why are interior doors so expensive- and where can I get something reasonably priced?

Question

I need 2 different types of interior door. French doors for my bedroom because the doorway is oversized and of an odd size, so nothing else will really fit there, and 2 sets of closet doors- 1 for the closet in the bedroom and 1 for the closet in the living room. The closet in the bedroom will more likely then not have to use the closet doors that run on a track- the ones with the slats in them. I think they are called bifold doors. The closet in the living room will probably have to use this type of door as well, it's another one of those oversized/oddly sized doorways. All the major stores (home depot, lowes, etc.) seem to be asking hundred of dollars for even the most basic door, and I haven't been able to track down bifold closet doors at all so far, though I admit I haven’t been looking long. Any suggestions on where to go to get reasonably priced doors of these types in Brooklyn NY or somewhere close by? Thanks!

I don't own the space, It's an apartment I'm renting. The landlord may contribute a little or take off some from my rent, but if I go and buy something really expensive he definitely won't cover it. I don't want to spend too much on a place I can't keep, but I need bedroom and closet doors.

Some people say a few hundred dollars for a door isn't expensive. A door is basically a wood rectangle with a hole for the knob, hinges, and some decorative elements added if you like. It shouldn't cost more then a dresser, couch, or big screen tv. I had purchased an exterior door -solid wood, already finished, primed, and painted, and not on sale- at home depot a few years ago for $60. I refuse to believe that your average door is now worth several hundred. If that's the going price then things really are way out of control and I'm going to have to start making my own furniture.

Answer 1

I just looked at Home Depot online, and while the doors are a couple of hundred dollars, it's really not that unreasonable a price.

They have a mirror bifold for about $161 - it's really a good price. Here's the link to it. http://www.homedepot.com/prel80HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&IRC=2&searchText=door&CNTKEY=SuperFeatures2/Building_Supplies/PD_Doors_0505&BV_SessionID=@@@@0242893452.1156086882@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccgaddijdjieklcgelceffdfgidgln.0

Here's a plain interior door for a regular closet and it's $118 http://www.homedepot.com/prel80HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&IRC=2&searchText=door&CNTKEY=SuperFeatures2/Building_Supplies/PD_Doors_0505&BV_SessionID=@@@@0242893452.1156086882@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccgaddijdjieklcgelceffdfgidgln.0

I sort of doubt you'll find them for much less. You can check into this "Direct Buy" store (I see their infommercials a lot and have just had them send me a brochure), but I have no idea if they even carry doors (but I'd guess they do).

Good luck.

I'd also be careful about getting items the way some have suggested - if a home is being demolished, there may have been some issues in the home - like termites - and you sure don't want to bring them into your house! Just be careful if you do it that way.

Answer 2

Expensive Doors

Answer 3

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RE:
why are interior doors so expensive- and where can I get something reasonably priced?
I need 2 different types of interior door. French doors for my bedroom because the doorway is oversized and of an odd size, so nothing else will really fit there, and 2 sets of closet doors- 1 for the closet in the bedroom and 1 for the closet in the living room. The closet in the bedroom will more...

Answer 4

I just bought second hand door blanks both hollow and solid core at a place in Seattle WA called ;Second-Chance Building Materials'. It's in the Georgetown-South Park neighborhood next door to the solid waste facility. The doors were $5.00 apeice. I also got some wormwood boards 1x8 & 1x10 for $.75/ft. They have tons of recycled materials, although when you get to terra cotta corbels and items such as vintage door hardware it can be quite pricey. They have lots of stuff from torn down 1920s and 1930s public school buildings from flooring to terra cotta lentils and corbels and light fixtures, Didn't see any school desks Though they did have some dismantled bleachers from a gymnasium.
Altogether, two doors, CVG fir boards and casings, plus 20' of wormwood came to under $55.00
All will be used to construct a corner computer credenza/workstation for home office. I am retired and use computer to research, compile and catalog roots music of the American people from American Slave and neo-African music to present day hip-hop and everything in between. It's all the same musical DNA.

Answer 5

Try going to smaller stores. Keep an eye on what kind they are. Solid doors are more expensive than hollow ones, and also make sure that they are not fire doors. those are mostly for doorways leading out side to give more protection in case of a fire. You can also try those newer ones that are made out of something besides wood. Can't remember what it was but they looked alright.

Answer 6

Believe it. Doors are expensive. Clear wood (you can't have knots, when you're doing fine work) costs. Craftsmen make a good wage. Home Depot or Lowe's sell some doors that look like wood, but are veneers. When you look at the edges, carefully, you can see the seams. These aren't as good as solid wood, but ok for a rental. Check out solid wood doors at a millwork shop, too, for comparison.

Answer 7

All lumber and mill-work prices have gone through the roof over the past couple of years. Blank doors are going for an average of $159.00 or more, just for a flush blank. Plywood has sky rocketed as well. If you are renting, it is the landlord's responsibility to replace doors.not yours, unless you damaged them. Save your money and buy a house or a condo. Don't invest in something you don't own, it;s a waste.

Answer 8

This is a trick...go to the phone book and contact a demolition company. Best if you ask in the Girlish tone. Trust me, it works. Ask if they are taking down an older home in your area and ask if you can pull fixtures such as your doors a head of time. As long as you don't hold up progress, they are very helpful. Plus you'll find a lot of great wood elements such as trim, molding and cabinet. Get someone to help you take it down and a truck to haul it away.

Answer 9

1. I don't believe you paid $60 for that door.

2. I would like a picture of the door that you are going to build.

Answer 10

My husband often shops at our local habitat for humanity store. Find out if you have one in your area. He gets really great deals and has erplaced all of our interior doors and closet doors.