How much does it cost to install a security entry door?

A security entry door is a specially designed door that is intruder- and kick-proof. It is designed heavier than an average entry door to prevent forced entry. This specialty door also protects your home from severe weather. Most security doors are manufactured from steel, fiberglass, or solid hardwoods such as mahogany, which is known for its durability and strength. Security doors also feature deadbolt security plates, laminated tempered safety glass that is break- and shatter-proof, hidden hinges, and high-security five-pin locks.

It is estimated that at least 34 percent of burglars enter a home through the front door. A security entry door is more than just your home’s front door, it is a barrier that protects you and your family from a possible home invasion.

Security doors should always be installed by a professional company to ensure the door’s security functions are operational. Security doors range in price from $400-$3,000 depending on the door’s design and the material it is manufactured from. Total cost including purchase and installation averages $900-$4,700.

Pros and cons

Security doors definitely cost more than the average exterior door, but there are many pros and cons to the purchase that you must consider. A security door might not be for everyone but they do offer peace of mind.

Factors affecting the cost

The main factors that affect the cost of a security door is the door’s overall construction:

Location

Security entry doors are typically installed as the front door. However, they can also be installed as any exterior entry door on the home or business, such as the back door or the door leading into the garage.

How to measure for a door

Existing door: measure the height and width of the existing wood door. This will be the actual size of the security door. Then, measure the flat molding that is found on the sides and above the door. The security door frame will be mounted to this, so you want to be sure the molding is at least 1.25" thick. In order to have the security door properly mounted it will require 1 inch on the trim above and on the sides. If the door is recessed it will require a 1 inch depth.

Door handle: you will also need to measure the knob height. Standard security door handle height is usually 39.5 inches from the bottom of the door.

Opening width: measure the top, middle, and bottom of the door opening. The smallest measurement of the three is your door opening width.

Parts of a security door

Hinges

A security door hinge is different than a typical hinge and is normally included on the security door at the time of purchase. On an exterior door that opens outward, a would-be home intruder can remove the pins on the hinge to take the door off the frame but a security door hinge does not allow the pins to be removed. Adding set screws, fast-riveted (crimped) pins, or safety studs make the door more difficult to remove by an intruder.

• Set screws: a security door hinge usually has set screws which hold the pins in place and prevent them from being removed. In order to remove set screws, the door must be in the open position.

• Fast-riveted (crimped) pins: fast-riveted (crimped) pins hold the pins of the door secure but cannot be removed unless the entire door hinge is taken apart.

• Safety studs: Safety studs are also designed to hold a hinge in place on a security door. Even if the pin of the hinge is removed the safety stud still holds the hinge secure.

Door frame

Security doors usually come pre-hung with a specialized kick-proof frame for added security. They are made of steel or aluminum. Steel is stronger than aluminum but more prone to corrosion.

Door locks

A five-pin cylinder lock is the most common form of door lock on a security door. Prices range from $300-$600 for a push-button keyless five-pin cylinder lock. A three-point lock, which engages steel bolts at the top and bottom of the door in addition to the lock itself, is also an alternative but not as secure. However, it does prevent the bottom and the top of the door from being inadvertently wrenched open by an intruder. The price for a three-point lock ranges from $200-$500.

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has three grades that they use to rate door locks to show the durability and quality:

• Grade 1: This grade of door locks exceeds standard residential security and is ideal for a security door. In order to gain the Grade 1 Best rating from the ANSI a door lock must withstand 800,000 cycles, six door strikes and endure a 360-pound weight test. The deadbolt must withstand 250,000 cycles and 10 door strikes which is also referred to as a hammer strike.
• Grade 2: This grade of door locks also exceeds the standard residential security requirements. It features knobs that can withstand 400,000 cycles, and four door strikes. It needs to also undergo a 250-pound weight test. The deadbolts must go through 150,000 cycles and five door strikes.
• Grade 3: This grade of door locks are not typically used on security doors. They provide only minimal security.

Optional advanced security features

When having a security door installed you can opt to have advanced security features such as keyless door locks that feature touchscreen door locks or touchpads that control the electronic deadbolt system. Many also feature home intelligence and alarm review. Bluetooth-enabled and smartphone-controlled door locks are also available. Fingerprint door locks are also becoming the norm to use on high-end security doors.

Infills and grilles all make a security door stronger. Infills are inside the door’s core and grilles are affixed to the outside of the security door to act as a shield:

• Infills: infills can be steel bars, motifs, stainless steel expanded mesh, aluminum in grille or sheet form, stainless steel mesh, or heavy-duty aluminum. Often security doors also feature decorative steel motifs, wrought iron bars, steel bars, or grills for even more security.

• Grilles: the cords of the grille need to be thick and strong. They should be welded to the door for maximum security. The grille can also be riveted with inaccessible rivets to the door.

Door types

There are several types of security doors available that function differently.

Inswing or outswing

Inswing doors are the most common type of doors on residential homes. However, inswing doors are not as secure as outswing. Outswing doors are more durable and airtight. In many regions, the building codes dictate if you can have an outswing or inswing door on your residence.

Openwork security doors

An openwork security door is more like a screen door. It is usually installed in front of an entry door. Although the openwork security door is secure, it is not as secure as a true security door. An openwork security door is usually made of a decorative steel or aluminum frame and grille with inlaid tempered glass. It looks similar to a glass and wrought iron door.

Reinforced security door

In order to be a true security door, the door’s interior must be reinforced with steel or aluminum to keep it from being bent or kicked open. The only exception is a solid wood security door which has no interior reinforcements because the hardwood provides the necessary strength to keep the door from being bent or broken.

Prehung security door

Security doors are normally sold prehung because the frame is a key component to the door’s security. A security door does not have a typical wood frame, but instead has one usually made of steel or aluminum. Because security doors are prehung, they include the necessary security hinges. However, steel security doors can be purchased in slab form. Such doors do not include a frame or hinges. In some cases, a homeowner may opt to purchase a security door slab to replace a damaged security door because the security door frame is already in place.

Labor and installation process

Prior to hanging the security door onto the frame, the door handle and locks must be installed on the door. If the door is a prehung door then the frame is installed first. The hinges are then placed onto the door and the frame. Typically, hinge screws are also installed to prevent the pins from being lifted and the door removed during a home invasion. Crimped pins, set screws, and safety studs can also be used to secure the hinges. Once the door is secure to the frame and the frame secure to the structure measurements are made for the striker. Once the striker is attached, the door should open and close effortlessly.

From start to finish, most security door installers charge $380-$520 for labor to install an average sized front door that measures 35 inches by 80 inches. If the door is an odd size then an additional $90-$130 is typically added for labor. If the door is a security door then an additional labor fee of $75-$130 is charged. A large or dual security door installation runs from $750-$800 and depends on how complicated and time-consuming the installation process becomes.

Additional labor charges

Door lock installation: $30-$35.

Lock and deadbolt installation: $65-$125.

Rough opening resizing of door space: $45-$55 per hour.

Door trim and casing installation: $8-$12 per linear foot.

Brands

There are many brands of security doors such as Lamson-Taylor and Pella, which are known for their wood security doors. Masonite makes security doors that are a combination of glass with metal or wood. Prosteel has built a reputation for making steel security doors. Titan also makes high-end steel security doors.

Enhancement and improvement costs

Custom design  

A custom-designed security door costs more than a standard door because it is made from stronger, superior materials to enable it to withstand storms and intruders.  The door is designed to fit your home. In some cases, houses might have unconventional doors that vary in size or shape. In such situations, a customized door is required.

• Aluminum: a custom-made aluminum security door starts at $400.
• Steel: a custom-made steel door starts at $650.
• Steel mesh: a custom-made steel mesh starts at $1000.
• Fiberglass: a custom fiberglass security door starts at $1500.
• Hardwood: a custom-made solid hardwood security door starts at $4,000.

Security system

A security system is designed to signal if there is an intruder, and typically costs from $600-$1200 to have professionally installed. Monthly monitoring plans average $30 per month.

Alarm

Home alarm systems can be bought and installed by a homeowner. A complete, unmonitored alarm system typically runs around $600 if the homeowner installs it themselves. Professional installation of a home alarm system averages $70- $600 depending on the components.

Additional considerations and costs

Standards

Industry security standards are set to ensure that the door and hardware you purchase meet certain security criteria. The following associations provide a buyer with the peace of mind in knowing that the product has met certain safety standards.

The ANSI/BHMA (Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association) Grading System is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). UL Standards and the Underwriters Laboratories is an independent product safety certification organization. The Steel Door Institute (SDI) sets the standards for steel doors.

Fire safety

Underwriters Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association have set standards that require that all security doors be constructed and function properly in the event of a fire. The doors should have a fire safety of 20 minutes to meet the criteria. They must also meet the requirements for smoke and draft control. Fire codes also state that the door should not have a maximum transmitted temperature rise of more than 450°F (230°C) if exposed to fire conditions for 30 minutes.

DIY tips

Home security should never be taken lightly. Installing a home security door should be left to the professionals. In many cases, the security door’s warranty is null if it is not installed by a licensed contractor. However, if you opt to install the door yourself then you should measure the opening to determine the correct size door you require. You can then attach the locks and handles to the door slab. Determine where the hinges go on the door and then attach them to the door slab. Using screws, attach the hinges. Measure and install the striker. Once complete, ensure that the door swings well, closes firms, and locks safely.

Hidden hinges

The hinges on a typical door are held in place with pins. The pins can be easily popped out and the door removed by a would-be home invader. The hinges on a security door are hidden and cannot be removed. Most have a set screws, crimped pins, or safety studs installed on the hidden hinge to prevent the pins from being removed. A set of set screws, crimped pins, or safety studs average $12-$25 per three pack.

Keys

Most security door manufacturers sell the door lock with the security door. Security door locks have specialized keys that can only be duplicated by the door lock manufacturer. Some door locks are also keyless.

Security screens

Many people opt to have a security screen installed in front of their security door for added protection and to enhance the home’s curbside appearance. The security screen usually features a metal grate or grille that covers the tempered glass. The glass can often be opened to allow air flow. A security screen door can cost around $199 depending on the door’s size, style, and the material.