When planning an upgrade to your building’s entrances, one of the first questions that comes up is: how much does automatic door installation cost? The price can vary widely depending on the type of door, the size of the opening, the technology used, and the complexity of the installation. A small office looking for a single sliding entry system will face a very different cost than a hospital outfitting multiple large automatic swing doors with advanced access controls.
Automatic Door Installation Cost: Typical Range & Factors
Automatic doors are a staple in commercial buildings—from retail stores to hospitals and universities. On average, installation costs for a standard automatic sliding or swing door range between $7,500 and $12,000 per door system, though projects can be as low as $4,000 or exceed $20,000 depending on scope.
Several factors influence where your project will land on that spectrum:
- Door type and mechanism (sliding, swing, revolving, telescopic)
- Opening size and structural requirements
- Glazing and door materials (aluminum, glass, steel)
- Hardware (locks, closers, safety sensors)
- Electrical work (power supply, wiring, controls)
- Site preparation (framing, demolition, accessibility upgrades)
Each of these elements adds complexity—and therefore cost—to your project.
Automatic Door Installation Cost: Materials vs Labor
Breaking down the cost into materials and labor helps clarify where your investment goes:
- Materials: Typically account for 60–70% of the total cost. This includes the door panels, frames, motorized operators, safety sensors, and any access control hardware. Premium glazing or specialized finishes can significantly increase material costs.
- Labor: Makes up 30–40% of the cost. Labor covers demolition, framing, wiring, anchoring, and integration with building systems. Urban locations and unionized labor environments can push costs higher.
Understanding this balance helps you evaluate quotes. A vendor with unusually low labor costs may be cutting corners on skilled installation, while inflated material costs might indicate upselling unnecessary components.
Automatic Door Installation Cost by Door Type & Opening Size
The biggest price driver is the type of door and how large the opening is.
- Automatic Sliding Doors: Common for retail and healthcare facilities. Standard systems usually range $7,500–$12,000 per opening. Wider or telescopic designs cost more due to additional panels and stronger operators.
- Automatic Swing Doors: Cost $5,000–$9,000 per opening for retrofits or new installs. Adding ADA-compliant push plates and sensors can increase costs slightly.
- Revolving Doors: Premium installations, often $20,000–$50,000+. These provide energy efficiency and architectural appeal but are more complex to engineer and install.
- Specialty Doors (telescopic, curved, or ICU doors): Can range $10,000–$20,000 depending on custom engineering.
Opening size matters because larger doors require heavier-duty motors, additional panels, and more glazing. Doubling the width of an opening does not simply double costs; it can multiply them because of structural reinforcement and safety requirements.
Automatic Door Installation Cost Add-Ons: Sensors & Access Control
Automatic doors don’t just open and close—they integrate with safety and security systems. Add-ons may include:
- Motion or presence sensors: Required by code for safety; usually add $500–$1,500 per opening.
- Access control (card readers, keypads, biometric systems): Adds $1,000–$5,000 depending on technology and integration.
- Battery backup or emergency egress systems: Essential for hospitals or critical infrastructure; cost varies widely.
While these add-ons increase upfront costs, they can enhance security, compliance, and user experience—making them smart long-term investments.
What’s Included in a Turnkey Install (Permits, Electrical, Hardware)
A professional vendor should provide a turnkey solution—not just the door hardware.
Typical inclusions:
- Permits & Code Compliance: Navigating local building codes, fire safety standards, and ADA requirements. Permit fees vary by jurisdiction but typically add a few hundred dollars.
- Electrical Work: Running dedicated circuits, installing low-voltage controls, and connecting operators to building systems. This is often $1,000–$3,000 of the project.
- Hardware: Includes locks, closers, panic bars, push plates, and safety sensors. Basic packages come standard, while premium or specialty hardware increases costs.
Clarify with your vendor what is included versus what’s billed separately. A “hardware only” quote may look attractive, but leave you with unexpected electrical and permitting expenses.
Lead Times, Warranties, and Spec Tips
Beyond upfront costs, consider long-term value.
- Lead Times: Standard automatic doors typically ship in 3–6 weeks. Custom designs may take 10–12 weeks or more. Build lead time into your project schedule.
- Warranties: Look for at least a 1-year warranty on labor and 2–5 years on operators and electronics. This ensures coverage for premature failures.
- Spec Tips: Work with vendors who consult on design early. For example, specifying doors with insulated glazing can reduce long-term HVAC costs, while selecting non-contact door systems addresses post-COVID hygiene expectations.
How to Scope, Quote, and Compare Vendors
When preparing to invest in automatic doors, follow these best practices:
- Define Scope Clearly: Note the number of doors, opening sizes, desired finishes, and any add-ons like access control.
- Request Turnkey Quotes: Ensure vendors include demolition, framing, electrical, and permits—not just door hardware.
- Compare Apples to Apples: If one bid is significantly lower, review carefully—are sensors, controls, or labor excluded?
- Ask About Service & Support: Ongoing maintenance contracts ensure long-term performance. A slightly higher upfront cost can pay for itself in reduced downtime.
- Check References: Reputable vendors should provide references from similar projects in your industry.
Contact Us Today
Automatic doors are an investment in accessibility, security, and customer experience. While the automatic door installation cost can range from $5,000 to $20,000+ per opening, understanding the factors that drive pricing empowers you to plan effectively.
At Door Automation Corporation, we specialize in providing convenient access solutions for commercial spaces. Whether you need swing, slide, or revolving doors, our experienced team partners with top architectural firms in New York City to deliver functional, dependable, and secure entryways.
As non-contact door operation becomes the new normal, we offer modifications and new automatic doors that meet energy compliance standards and ensure safe, touch-free access. From design consultation through installation and maintenance, our professionals are here to help.
Ready to start your project? Contact us today to request a consultation and get a tailored quote.
