Arched doorways are a classic architectural feature that can add elegance and style to any home. But are they more expensive than standard rectangular doorways? There are a few factors to consider when evaluating the cost difference between arched and standard doorways.
In general, arched doorways do tend to be more expensive for a few reasons. First, the arched shape requires additional labor and custom materials to construct compared to a standard rectangular doorway. The framing, door, and trim all need to be custom-made to fit the arched opening. This specialty work and custom fabrication understandably adds to the overall price.
Second, arched doorways are considered a premium architectural feature. Builders and remodelers know that homeowners are willing to pay more for arched openings as they are perceived as upscale design elements that add value and visual interest to a home. The added cost to the homeowner is driven by this increase in desirability and demand.
However, there are scenarios where an arched doorway may not cost significantly more. For example, if you are building a home from scratch and incorporating arches throughout, your builder may offer a discount since they are constructing multiple arched openings rather than just one. Additionally, factory-made arched doors and DIY kits have made adding an arched doorway more affordable than paying for full custom fabrication.
So while in general arched openings are pricier, the exact cost difference depends on factors like whether it is a retrofit or new construction, the number of arched doorways being installed, choice of materials, and who is doing the work. Paying close attention to these variables can help determine if the added cost of an arched doorway fits into your budget and design vision.
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Factors that Increase the Cost of Arched Doorways
There are several specific factors that contribute to the increased cost of arched doorways compared to standard rectangular openings:
Custom Framing
The framing around an arched doorway usually needs to be constructed of individual pieces of wood cut and assembled to follow the curved shape. This specialty framing requires more time, material, and carpentry skills compared to the simple straight pieces used for standard rectangular jambs and headers. The complex angles and joinery involved in arched framing added cost in both labor and materials.
Custom Doors
Doors for arched openings need to be custom made to fit the curved shape on top. While some companies offer pre-made arched doors in standard sizes, a fully custom door built specifically for the arched opening is usually required for the best fit and aesthetic. The cost of a custom made arched door can be two to three times that of a standard rectangular pre-hung door from a home improvement store.
Specialty Trim and Moldings
The arched shape lends itself to more elaborate trim details like ornate crowns, rosettes, extended header trim, and curved casings. These specialty trim elements that complement an arched doorway require experienced craftsmanship and again drive up the overall cost compared to simple square trim.
Difficult Installation Process
The installation process for arched openings is more complex compared to standard rectangular openings. Carefully fitting and securing the custom framing, door, and trim to the arched shape takes extra time, precision, and expertise. This again translates to higher labor costs associated with the installation.
Factors that Decrease the Cost of Arched Doorways
While generally more expensive, there are some scenarios where arched doorways may cost comparably or only slightly more than standard rectangular openings:
New Home Construction
If you are building a new home from the ground up and using arched openings throughout, your builder or contractor may only charge a small upcharge for the arched vs. rectangular doorways. Since they are constructing multiple arched openings, efficiencies of scale help mitigate some of the additional material and labor costs.
DIY Installation
Savvy DIYers can save on the installation costs of arched doorways by doing the work themselves. DIY arched doorway kits include pre-framed and pre-hung doors that simplify the installation process vs. building fully custom. There is still some complexity involved however, so DIY is best suited for advanced home improvement enthusiasts.
Factory Made Doors
Purchasing a pre-made arched door rather than paying for a fully custom door can also reduce costs somewhat. While these factory-made doors still require specialty jambs and trim, an off-the-shelf arched door provides cost savings compared to a door custom built for your exact specifications.
Simple Arched Shape
Basic semicircular or eyebrow arched openings tend to cost less than elaborate Gothic or Moorish arch shapes that require additional framing intricacies. Keeping the design simple reduces some cost.
So in scenarios where you can batch multiple arched openings in new construction, use a DIY kit, purchase a factory door, or simplify the design, you may benefit from some cost savings compared to adding a single elaborate custom arched doorway.
Cost Breakdown Comparison
To better illustrate the cost differences, here is an example price breakdown for a standard rectangular doorway versus a basic arched doorway for a single opening:
Rectangular Doorway
| Framing lumber – $75 |
| Straight jambs and header – $150 |
| Pre-hung door – $250 |
| Square trim – $75 |
| Installation labor – $200 |
| Total Cost – $750 |
Arched Doorway
| Custom curved framing – $200 |
| Arched jambs and header – $400 |
| Custom arched door – $750 |
| Ornate arched trim – $300 |
| Specialized installation – $400 |
| Total Cost – $2050 |
As you can see, the custom fabrication and installation required for the arched doorway in this example adds approximately $1300 to the total project cost compared to the simpler rectangular opening.
Factors like the complexity of the arched design, choice of materials, and installation method would cause this cost difference to vary from project to project. But in most cases, the arched doorway does come at a premium.
Value Considerations of Arched Doorways
When deciding whether to take on the added expense of arched openings, it helps to keep the potential added value they create in mind as well:
Curb Appeal
Arched doorways provide an elegant focal point on a home’s exterior, enhancing curb appeal. This can positively impact the perceived value of your home.
Architectural Interest
The visual interest and style arches add can elevate the design of your home both inside and out. This artistic character is difficult to quantify but does boost a home’s overall quality.
Improved Light and Views
The curved top of an arch can open up a room and may allow you to use a larger door. This provides better light, airflow, and views compared to a standard rectangular door.
Historic Charm
Arches lend a home old-world, historic charm. Depending on the overall style you desire, this look and feel may be worth the premium you pay.
Increased Home Value
While difficult to predict exactly, the upgrades and curb appeal arches provide do generally add value if considering eventual resale. This can help offset some of the initial cost.
Weighing these benefits against the higher cost can help in deciding if arched openings align with your budget and goals for your home.
Cost Saving Tips for Arched Openings
If after considering the costs and benefits you move forward with arched openings, here are some tips for keeping expenses down:
– Incorporate arches into new construction rather than a remodel whenever possible.
– Look for simple half-circle arched shapes rather than complex decorative arches.
– Size the openings to work with standard Pre-hung door units rather than full custom.
– Use a DIY kit for simple projects like closet doors.
– Shop sales and clearance for specialty arched trim and molding pieces.
– Hire experienced contractors who can provide volume discounts.
– Use less expensive moulding and trim materials like urethane rather than solid wood.
– Focus arches on one or two main front entrances rather than multiple interior doors.
Getting creative with these cost-saving measures can help bring an arched doorway into alignment with your budget.
Conclusion
In most situations, arched doorways do come at a premium cost compared to standard rectangular openings. The exact price difference depends on the complexity of the design, choice of materials, whether new construction or a remodel, and installation factors. With attention to cost saving techniques however, arched openings can potentially fit into diverse budgets.
And given the aesthetic benefits, added home value, and architectural interest arches provide, the extra investment is often worthwhile for homeowners wanting to elevate the design and style of their home. If done right, arched doorways create a lasting impression and focal point.