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Your home’s exterior doors not only serve as the gateway to your household, but they also contribute significantly to its overall curb appeal. One of the simplest and most economical ways to refresh and revitalize your home’s exterior is through a new paint job, specifically targeting the French doors for an elegant touch. But, how much does it actually cost to paint these posh doors? This blog post aims to provide an understanding of the costs involved in painting exterior French doors.
Pricing 101: How Much for Painting Exterior French Doors
The cost to paint exterior French doors can vary considerably. Many factors influence the price, including the door’s size, the complexity of the work, the type of paint used, and the labor cost.
As of 2023, painting companies generally charge between $4 to $7.50 per square foot to paint an exterior French door[1%5E]. Because of the intricate details of French doors—such as the grilles on each pane or the decorative designs—they often call for added labor, which can slightly raise the price.
A standard exterior door usually measures 80 inches by 36 inches, about 20 square feet[1%5E]. So, doing the math, you could expect to pay anywhere between $80 to $150 to paint your exterior French door per side, considering just the door size.
On a broader scale, the cost to paint an exterior door typically falls within the $100 to $225 range[2%5E]. But, for French doors—given their delicate and ornate design—the cost report as of June 2023 indicated prices starting at around $132 to $301 per door[1%5E].
Why the Wide Range in Cost?
Why is there such a broad range in the cost of painting exterior French doors? Several reasons account for this. The first is the size. Larger French doors necessitate more materials and time, which translate to higher costs.
Secondly, the complexity of the door design also impacts the price. French doors often have small, distinct panes that require extra careful painting—a time-consuming task that can elevate the service charge.
Moreover, labor costs can vary significantly between different painting professionals. While you might find a great deal from a local painter, another company might charge higher rates—hence, the importance of getting multiple estimates.
Finally, paint quality has its part to play. Higher-quality paints that offer attributes like better coverage, longer lifespan, and UV protection will come with a higher price tag. However, they can prove to be cost-effective in the long run, requiring less frequent repainting.
Making an Economical Decision
Refreshing the exterior French door paint may not always come at a low price, but knowing what to expect can help you plan your budget wisely. Remember that while painting your French doors might seem like a hefty investment, the revamp in your home’s aesthetics and the boosted curb appeal oftentimes make the expense worthwhile.
While the cost might seem prohibitive at first glance, keep in mind the longevity of a quality paint job, which can last years, helping to defer the cost over time. So when you’re considering painting your exterior French doors, think of it as a long-term investment that will pay off in the aesthetic appeal and potential value of your home.
DIY or Professional Painters: The Pros and Cons
You might be wondering: why not skip the professional painter’s costs and take on the project as a DIY endeavor? While this option is certainly feasible and could potentially save you money, it’s important to weigh the benefits and potential challenges before taking up the paintbrushes.
DIY: If you’re a seasoned DIYer, painting your own French doors is a reasonable task. You’ll save on labor costs, and you can work at your own pace. However, be aware of the potential pitfalls. French doors often require meticulous work due to their detailed panels — a task that might be daunting if you’re new to painting. If the finish is uneven or the paint ends up on glass panes, you might spend more time (and money) fixing the mistakes.
Professional Painters: Hiring professionals ensures the job will get done right and may ultimately save you both time and hassle. Experienced painters can handle detailed work quickly and will likely provide a higher quality finish. The primary downside, of course, is the cost. Additionally, you’ll need to coordinate schedules, which could increase the time to completion.
Ultimately, the choice between DIY and hiring a professional depends on your comfort level in handling the job and your budget.
Regular Maintenance: A Key to Longevity
Even after you’ve painted your French doors, the work isn’t completely finished. To ensure the paint job lasts, regular maintenance is vital.
Protect your investment by conducting regular checkups on the state of the paint. Look for any cracks, chips, or fading, particularly after harsh weather conditions. If you notice any minor touch-ups needed, attend to them promptly before they require a more extensive repainting job.
Also, clean your doors periodically. A gentle clean with mild soap and water is usually all that’s needed to keep your doors looking fresh and vibrant. Do not use abrasive tools or harsh cleaning chemicals, as they can damage the paint.
Performing these regular maintenance tasks will help prolong the life of your paint job, making your initial investment even more worthwhile and your doors looking fabulous for years to come.