How Much Does It Cost to Install a Steel Door? [2025 Data]
Steel door installation costs between $150 and $1,400 but averages $600. Where you live, the doors you choose, and who installs them will impact the price.
Steel yourself for a more secure home with curb appeal. The average exterior steel door installation costs $600, but it ranges between $150 and $3,000, depending on the type of steel door you buy and location. If you think it’s time for an upgrade, steel doors are cost-effective, offer enhanced security and extended durability (between 30 and 100 years), and increase energy efficiency.
This guide covers all the cost factors involved in your installation, including choosing between types of doors and materials and interior versus exterior setups.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Steel Doors by Type?
Depending on your budget and home size, you can choose between various types of steel doors. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most popular types and their associated costs:
| Steel Door Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic | $150–$400 |
| Fire-rated | $250–$700 |
| Decorative with glass | $500–$1,000 |
| With sidelights | $700–$3,000 |
| Double | $950–$2,800 |
Steel Door Installation Cost Breakdown
Quality steel doors are a solid investment that provides security, peace of mind, and an updated look for your home. Here’s a closer look at the costs involved in installing new steel doors.
Materials
While many door installation companies provide everything you need, some homeowners choose to buy the door installation materials for their contractors, including:
The door
Screws
Knobs
Locks and latches
Hinges
Materials cost $150 to $600, but it varies with the project. You can save time by asking a door installer to gather the materials for you and include them in your final bill.
Most residential steel doors are made from galvanized steel, which is dipped in a zinc coating that creates a barrier and protects against scratches and corrosion. And there’s no need to worry about a drab entryway: You can customize your steel door with a variety of colors to fit your house's aesthetic.
Labor
Labor rates for door installation range from $30 to $90 per hour or more. Handyperson services cost $50 to $150 per hour if you choose that option. Ultimately, your location and how long your project takes will determine the labor rates.
Interior or Exterior
As a reminder, installing an exterior steel door costs between $150 and $1,400. But if you decide you want to install steel doors inside of your home, interior door installation costs around $360 to $1,150. You’ll still need to factor in labor costs, materials, and your home’s location for an exact price.
Location
Since local labor rates vary from place to place, location plays a large part in how much your door installation will cost. Here’s a look at the average prices in these states:
| State | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | $450 |
| Maine | $480 |
| Nebraska | $420 |
| Colorado | $490 |
| Georgia | $535 |
| Louisiana | $490 |
| New York | $730 |
| Wyoming | $550 |
| Minnesota | $590 |
| Ohio | $500 |
| California | $600 |
Cost to Install a Steel Door Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
If you want a steel door without breaking the bank, you might be able to install the door yourself. The average door installation takes roughly six to seven hours, meaning you can save about $260 to $500 on the labor costs. You’ll still have to pay for materials, which cost between $150 and $600.
However, if you don’t have the skillset and tools for the job, don’t take this decision lightly. Proper steel door installation requires advanced skills that most homeowners lack. To protect your home from intruders and outdoor elements, ensure you install the door correctly and that it fits in the frame.
You’ll need a large enough vehicle to transport the door, the right installation tools, and ample time to complete the project. It’s better to hire a pro than to make a DIY error that could cost you extra money for repairs. A door installation contractor near you can properly install your new door and work more quickly, thanks to their experience.
How to Save Money When Installing a Steel Door
To lock in the best price for a steel door that lasts, follow these tips. They can save money on installation without cutting corners and compromising on quality:
Use the existing doorframe unless the current one is worn out.
Consider which type of steel door best fits your budget.
Visit various home improvement stores to compare material prices.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can install a steel door without replacing the frame, depending on the condition of your existing doorframe. If the current frame is in good condition, a steel door that’s the same size as your current door should fit the frame. However, if the frame is damaged, warped, or not properly aligned, it’s better to replace both the door and the frame. This way your steel door will be more secure and offer better insulation.
How long steel door installation takes varies with your contractor's experience, necessary work, whether you need a new doorframe, door type, and the complexity of the job. Most steel door installations take four to six hours, but your specific job can take more or less time. Professional door installers can complete the job in a single day, but talk with your installer about what you can expect.
Yes, new steel doors add value to your home. They improve curb appeal, increase home security, and make your home more energy-efficient. High-quality steel doors are durable, low-maintenance, and insulate well against hot and cold temperatures. Potential buyers often appreciate the added protection and aesthetic upgrade, so new steel doors can help your home stand out and increase its resale value.
The life expectancy of a steel door is between 30 and 50 years, depending on factors like quality, proper installation, climate, maintenance, and amount of use. Steel doors are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. You can also increase the lifespan of steel doors by regularly maintaining and cleaning them, repainting them, checking their seals, and treating them gently.
When installing new steel doors, it’s smart to do other projects simultaneously. This can lower costs, limit mess, and help your home look and function better. For example, replacing a damaged doorframe is wise when planning door installations.
Also consider changing broken or worn-out locks, repairing or replacing weather stripping, and updating handles. Painting, staining, or upgrading the trim around the door can also improve energy efficiency, security, and aesthetics.
