The cost to replace a basement bulkhead door is $1,750 on average, but it can cost between $500 and $3,000 or more depending on the material you choose.
Bulkhead replacement costs can range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the condition of the existing door and the door material. On average, replacing a bulkhead costs $1,750, excluding installation and removal costs. A bulkhead, or cellar door, provides a basement entrance but can also lead to a storm shelter if you live in an area with extreme weather.
A faulty bulkhead door can result in water damage or other inconvenient cleanups, so it’s essential to make sure your door is made out of durable material, installed properly, and replaced promptly when its structural integrity weakens. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the costs.
Replacing your home’s basement bulkhead door isn’t as expensive as a new installation. The process includes three separate tasks: removing the existing door, choosing and installing a new door, and hauling away the old one from your property. Each task carries its own price tag, although removal costs are usually in the quote you’ll get for the installation work.
Depending on the material, a basement bulkhead door costs anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more. You can find a wide range of styles at local big-box home improvement stores, most of which cost between $600 and $1,200.
Bulkhead doors have a concrete, rock, or brick casting to which the door attaches. Over time, the casting can break down and may need replacing along with the door. Demolition costs between $4 and $6 per square foot.
In some cases, you may need to grade and level to repair the foundation, which costs between $1 and $4 per square foot. Finally, pouring the new casting can cost between $4 and $8 per square foot.
Bulkhead installation costs and labor prices range from $400 to $1,000. If you’re replacing the old door with a closely matched new one, there isn’t likely to be additional buildup or concrete work to ensure a good fit. That means your labor costs will be on the lower end of the average range. Hire a local storm shelter pro for the installation and removal work.
After installation, the old door and any associated debris will need to be hauled away. The total labor cost includes this step, but double-check before formally hiring a contractor to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the final invoice.
| Replacement Cost Factors | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bulkhead door | $500–$2,000 |
| Grading or leveling | $1–$4 per square foot |
| Demolition (for concrete removal) | $2–$4 per square foot |
| Cutting concrete | $2–$10 per square foot |
| Pouring concrete slab foundation | $3–$8 per square foot |
| Permits | $25–$400 |
The cost of the basement bulkhead door will depend largely on the type of material used. Basement bulkhead doors come in wood, steel, plastic, or fiberglass. The labor costs to replace an existing door average 40% of the total cost and are substantially less than the costs of new construction, which includes excavation and concrete work.
| Bulkhead Door Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood | $500–$1,500 |
| Steel | $900–$1,600 |
| Plastic | $1,200–$1,500 |
| Fiberglass | $1,000–$2,000 |
Traditional cellar bulkhead doors found on properties across the Midwest are made of wood. While they provide some measure of protection, wooden bulkhead doors can begin to rot over time, leading to the potential for significant weather damage or intrusion. You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for pressure-treated wooden bulkhead replacement doors, with custom-built doors costing more.
Steel bulkhead doors can last for at least 20 years without risking significant rust damage. Their weight means that they offer superior protection, especially when combined with a heavy chain and padlock. The cost of steel bulkhead doors averages from $900 to $1,600, depending on the style and manufacturer.
Fiberglass basement bulkhead doors give you the strength of steel at a lighter weight. The aesthetic of fiberglass bulkhead doors is similar to traditional wood designs, which many people prefer. A fiberglass door offers a higher degree of protection from the elements without the risk of rust while also resisting age-related cracking or structural failure. Although some higher-end models cost more, fiberglass bulkhead doors range from $1,000 to $2,000.
If you’re fairly handy with carpentry projects, you might want to replace your basement bulkhead door yourself. Doing so can save you an average of 40% of your total costs to hire a professional to do the installation for you.
However, the time involved can be significant, so you’ll want to reserve a full weekend for the project. If you can persuade a similarly skilled friend to assist, you can probably finish the work in a day. Bulkhead doors can be quite heavy, so you’ll need at least one other assistant to help you move and manipulate the doors into place.
To get the job done, have these tools on hand:
| Tools | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| A right-angle grinder and cutoff wheel | $26 for a four-hour rental or $65 to $200 to purchase |
| Prybar | $10 to $15 to purchase |
| Drill with a mixing paddle attachment | $18 for a four-hour rental or $65 to $225 to purchase |
| Saw | $17 for a four-hour rental or $100 to $250 to purchase |
If you don’t have the necessary tools and materials, you’ll need to purchase or rent them (or just hire a pro for the job).
Replacing a basement bulkhead door can potentially eat into a home improvement budget. However, there are a few ways you can save some money while completing this project.
To save money while replacing your home’s bulkhead door, start with comparison shopping for your new door. You can find door products at most large home improvement stores at various prices, so research your options carefully and compare costs from different retailers.
Your bulkhead replacement will cost more if you need to replace the casting. Casting replacement may involve demolition, removal, leveling, grading, and pouring concrete. More complicated projects may also have an increased labor cost to accommodate the higher degree of skill required to complete the job. However, if the casting is in good shape and you’re only replacing the door, expect the costs to be on the lower end of the range.
Finally, consider doing the installation yourself if you have the requisite carpentry skills or want to attempt a full homemade storm shelter. You’ll still have to buy the door and materials, but you’ll save around 40% off the total price of having the work done professionally.
Look for signs of advancing wear and tear. Crumbling wood, rusted hardware, or increasingly misaligned doors indicate that you should begin considering a replacement. Although the replacement price might seem high, replacing the doors as soon as you notice these issues is best. Letting your existing doors continue to deteriorate can result in costly damage to your basement and belongings.
In some cases, you can repair a cellar door instead of replacing it. Whether you can fix it depends on how severe the damage is. For instance, if you have a leaky cellar door, you can repair it by adding weatherstripping and caulking it. You would need to fully replace it for more extensive problems, like rot due to severe water damage. A pro can help you determine whether you can repair your bulkhead door.
With proper installation and maintenance, bulkheads can last up to 50 years (sometimes even longer). The life span of your bulkhead also depends on the material. For example, most wooden bulkheads only last about 15 to 20 years, but vinyl will last a lot longer.
Consider your total budget when you choose your bulkhead replacement door. Ask a pro to inspect the site before submitting a quote to determine whether the bulkhead or surrounding materials need additional work.
If you’re installing a wooden door that will rest in a concrete or stone frame or brush up against a concrete platform, ensure that the wood portions are treated with a protective sealant. Acrylic stains require less maintenance than paint and will last longer without peeling.
If you plan to replace your basement bulkhead doors, you can consider adding on a few other projects to save you money overall. Think about finishing up or remodeling that basement you’ve been waiting to upgrade or adding a bathroom. Or consider adding a full aboveground or underground storm shelter. Doing more projects at once will help you get the most bang for your buck.
