Why Are Doors So Expensive? (11 Reasons Why)

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Brandon Porter

Brandon Porter is an architectural draftsman of 25 years and a self-proclaimed handyman. He loves renovating homes and making them his own, whether it's fixing up the plumbing or painting the walls.

Have you been looking to replace one of your doors but noticed the price seems to have increased drastically?

Do you want to know why doors are so expensive? Well, I’ve been researching this topic and have found several reasons for the price, so keep reading to learn the answers!

Why Are Doors So Expensive?

Doors are expensive because the type of material significantly impacts price, but the brand of door can make the door expensive. Also, the size of the door matters, and whether or not it’s an entry door that needs to be built for protection or an interior door that is cheaper to produce.

Are you looking for even more reasons why doors are so expensive or want a more detailed explanation? If so, continue reading below as I dive into each reason in-depth!

1. The Materials Used

Doors are so expensive because of the materials used to make them, with certain materials costing more than others.

For example, you can opt for a door made from wood, fiberglass, or steel if you’re looking for an entry door, and both wood and fiberglass cost much more than fiberglass.

2. Door Size

The size of your door will impact the price, which means a door that is substantial in size is going to cost much more than a smaller door, or a double door will cost more than a single.

3. Brand Of The Door

If you want to know why doors are so expensive, you may want to consider that the door brand will significantly impact the price of the door.

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For example, you will find varying prices with some of the most common door brands, including Weiland, Therma-Tu, Simpson, Masonite, and Liberty.

However, you can choose a different door brand that isn’t nearly as popular if you’re looking to save some money, but it might not last as long as one of the popular brands.

4. Hardware & Hardware Material Chosen For The Door

The hardware and hardware materials you choose for your door will also impact price and lead to the door being more expensive.

To illustrate, you can choose varying hardware types, materials, and designs, such as for the hinges, locks, and doorknobs, and each choice you make will impact the door’s cost.

5. Labor Costs Involved

5. Labor Costs Involved

There is a lot of labor involved in putting up doors, especially entry doors, which will drive up the price of the door if you’re not doing all of the work yourself.

For example, you will have to pay for professional installation, removal of your old door, staining of the new door, waterproofing, modifications of the entryway, and much more!

6. The Style Of Your Door

The style of door you choose will determine the price, with certain types being more expensive than others.

Furthermore, there are multiple styles of doors you can choose from, such as craftsman, rustic, traditional, arched, and modern, which all can be either single-entry or double-entry.

7. Where You Buy Your Door From

Big-name stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot are good options, but you may be paying more for your door than if you would shop somewhere else, such as a smaller local store for your door.

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In addition, if you shop online at a specialty door store, you’re going to be paying more as well, so where you buy your door will factor into the price and can make it expensive!

8. Front Doors Cost Significantly More

One reason why doors are expensive is that front doors simply cost more than an interior door since the front door has multiple functions and is meant to be more secure.

For example, you can get an interior door for less than $40 if you aren’t customizing it, but a front door may cost you $300 or more since its sole purpose is to protect your house.

Additionally, a front door has to be made to withstand the weather and elements, so it will be made differently from an interior door that isn’t exposed to the weather like snow or rain.

9. Warranty Options

Most doors will have a warranty option with them, and the better the warranty is for the door, the more the door will cost you, and it can get expensive quickly!

However, it’s best to go with a comprehensive warranty because it can save you time and money in the long run.

10. Customizations

Any customizations that need to be made to the door will cost you, and the more customizations you have, the more expensive your door will be.

For example, if you want to add sidelights or decorative glass, you will have to pay for those customizations, or if you choose a door without a doggy door and need one cut into it.

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11. You Had Your Door Repainted

Big box stores carry doors in select colors, so if you choose to have your door repainted specifically to match your house, you’re going to incur more expenses.

Furthermore, the bigger the door is, the more money you’ll pay to have it repainted, especially if you get it professionally painted and don’t do it yourself!

However, the cost of repainting a door should be pretty minor compared to making customizations such as accents to the door.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on why patio cushions are so expensive, why dining chairs are so expensive, and why bed frames are so expensive.

Conclusion

Doors are so expensive because adding customizations such as sidelights can drive up the price, and the type of material used for the door will alter the expenses you incur.

Additionally, a door might have to be modified to fit, which costs money, and you have to factor in labor costs associated with removing the old door and installing the new door.

Also, doors will be more expensive if you choose a double-entry door over a single-entry door, and where you buy your door can make it expensive too!

Author

  • Brandon Porter

    Brandon Porter is an architectural draftsman of 25 years and a self-proclaimed handyman. He loves renovating homes and making them his own, whether it's fixing up the plumbing or painting the walls.

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