Door installation costs Hoover AL can vary depending on the style of door, its materials, and other factors. Homeowners can save money by using an existing frame when replacing an old or damaged door. However, installing a new door into an unfinished space or cutting a hole in brick will require additional drywall and possibly electrical or plumbing alterations.
Door Style
Door installation prices are often based on the type and style of the door, along with any additional features like smart locks, sidelights, or wrought iron details. These high-end additions can add up to $500 or more to the total cost.
Traditional wood doors have a solid core and are a popular option for interior designs. If you’re concerned about warping from Birmingham, AL’s climate, ask your local contractor about a furniture-grade veneered door that minimizes the risk of expansion and contraction.
Installing a door in a new opening can require drywall repair and possibly plumbing and electrical alterations, which drives up costs. However, installing a door into an existing frame is typically less expensive and quicker. Choose an interior door design that fits with the decor of your home’s interior.
Door Material
The material that your front door is made from will set the tone for your home. The main choices are wood, fiberglass and steel. Each provides distinct benefits for your home.
Fiberglass doors are easy to maintain, and they resist dents and scratches. They also come in a variety of finishes, such as Mahogany-grain or Fir-grain. Some have an insulated core for enhanced energy efficiency.
Wood doors are durable and aesthetically pleasing, but they require regular maintenance to prevent moisture damage. They can swell in humid conditions and be susceptible to mold and fungus. However, well-dried wood is a solid choice and offers the best insulation. Steel doors are strong and secure, but they can rust if not treated properly. Aluminum doors are durable, affordable and rust-resistant. They’re available in a wide range of colors and finishes to match your style.
Door Frame
Door frames are complex, with many parts that work together to create a fully functional entryway. They include the sill, jambs and head. The door frame also includes a threshold that sits on top of the floor and adds rigidity and funnels water away.
The sides of the frame are called the door jambs, and the top is the head jamb. They fit into a rough opening in the wall, and are usually 2″ taller and wider than the door unit size. The frame can also have sidelites or transoms added to it. The frame is typically made of wood, but can be steel or aluminum as well. It can be painted or stained. It can also be trimmed with brickmolding or mullions. The threshold should be sealed for weather resistance.
Door Hardware
Door hardware adds beauty, function and security to your home interior doors and exterior doors. Choosing the right style and finish of hardware ties together design details in your home, improves accessibility and enhances the overall functionality of your doors.
Specifying hardware involves a lot of nomenclature and can be overwhelming for many people, especially those new to the industry. Whether you write your own specs, work with a specification writer or architect, or need to select the right hardware for a project, it’s important to understand key terms like hangers, strikes and faceplates. These help ensure your project meets code requirements. They are a key factor in the durability of your doors and can affect how they close and lock. A strike is the piece of metal mounted to a jamb that curves over a latch cylinder to facilitate the door’s closure.
Door Installation
Installing a new door can boost your home’s curb appeal, welcome visitors, and improve security. However, a DIY project can be a costly endeavor. Many factors impact the installation cost, such as the door type and size, framing needs, labor prices, and supplies.
If you want to cut costs, choose a plain door with fewer details. Also, opt for a standard double door rather than one with sidelights or a custom design. You can also save on installation by installing a single interior door instead of a double door.
Before you start the job, make sure the rough frame is plumb and level. To do this, tack wooden shims behind the hinge attachment points in the door frame. This will help ensure a proper fit when the hinges are installed.