Fire Door Installation Costs: What Homeowners Need to Know
Thinking about fire protection for your home?
Fire door installation costs are all over the place. For different properties and fire protection requirements. There is another problem, though…
Most people have absolutely no clue about what they should be paying for the job.
That’s an issue.
Fire doors are not just some fancy afterthought. They are critical life-saving measures. Fire doors can withstand fire and smoke for up to an hour. This is enough time for residents to evacuate.
This guide will cover:
- Understanding Fire Door Installation Costs
- What Affects The Price?
- Types of Fire Doors Explained
- DIY vs Professional Installation
- Making The Right Choice
Understanding Fire Door Installation Costs
Fire door installation costs start from as little as £150.
Up to as much as £600 per door.
Let’s be real.
The end total for the work will depend on several variables.
Door types, frame types, and installation labour. Homeowners need to plan for the overall cost, including the price of the door and the installation itself.
The real question is…
How much should you really be paying for a fire door?
A standard internal fire door will cost between £80 and £250. It’s the installation that adds another £100 to £200 on top. External fire doors and specialist types lead to higher overall costs. Comparing fire door prices is a smart way to budget, but fitting charges are a big factor in the total price.
Fire doors are becoming a must-have for UK homeowners.
According to the Fire Door Inspection Scheme, 75% of all fire doors fail to meet standards. Failures are often caused by poor installation.
Get it right the first time. Save money. Save lives. It’s not a choice anymore. With over 45,000 fires in UK homes and businesses a year, fire door installation is essential.
What Affects The Price?
The total cost of fire door installation is affected by a few factors. Understanding these will allow you to plan and budget properly.
Door Rating
Fire doors have a fire protection rating. This relates to how long the door will stop a fire.
- FD30 is 30 minutes
- FD60 is 60 minutes
- FD90 and FD120 are commercial-use doors
Higher fire ratings cost more. Residential properties typically need FD30. Which is good enough to keep costs affordable.
Frame Requirements
If the old door frame is in good condition, the installer can re-use it. But sometimes the frame needs replacing. A new fire door frame is another £50 to £150 added to the total cost.
Glazing Options
Glazed fire doors have a window. Fire-rated glazing costs much more than standard glass. A glazed fire door will be an extra £100 to £300.
Property Type
Installing fire doors in older properties typically costs more. Uneven walls and non-standard door openings are more common. Installers may need to do additional work. To modify the frames or add packers.
Types of Fire Doors Explained
There are different types of fire doors.
Here is a quick summary of your options:
- Solid Timber Fire Doors: Solid timber is the most popular option for homes. Good protection. At an affordable price. Solid timber fire doors cost between £100 and £300 each.
- Composite Fire Doors: Composite doors use a mix of materials for higher performance. These are more expensive but have better security and insulation properties. Composite fire doors cost between £200 and £500 each.
- Glazed Fire Doors: Glazed fire doors allow light through but maintain fire resistance. Good for internal doors where light is needed. Prices between £200 and £450.
- External Fire Doors: External fire doors must have weather-proofing as well as fire protection. This leads to higher costs. External fire doors should be of good quality. Expect to pay £300 to £800.
The best door for your property depends on building regs and your fire safety needs.
DIY vs Professional Installation
It is possible to install fire doors yourself.
The issue is…
Fire doors need to be installed properly. The gaps around the door must be exact. The seals must be in the right place. The hinges must be fire-rated. Hinges fitted correctly. Incorrect installation can lead to your fire door failing in an emergency. Research found 31% of fire doors were improperly installed at the start. That’s 3 in every 10 doors failing before even being tested by a fire.
Professional installation costs between £80 and £200 per door. This covers all of the following:
- Remove the old door
- Fit a new fire door and frame
- Install fire-rated hinges and seals
- Check gap measurements are correct
- Fit a self-closing mechanism
The additional cost is worth it. Peace of mind is priceless.
Making The Right Choice
The right fire door will depend on 3 factors:
1. Location
Where is the door? Internal doors will typically need FD30. Doors to garages and high-risk rooms may need FD60. Check local building regs for guidance.
2. Budget
How much are you willing to spend? Set a realistic budget that covers good quality doors AND professional installation. Avoid cheap fire doors with a dodgy fitting.
3. Compliance
Fire doors in rented properties and HMOs must be to a standard. Rental landlords face legal obligations under the Regulatory Reform Order 2005. Penalties are severe for non-compliance.
4. Getting Quotes
Always get a few quotes for fire door installation. A good fire door quote should include:
- Door supply
- Frame and hardware
- Labour costs
- Disposal of the old door
- Any additional building work
Compare at least 3 quotes before making a decision. The lowest cost isn’t always the best value.
Wrapping Things Up
Fire door installation costs range from £150 to £600 per door. When taking into account both supply and fitting.
The end total price will depend on the door type and rating, glazing needs, and your property. Professional installation will add to the overall cost but ensures your fire doors work correctly when needed.
- Set a budget for both the door and installation costs
- Choose the correct fire rating
- Don’t skimp on professional installers
- Get multiple quotes before signing anything
- Check fire door compliance for your property type
Fire doors are not just for meeting regulations. They are about keeping your family and property safe from one of the most destructive emergencies a homeowner can face.
It’s a small price to pay.
