The cost of many bullet-resistant doors may start as low as $3,500, depending on the material and level of protection. For instance, a simple steel door will be on the lower end, while an aluminum door tested to UL Level 8 will be much higher. It's important to note these figures are for the door itself and typically do not include shipping, installation, framing, or accessories.
In this blog, we break down all the aspects of a bulletproof door that contribute to its overall price so you can accurately plan your project budget.
3 Factors That Determine Bulletproof Door Costs
Bulletproof doors are a complex product. Not only do they need to look and feel like a standard, non-bulletproof door, they need to perform like a bulletproof door during an adverse security event. Achieving both in one product takes time, skill, and advanced ballistic materials. All of these factors impact the price, so where the cost of your door falls will depend on the features and aesthetics that you choose.
1. Level of Bulletproof Security
The largest single factor determining bulletproof door price is security level. Higher level ballistic security requires tougher, thicker ballistic materials. These materials are more expensive, and working with them is more labor intensive.
2. Bulletproof Materials
Ballistic steel doors and bullet-resistant aluminum doors with small or no windows are easier to fabricate than wooden security doors. A higher security Level 8 door constructed of steel is generally more cost-effective, while achieving that same level of protection with an aluminum and glass storefront door typically requires a greater investment.
Fabricating bulletproof wood doors require a high level of skill and craftsmanship. The wood laminate used on their visible surfaces can be very sensitive to weather and humidity during the door’s construction. Also, ballistic wood doors may require some complex layering and finishing work, depending on the security level and desired aesthetic.
All-glass ballistic doors are usually the most difficult standard doors to create. This makes them the most expensive, even at lower ballistic security levels. They are often frameless, and require flawless pre-planning and fabrication. We fabricate all-glass doors as one complete piece, including the holes for hardware.
Similarly, one-of-a-kind, custom, specialty ballistic doors that offer stealth security by seamlessly blending into a historical or intricately-designed interior will come with a higher cost.
3. Bulletproof Door Hardware
Bulletproof doors are heavier and thicker than standard doors. They require more robust hinges, door closers, locksets, and framing. When you work with TSS, we’ll always suggest the hardware that you need for your bulletproof door to perform as expected. If you would like to bring some of your own hardware so you can match other doors in your facility, we are happy to help integrate those items. And if you need to include other advanced security features, like card readers, auto openers, exit devices, or electric strikes, let us know so we can include that in the design of your door.
Ask Your Bulletproof Provider About Shipping, Installation, and Other Costs
One detail that’s often left out when you are researching bulletproof door prices is that the quoted price range is usually only for the door itself. The price we list in this blog is only for the bulletproof door. It doesn’t include freight, framing, and installation costs. This is because the cost of shipping, framing, and installation differ wildly between orders, making it impossible to give you a helpful estimate of what shipping for your bulletproof door might be without knowing more specific details about your project. If you’re researching your bulletproof door options, don’t forget to ask about these costs so you can factor them into your budget.
Customize Your Ballistic Doors With TSS
At TSS, we’re always pleased to make free resources available to support good, comprehensive security planning. Those resources include both our introductory Ballistic Door Solutions Guide and our more detailed Ballistic Door Hardware Solutions Guide. If you have any questions, or are ready to begin moving forward with a project now, we’re here to help. Contact us to get started today.
