Cost Considerations for Saloon Door Installation

So you've decided to install some swinging saloon doors in your home or business. Maybe it's for an entertainment space or to separate two areas with different purposes. Whatever the reason, adding a set of saloon doors is sure to make a fun statement. But before you start shopping for those double swinging doors you've been dreaming of, there are a few cost considerations to keep in mind.

While saloon doors themselves aren't too pricey, the additional components required to properly install them can add up. You'll want to budget for the doors, door frames, hardware like hinges and handles, any trim pieces needed to finish the installation, and tools if you plan to DIY the project. With some careful planning, you can get the saloon doors of your dreams without busting your budget. Let's take a look at what you can expect to pay for this classic Western addition.

Typical Costs for Saloon Doors

When budgeting for saloon doors, there are several costs to keep in mind. The total price can vary quite a bit depending on the materials, size, and added features of the doors.

● Door materials: The most affordable options are pine, oak, and maple. For a rustic look, reclaimed wood doors are popular but more pricey. Steel doors tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum. The hardware, like hinges and handles, are typically included with wood doors but may cost extra with metal doors.

● Door size: The larger and taller the doors, the higher the price tag. Standard sizes for home use range from 3 to 4 feet wide and 6 to 8 feet tall. Commercial saloon doors are often larger, from 5 to 6 feet wide and up to 10 feet in height, so they come with a steeper cost.

● Added features: Extras like etching, carving, or stained glass panels will increase the total cost. For example, a pair of simple 3-foot by 5-foot knotty pine doors may cost $700 to $1000, while the same size in oak with an etched design could run $900 to $1,500 or more.

So you can expect to pay between $500 to $3,000 or more for a set of saloon doors, depending on the options and features you choose. But with some budget-friendly selections, you can achieve an eye- catching look without saddling yourself with a sky-high bill. The most important part is ending up with doors that suit your needs and match your home's style.

Factors That Impact Saloon Door Installation Costs

The cost to install saloon doors can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. Some of the major things that impact the total price are:

Saloon doors come in a variety of materials, from wood to metal to synthetic. Wood doors tend to be on the higher end, especially if made from a premium, durable wood like oak or hickory. Metal doors, like aluminum or steel, are more budget-friendly but can dent or scratch more easily. Composite or synthetic doors offer an affordable, low-maintenance option. In general, you can expect to pay:

Door Cost:

● Wooden doors: $200 to $500+ per door

● Metal doors: $100 to $300 per door

● Synthetic doors: $50 to $200 per door

Door size and configuration

The larger and more complex your saloon door design is, the higher the cost will be. For example, a set of standard 3-foot by 7-foot doors will cost less than an ornate set of doors that are 6-feet by 8- feet. Doors with glass panels, carvings or other decorative elements will also add to the total price.

Hardware

Don't forget to budget for the necessary hardware like hinges, handles or pulls, and a latch or lock. Fancier, antique-style hardware made of materials like brass or bronze will increase the cost. Basic hardware for a standard set of saloon doors may run $50 to $200 or more for a premium set.

Installation

If you hire a contractor to install the saloon doors for you, labor costs will also factor into the total price. Installation fees can vary significantly based on the complexity of the job and costs in your local area. You may pay between $200 to $500 for a typical saloon door installation. Doing it yourself will save the labor fees, but you'll need to make sure you have the necessary carpentry skills and tools.

The overall cost for a saloon door project can range from a few hundred dollars for a DIY installation of basic doors up to $2,000 or more for a custom wood door setup installed by a contractor. But with some budget-friendly choices, you can achieve an Old West look without breaking the bank.

Finishing and Decor Options That Add to Cost

Finishing and decor options for saloon doors can significantly impact the total cost of installation. While basic unfinished wood or metal doors may seem budget-friendly upfront, the additional costs to make them match your space can add up quickly.

Paint or Stain

Painting or staining saloon doors allows you to match them to your existing interior trim or create an accent color. If you do the finishing yourself, you'll need to factor in the costs of primer, paint or stain, brushes, and other supplies which can range from $50 to $200 total depending on the quality. For a professional finish, expect to pay $200 to $500 for a contractor to paint or stain your saloon doors.

Hardware

The hardware for saloon doors includes hinges, latches or bolts to keep them securely closed, and handles or pulls for opening the doors. Basic hardware will add $50 to $200 to your total cost. Upgrading to decorative wrought iron or rustic hardware can cost $200 to $500 or more, depending on the intricacy of the design.

Etching or Distressing

Some popular saloon door styles include etched glass or distressed, reclaimed wood. Etched glass doors require stencils and etching cream or gel, costing $100 to $300 total for a DIY project. Professionally etched glass doors are $500 to $1000 per door, a cheaper option is frosted glass that offered on our website. Distressing new wood doors to make them look aged and weathered requires wire brushes, sandpaper, stains, and sealants which can cost $200 to $500 total.

Size and Number of Doors

The size and number of your saloon doors also impacts the total cost. Standard 32" door opening to 3-foot wide doors cost $200 to $800 per set. Wider 6-foot doors are $800 to $1500 or more per set. Using multiple doors to span an opening-for example, double doors or a series of doors will significantly increase the project cost.

With all the possible customizations and variables to consider, the total price for saloon door installation in your home can range from under $500 for a simple DIY project up to $1500 or more for a professional job with high-end finishing touches. But the good news is, you can control costs by choosing standard sizes, basic hardware, and doing some of the finishing work yourself.

Ways to Save on Your Saloon Door Project

Installing saloon doors can be an expensive undertaking, but there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Consider the following tips to save money on your saloon door project:

Buy Custom Doors and Trim Boards

Custom saloon doors made for your opening, so you can install them right out of the box. This eliminates the need to buy separate doors and frames and ensures proper alignment, saving you time and money. Custom doors may have a slightly higher upfront cost, but the convenience is worth it. Trim boards can be added if you need for a mounting option or to help make it look like a more finished opening.

Choose Stock Sizes

For the most affordable option, select a standard door size that does not require any custom cutting or alterations. Non-standard sizes are offered from Swinging Cafe Doors. Common saloon door widths are 24", 30", 32, and 36" door opening sizes offers the best value.

Opt for Paint Grade Wood

Hardwoods like oak, cherry, rustic alder, and sapele are beautiful but pricey. These doors are great for stained options. Paint grade wood can provide an attractive, finished option at a lower cost. 

Stain or Paint the Doors Yourself

Unfinished doors are often the most budget-friendly since you do the work of staining, painting or sealing them yourself. You can choose whatever color or finish you like and apply as many coats as needed to get your desired look. Doing it yourself does require more time and effort but can save you hundreds compared to pre-finished doors.

Conclusion

So there you have it, some key things to keep in mind if you're thinking about installing those iconic swinging saloon doors in your home or business. While saloon doors can be an eye-catching design choice and functional for high-traffic areas, make sure you understand the total investment required before kicking off your renovation project. Do some research on costs for the doors themselves as well as any additional construction or permits needed.

And don't forget that saloon doors may require ongoing maintenance to prevent warping or sagging over time. If the budget allows and you go into the project with realistic expectations about time and money required, saloon doors can be a fun and memorable addition to your space. But make sure to push through them with confidence like in the old Western movies!