How Much Does a Fire Door Cost in 2025?

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

When it comes to home safety, fire doors represent a critical line of defense by containing flames and smoke. Homeowners spend an average of $650 on fire door costs, with average prices ranging between $400 and $900. For basic setups, costs may start at $300, while premium installations with higher ratings or custom features can reach $1,350. Prices vary based on factors such as fire door type, size, materials, and labor. Creating a comprehensive fire safety strategy requires ongoing attention, including proper door selection and maintenance.

Fire Door Cost Factors

Several elements influence what you'll pay for a fire door installation. The door's fire rating significantly affects price, as does the size and material composition. Installation complexity, location within your home, permit requirements, and removal of existing doors all contribute to the final bill. Understanding these variables helps in planning your safety upgrade.

Type of Fire Door

Fire doors receive ratings based on how many minutes they can withstand intense heat without compromising their integrity. These ratings directly impact cost, with higher ratings commanding premium prices.

Fire doors are labeled with designations like FD20 or FD90, where the number indicates minutes of fire resistance. While 20-minute doors represent the entry-level option, many professionals recommend at least a 45-minute rating for residential applications. Higher-rated doors (60 to 90 minutes) provide enhanced protection but at increased cost.

Residential settings commonly use 20 to 45 minute doors for interior applications or between garages and living spaces. Commercial buildings or multi-family dwellings often require higher-rated doors (60 to 90 minutes) to satisfy building codes and insurance requirements.

Size

The dimensions of your fire door significantly impact its price point. Standard-sized doors cost less than custom or oversized options that require additional materials and specialized manufacturing processes.

Some fire-rated doors have maximum size limitations based on their rating. For example, certain 60-minute doors cannot exceed three feet, six inches in width by eight feet in height. As fire ratings increase, doors become thicker and heavier, which affects both material requirements and installation complexity.

Non-standard door openings often necessitate custom solutions, which naturally increase overall project costs. When planning your fire door installation, measuring accurately and determining whether standard sizes will work for your space can help manage expenses.

Labor

Professional installation requires two to three hours at rates between $40 and $90 per hour. Fire doors weigh substantially more than standard doors and require precise installation to function properly during emergencies.

A critical component of installation involves properly fitting intumescent seals—special material strips that expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps around the door. This technical aspect of installation contributes to labor costs but is essential for the door's fire-resistant performance.

Location

Where you place fire doors within your home affects both necessity and installation complexity. Common locations include:

• Between attached garages and living spaces

• Entrances to basements

• In multi-unit buildings, between units or common areas

• Stairwells in multi-story structures

Installation in difficult-to-access areas or locations requiring structural modifications will increase labor time and costs. Additionally, some locations may have specific code requirements that influence door selection and installation methods.

Permits

Depending on your municipality, fire door installation permits cost between $50 and $300. While this adds to your upfront expense, proper permitting ensures your installation meets safety standards and building codes.

Permit requirements are particularly important in commercial settings or multi-family residences where fire doors play a critical role in occupant safety. Skipping required permits could lead to costly corrections later and potentially compromise insurance coverage.

Removal and Disposal of Existing Doors

When replacing standard doors with fire-rated versions, the removal and disposal of the old doors add $40 to $100 to your project cost. This service includes proper disposal of materials, which is particularly important if older doors contain hazardous components.

Fire Door Add-Ons

Various accessories and enhancements can complement your fire door installation. These might include specialized hardware, viewing panels, or automatic closing mechanisms. While these features enhance functionality, they also increase the overall project cost.

Fire Door Materials

Fire doors come in various styles beyond their rating classifications. The construction method and materials significantly impact both performance and aesthetics.

Wood Fire Doors

Wood fire doors maintain a traditional appearance while incorporating fire-resistant cores. These doors blend seamlessly with residential interiors while providing necessary protection. Despite their conventional appearance, they contain specialized internal components that activate during fires.

Steel Fire Doors

Steel fire doors offer exceptional durability and fire resistance. They're particularly common in commercial applications and residential garages where aesthetic considerations may be secondary to performance and longevity. These doors often feature a steel skin over a fire-resistant core.

Glass Fire Doors

Fire-rated glass doors provide visibility and light transmission while maintaining fire protection. The glass used in these doors undergoes special treatment to withstand high temperatures. These doors are popular in settings where maintaining an open feel is desired alongside fire safety.

Composite Fire Doors

Composite fire doors combine multiple materials to balance appearance, performance, and cost. These engineered doors often incorporate layers of different materials to achieve specific fire ratings while maintaining reasonable weight and appearance. They represent a versatile option suitable for various applications.

DIY Fire Door Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

While DIY installation might seem appealing from a cost perspective, fire doors present unique challenges compared to standard interior doors.

The weight of fire doors (significantly heavier than standard doors) and the precision required for proper sealing make professional installation the recommended approach. Improperly installed fire doors may fail to provide intended protection during emergencies.

When to Hire a Professional

Professional installation becomes particularly important in certain scenarios:

• Commercial or multi-family buildings with specific code requirements

• Creating new door openings rather than replacing existing doors

• Installing doors with higher fire ratings (60 minutes or above)

• When local building codes mandate professional installation

Professional installers understand the technical requirements for proper sealing, hardware installation, and frame preparation that ensure the door will function as designed during an emergency.

Finding the Right Fire Door Installer

When selecting an installer, look for contractors with specific experience in fire door installation. Ask about their familiarity with local building codes and request references from similar projects. Verify that they understand the importance of proper sealing and hardware installation for fire-rated doors.

Budgeting for Fire Door Installation

Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your fire door installation project more budget-friendly:

• Get multiple estimates: Compare quotes from several qualified local door installation professionals to ensure competitive pricing

• Consider standard sizes: Whenever possible, select standard door dimensions to avoid custom manufacturing costs

• Match ratings to requirements: Choose fire ratings that meet but don't unnecessarily exceed your local code requirements

• Combine multiple installations: If you need several fire doors, having them installed simultaneously can reduce per-door labor costs

• Evaluate material options: Select materials that balance your aesthetic preferences, durability needs, and budget constraints

Ongoing Fire Door Costs

After your fire door is installed, keep these ongoing expenses in mind.

Maintenance

Fire doors require regular inspection to maintain their protective capabilities. Industry experts recommend checking your fire doors at least every six months for signs of damage or wear. Look specifically for problems like leaks, holes, water damage, or pest damage that might compromise the door's integrity.

Operating Costs

Beyond initial installation, fire doors don't add significant operating expenses. However, certain considerations may arise with exterior fire doors, where proper sealing impacts energy efficiency. Maintaining proper ventilation throughout your home is also important, especially with higher-rated fire doors that limit airflow.

Repairs

When damage occurs to a fire door, prompt attention is essential to maintain protection. Common issues include damaged frames, warped doors, or compromised seals. Labor for door repairs follows similar hourly rates as installation work, ranging from $40 to $90 per hour depending on your location and the technician's experience.

Insurance

Installing properly rated and professionally installed fire doors may positively impact your homeowners' insurance premiums. Some insurance providers offer discounts for homes with enhanced fire protection measures. Keep documentation of your fire door installation, including permits and professional certification, to share with your insurance company.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from 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.