When it comes to door installations, both for commercial and residential properties, homeowners and commercial property owners often find themselves torn between choosing acrylic and glass doors. The ultimate determiner is usually the cost of installation. But even then, how does the cost of acrylic doors compare to glass? This article seeks to answer this question as well as break down the factors that influence the acrylic vs glass door prices. We will specifically focus on the Miami-Dade area and the wider Florida.
To make an informed choice between acrylic and glass doors, one needs to understand what constitutes the cost of each. Here are factors that primarily determine the cost:
Acrylic and glass are both versatile materials widely used in door installations. Acrylic, a plastic derivative, is cheaper than glass. However, the cost of acrylic doors can rise if your design demands additional treatments or finishes. On the other hand, the cost of glass doors is directly influenced by the type of glass you choose, with tempered glass, for example, attracting a higher price.
The complexity of your preferred door design and the door’s size will also have a bearing on the cost. If you want a custom design, whether on acrylic or glass, you will pay more compared to standard designs. Similarly, large doors cost more than smaller ones.
Installation expenses can significantly influence the overall cost of acrylic doors compared to glass. Acrylic doors are generally easier and quicker to install, which often results in lower labor costs. Glass doors, however, require specialized expertise for installation, which raises the cost.
Learn More: Acrylic vs Glass Interior Doors: Pros and Cons
An in-depth comparison of the prices of acrylic and glass doors brings to light some salient affordability differences. Here’s how they compare:
Glass is a premium material and generally costs more compared to acrylic. A square foot of typical acrylic will cost you between $75-$150, while a similar size piece of glass will cost between $100-$200.
For both acrylic and glass doors, more intricate designs and larger sizes result in higher prices. However, the price difference between simple and complex designs or sizes is more pronounced with glass due to the complexity of handling and shaping glass compared to acrylic.
As noted earlier, acrylic doors are easier and cheaper to install due to their lightweight nature and the fact they require minimal specialized tools for installation. On average, installing an acrylic door in the Miami-Dade area would cost you between $150-$250 while the same for glass will cost you anything between $200-$350.
In terms of raw materials, acrylic wins over glass in terms of affordability. However, the overall cost of acrylic doors compared to glass should factor in more than just the material cost. It should also consider the longevity and maintenance cost of the two options.
Acrylic doors are not only cheaper initially, but they also demand lower maintenance costs due to their resilience to scratches, cracks, or chips. They are also more durable. Glass, while costlier, offers an unmatched aesthetic appeal and can significantly increase a property’s value.
In Miami-Dade and the wider Florida, the cost of these doors largely mirrors the national average, albeit with slight geographical variances. Material cost, design, and installation ease still wield significant influence on acrylic vs glass door prices in this region.
The average cost per square foot of acrylic in the Miami-Dade area is about $80-$160, while glass averages at approximately $120-$240, in line with the national average.
For both acrylic and glass doors, more complicated designs and larger sizes cause a price increase. However, due to the higher cost of living in Miami-Dade, this price difference can be more significant than in other regions.
Installation costs for doors in Florida are higher than the national average, with acrylic door installation costing about $170-$280 and glass doors costing between $230-$390.
There are considerations beyond mere price when choosing between acrylic and glass doors. Factors such as the purpose of the door, longevity, maintenance, and overall aesthetic appeal are just as crucial. However, when considering purely from an affordability standpoint, the cost of acrylic doors compared to glass favors acrylic doors in both the short and long run.