Arched doors are significantly more expensive than standard rectangular doors for a variety of reasons. The unique curved shape requires more specialized materials, tools, and labor to construct, driving up costs. Additionally, arched doors are usually custom-made to order rather than mass produced, making them a specialty product. We’ll explore the specifics of what makes arched doors so pricey in detail below.
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More Complex Design and Build
The most basic reason that arched doors cost more is that they have a more complex design and build process. Constructing the curved arch requires extra steps and care during manufacturing. Some specific reasons the design and construction is more difficult include:
- Needing a rounded door frame and customized hinges/hardware to attach to the curved jamb
- Requiring specialized joinery techniques to connect the curved door headers
- Using thicker and higher grade wood that can bend without cracking
- Incorporating intricate arch-shaped transom windows if included
- Having a complex multi-step bending and clamping process to shape the arch
The arches of arched doors must be precisely measured, cut, and joined to create the smooth curve. It takes skilled craftsmen and attention to detail to properly construct the arch. The exact specifications also vary widely between different arched door designs. All of this specialized construction drives the manufacturing costs up substantially.
Custom Sizing and Fit
Another major factor adding to the price is that arched doors are inherently custom products, made to order for each unique home. There are near limitless sizes, materials, and designs that arched entryways can take. Some key areas of customization include:
- Exact arch height and radius
- Door width and thickness
- Type of materials (wood species, quality, etc)
- Amount of decorative carvings or embellishments
- Hardware options like hinges, locks, and handles
- Glasswork or window patterns if included
Each arched doorway has its own distinct measurements and design aesthetic. This means the door cannot be mass produced in standard sizes like normal rectangular doors. The costs associated with making a fully custom product in low volume runs are inherently higher.
Specialized Materials and Hardware
The materials and hardware that go into arched doors are also more specialized and expensive than those used in typical doors.
For the door itself, higher grades of dense wood are usually used to create the arched headers and withstand the shaping stresses. Expensive wood species like mahogany, cherry, and oak are common. Decorative veneers, carvings, inlays, and finish options can be added as well. The amount of custom detailed woodworking drives costs up rapidly.
The hardware components also tend to be higher-end for arched doors. Custom forged hinges, specially adapted door knobs and locks, decorative wrought iron handles, and ornate entrance sets all tend to be used. These specially produced finishing hardware pieces are expensive compared to standard off-the-shelf door hardware.
Skilled Labor from Craftsmen
Another major factor in the costs of arched doors is that significant skilled labor is required. Each door is meticulously built, fitted, and finished by experienced craftsmen rather than factory produced. Some specific skilled labor inputs that drive up costs include:
- Architects and designers creating the custom door plans
- Highly trained carpenters and woodworkers constructing each component
- Master artisans carving, joining, and shaping the arched headers
- Finish specialists hand-applying stains, seals, and topcoats
- Experienced installers custom-fitting and hanging each heavy door
Exceptional expertise is required at every stage of the arched door creation process. These specialized trade skills command premium pricing, especially with low volume custom work. The labor inputs are typically at least 50% or more of the total price.
Limited Manufacturers and Options
The pool of manufacturers producing arched doors is far more limited than for standard rectangular doors. Companies must have all the specialized equipment, materials, and expertise in-house to accommodate the custom work. There are just a handful of high-end specialty workshops making arched doors, including:
- Simpson Door Company
- Eliason Doors
- Pella
- Architectural Components, Inc.
- Arched Door Company
With few players in the game, these companies can command premium pricing, especially for one-off custom jobs. And since arched doors are still considered a specialty niche product, there are fewer affordable ready-to-buy standard size options available that could bring costs down.
Perceived Value and Luxury
Finally, part of the elevated price tag on arched doors is related to perceived value, extravagance, and luxury. The grand, imposing arched shape commands attention and conveys affluence. Homeowners are willing to pay more for this upscale aesthetic to make a design statement.
Arched doors dominate the entrances of renown palaces, estates, and villas. This association with history and high society transfers to luxury modern homes as well. The air of elegance and custom architectural detail carries real monetary value that factors into the pricing.
There are certainly less expensive basic arched door options available too from big box retailers. But authentic solid wood custom arched doors will always command premium pricing for the level of quality, craftsmanship, and beauty achieved.
Cost Comparison to Standard Doors
To help visualize the difference in cost, here is a comparison table showing price ranges for standard rectangular doors vs. arched doors:
| Door Type | Low End Price | Average Price | High End Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic interior pre-hung door | $75 | $150 | $500 |
| Custom solid wood interior door | $300 | $700 | $2,000 |
| Basic exterior pre-hung entry door | $250 | $700 | $1,500 |
| Custom solid wood exterior door | $1,500 | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Custom arched interior door | $1,500 | $3,500 | $15,000 |
| Custom arched exterior door | $5,000 | $12,000 | $50,000 |
While there is certainly overlap, the average prices for arched doors typically start where premium custom rectangular doors max out. And the most elaborate arched doors with intricate carvings or luxury materials can reach staggering prices equivalent to a luxury vehicle.
Price Considerations by Arched Door Type
There are a few main types of arched door designs, each with their own considerations when it comes to pricing:
Roman Arch Door
- Full semicircular design
- Can have single or double doors
- Most challenging arch to construct
- Generally the most expensive arched style
Elliptical/Oval Arch Door
- Smooth elliptical curve shape
- Easier to construct than full semicircle
- Still significantly more expensive than rectangular
Cathedral Arch Door
- Pointed Gothic arch shape
- Intricate joinery and fit required
- Often has decorative wrought iron hinges and hardware
Florentine Arch Door
- Reversed curved shape with flared sides
- Elaborate ornamentation often added
- One of the most expensive and complex designs
Round Top Arch Door
- Simple half-circle shape on top of squared base
- Easier to construct than full Roman arch
- Good budget friendly arched option
The more complex the arch shape, the higher the price tends to be. But even simple round top arched doors still carry a significant cost premium over basic rectangular doors.
Conclusion
In summary, arched doors require specialized design, materials, construction techniques, skill, and installation to create their signature curved shape. This results in significantly higher costs compared to standard straight-top doors. But for the homeowner seeking a grand architectural statement, the added beauty and wow factor of arched doors makes the premium pricing worthwhile.
Rather than mass produced commodity products, arched doors fall into the realm of bespoke custom architectural details. The level of craftsmanship and care put into their creation is reflected in the prices, which can eclipse luxury vehicles for top-of-the-line designs. For the discerning homeowner not afraid to spend for quality, arched doors impart a timeless elegance and sophistication well worth the investment.