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 1, 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 2, 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. The average cost to install a security entry door ranges between $1,500 and $2,000, with the average customer paying $1,700 for a 35" x 80" solid fiberglass security entry door.
Security Entry Door Costs
| Security entry door installation costs | |
|---|---|
| National average cost | $1,700 |
| Average range | $1,500 - $2,000 |
| Minimum cost | $900 |
| Maximum cost | $4,700 |
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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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Adds curb appeal to your home Helps stop intruders Provides greater protection than a normal front door A security door offers superior storm protection from gale force winds and other natural disasters | Requires a professional to install a security door or the warranty might be voided Steel security doors can rust and develop unsightly spots Steel security doors may lack insulation Security doors are heavier than typical doors |
Materials
Different types of materials can be manufactured to function as a security door. The material should not only work to deter break-ins, but also be able to withstand poor weather conditions. A blend of materials can be used to enhance the strength of the door. The following are the most popular types of materials used for security entry doors:
| Type | Characteristics | Cost |
|---|---|---|
Fiberglass | Fiberglass formed over a foam and wood interior Typically includes secure 12-inch lock block Double the strength of wood | $400 |
Solid steel | High security against forced entry attempts Resistant against swelling and warping | $500 |
Solid hardwood | Usually made of mahogany, at least 2 inches thick Heavier woods are both secure and still attractive More maintenance needed to prevent warping | $900 |
| Wrought iron | A minimum of 2 inches thick and a 12-gauge High level of tamper-resistance Heavy-duty material protects against forced-entry | $2,000 |
Hardwood with steel core | Steel interior encased in a hardwood shell Resistant to weapons and forced entry attempts More durable than wood doors with less maintenance to prevent warping | $3,000 |
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.
Another consideration for the location of the security door is what type of weather protection is offered. For instance, steel security doors are prone to rust and corrosion and may not be the best choice if the door will be located in an area where it’s often exposed to rainy and snowy conditions. Besides weather, your geographical location could also impact placement of a security entry door. Research crime statistics in your city to determine whether a security door is a good choice.
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. Both an inswing and outswing steel security door can cost around $300.
Openwork or Screen Security Doors
An openwork security door is more like a screen door 3. 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 and costs around $800. 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. Reinforced security doors usually start at $1,500.
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. On average, you will spend around $500 to $1,000 for a prehung security door.
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
Prices of security doors will be impacted by both the material and the brand name. Lower-cost brands such as C.R. Laurence and Unique Home Designs are usually available at home improvement chains. Custom and specialty doors from brands such as Shield and ProSteel will have a higher price point. The following are the top manufacturers of security doors currently on the marketplace.
| Manufacturer | Characteristics | Price |
|---|---|---|
C.R. Laurence | Specializes in doors made from 100% steel in monochrome finishes | $200-$400 |
Unique Home Designs | Specializes in steel and aluminum doors in monochrome finishes and shatterproof glass | $300-$500 |
Pella | Specializes in fiberglass and steel security doors with fabricated wood finishes | $400-$800 |
| Specializes in fiberglass and steel exterior doors in ready to paint finishes | $550-$650 | |
Titan | Specializes in aluminum security doors with powder coating and unique designs | $875-$1,150 |
| Shield | Specializes in fire-rated steel doors encased in wood with shatterproof designs | $1,500-$2,500 |
Prosteel | Specializes in steel doors with fire-resistant insulation | $2,000-$4,100 |
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
FAQ
- How much do steel entry doors cost?
The cost of a solid steel entry door averages $500.
- How much does it cost to install security screens?
Security screens usually cost $200 or more, depending on the size.
- How much does it cost to install a French door?
The installation of French doors averages $500-$700.
- How much do security doors cost?
Total cost of a security door including purchase of door with hardware and installation averages $1,500-$2,000.
- How much does a Crimsafe security door cost?
Crimsafe does not manufacture security entry doors, but does make security screen and patio doors from protective glass materials. Costs for these doors start at $1,000, but since the doors are custom-made, the price varies from client to client.
- What is the best entry door for security?
Hardwood doors with a steel core are usually the best for security purposes. These types of doors are built to resist extreme weather, burglary attempts, and fires. They are also usually the most expensive, with costs up to $3,000 depending on features. For instance, any special locking mechanisms will increase the price of the door.
- How much does it cost to replace an entry door?
Labor costs associated with the replacement of a security entry door averages $380 to $520. The average total cost for installation, the door, and hardware will be around $1,500 to $2,000.
- Are security doors effective?
Security doors are effective as long as they are rated against fire and have been tested thoroughly for different tools that burglars can use to break through the door. Aluminum doors are considered less effective than other types of metal.
- How do you secure a door?
Besides installing a security door, a deadbolt lock should be installed. The locking mechanisms should also be reinforced. Additional enhancements to secure a door include peepholes, motion lights at the doorway, and cameras with motion sensors 5 at the entrance.
Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet
Definitions in laymen's terms, cost considerations, pictures and things you need to know.See full cheat sheet.
1 Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric
2 Hinges: A type of joint that attaches two items together but allows one of them to swing back and forth, such as a door attached to a door frame
3 Screen door: An additional door, installed outside an exterior access door, that provides insulation and damage protection during inclement weather
4 Masonite: A door finished with a surface made of high-density fiberboard, an engineered wood product also called hardboard, and factory painted to look like wood. This term can also refer to a door with a solid hardboard core and wood veneer panels
5 Sensors: Device that responds to a physical event or change in the environment by emitting an output signal
How much does it cost to install a security entry door in my city?
Cost to install a security entry door varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.
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