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $2,745 |
The national average cost of installing a steel door is $830. The typical price range is anywhere from $600 to $2,920. For a very basic steel door, the cost could be as little as $120. Steel doors that are fire-rated or that come with additional features such as decorative glass could be as much as $2,745.
Steel Door Cost Estimator by Size
Standard exterior doors generally are 80 inches high and between 30 and 36 inches wide. Interior doors are often narrower, the standard interior door is closer to 30 inches wide. It is common to find these door sizes in home improvement stores. However, doors taller than seven feet and custom doors must be specially ordered and will cost more.
Likewise, double-entry doors cost more than single-entry doors. The average cost of double doors is between $1,085 and $5,665.
Other Factors that Affect Cost
Some other factors add to the total cost of your steel door, including labor, whether the new door is an interior or exterior door, and whether it is a slab or pre-hung door. Below, we explore how these factors influence the overall cost of your new steel door.
Labor
When considering the cost of having a professional install your steel door, it’s important to factor in labor costs. Typically, labor costs for door installation average $65 per hour. The typical price range for door installation labor is $40 to $90 per hour.
Interior or Exterior
On average, interior doors cost less than exterior doors because interior doors are generally smaller and more basic in design. Interior doors typically cost between $265 and $915. Conversely, exterior doors typically cost between $400 and $3,135.
Slab or Pre-Hung
Both slab and pre-hung doors can be purchased easily from home improvement stores. Slab doors do not come with the frame or hardware. Most slab doors don’t have a pre-drilled hole for a knob either. Pre-hung doors come attached to a weather-stripped frame and include a door knob hole. This means slab doors are more customizable, while pre-hung doors are quicker to install.
Related Services
If you’re installing a steel door in your home, security, durability, and privacy are probably the most important features. Here are a couple of services related to exterior door installation you may want to consider that also enhance your security.
Metal Roof
Homeowners typically spend between $8,190 and $21,552 on a new metal roof. While this can seem costly, it’s important to remember that metal roofing offers a good return on investment due to its durability. Metal roofing is long-lasting, lightweight, and fire-resistant. Additionally, because metal roofing reflects heat, a metal roof can save you money on energy bills.
Privacy Fence
Privacy fencing costs $14 to $36 per linear foot. Privacy fences are at least six feet tall with no gaps, so nosey neighbors and passersby can’t peek into your backyard. They’re excellent at blocking out noise and keeping pets and children safely inside your yard.
Security Door
If you’re especially concerned about home security, you may want to consider installing a security door. These doors are specially designed with security in mind and give you additional protection against intruders, storms, and fires. Security doors cost anywhere from $600 to $4,600 on average, although steel security doors are typically between $300 and $700.
Storm Door
Storm doors typically cost between $195 and $950. Storm doors provide your home with additional protection from the elements. If you have a wood door, a storm door can prevent warping. These doors generally are made of glass and screen panels which gives you the opportunity to allow light into your home while keeping bugs out.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Do you enjoy rolling up your sleeves and tackling home improvement projects yourself? Below, we break down the cost of installing a steel entry door and let you know when you may want to contact a professional.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Hammer | $18 |
| Slotted Screwdriver | $15 |
| Utility Knife | $12 |
| Flat Pry Bar | $15 |
| Reciprocating Saw | $100 |
| Level | $35 |
| Caulk Gun | $6 |
| Pneumatic Nailer | $29 /day to rent |
| Cordless Drill | $120 |
| Impact Driver | $100 |
| Pre-hung Steel Door | $400 |
| Total DIY Cost | $850 |
The total cost for installing a steel door yourself is $850, assuming you have to buy or rent all the tools. This is roughly equivalent to the national average cost to have a professional install a steel door, which is approximately $830. If you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer, already have the tools, and are looking to save a few bucks, it may be worth installing your new steel door yourself. If not, it pays to hire a pro.
However, it’s important to remember that an improperly installed door can negate all of the energy efficiency that comes with having a steel door. Additionally, steel doors are particularly heavy so unless you have lots of help, installing these doors yourself could result in damage to your home or personal injury. Make the choice that’s right for you and your skill level.
Cost of Steel Doors by Location
As stated earlier in this article, interior doors cost less than exterior doors. Interior doors cost $590 on average while exterior doors cost $830 on average. Similarly, front doors are more costly than patio doors. This is because front doors typically have additional design elements to increase the curb appeal of your home.
These additional features can include sidelights which usually cost between $500 and $2,500. Front doors also often include doorbell cameras or security systems. On average, security systems cost homeowners between $280 and $1,125.
FAQ
A door’s fire rating refers to how long the door can withstand a fire. You’ll find steel doors with fire ratings of 45 minutes, 90 minutes, or even 3 hours.
Unlike wood entry doors, steel doors are low-maintenance. They won’t warp or rot when exposed to the elements. However, they can rust. This can be prevented by adding paint to exterior steel entry doors and keeping them clean.
Another problem you may encounter with steel doors is denting. Premixed patching compounds made for steel doors are sold at home improvement stores but auto-body filler also works well.
Final Thoughts
Steel doors are excellent for homeowners who prioritize security and privacy. These doors are incredibly durable and energy efficient. The overall price of your steel door will vary based on labor cost, the location of the door, and whether it is a slab or pre-hung door.
If you’re experienced with DIY projects and have lots of help, you can install a steel door yourself and save a little bit of money. However, if you’d like to give your muscles a break and make sure the job is done perfectly be sure to reach out to your local door installation professional.
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: Daigeik fengsuant / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
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