How Much Does a Hollow Metal Door Weigh?
Quick answer: Most 1-3/4" hollow metal doors weigh roughly 3.5–8.0 lb/ft² depending on gauge and core. To estimate a door’s weight, use: Weight (lb) = lbs/ft² × (Width" × Height" ÷ 144)
Ready to buy? Explore our Hollow Metal Door Packages or configure a custom door with our Hollow Metal Door Quote Builder for a 24-hour quote.
How Door Weight Is Determined
- Steel gauge (face sheet thickness): 18 ga, 16 ga, 14 ga (lower number = thicker/heavier).
- Core type: honeycomb or polystyrene (lighter), mineral core (fire-rated), steel-stiffened (heaviest).
- Size: area in ft² =
Width" × Height" ÷ 144.
Rule of thumb lbs/ft²: 18 ga honeycomb ≈ 3.5; 18 ga polystyrene ≈ 3.8; 18 ga mineral (fire-rated) ≈ 5.5; 16 ga honeycomb ≈ 4.5; 16 ga mineral (fire-rated) ≈ 6.0; steel-stiffened security ≈ 8.0.
Use these for planning; exact weights vary by manufacturer, reinforcements, and options.
Common Door Weights (Estimated)
Weights below are for the slab only (no glass, hardware, or louvers). Add accessories per the Hardware & Accessories Adders section.
36" x 80" (20.0 ft²)
| Construction | Estimated Weight (lb) |
|---|---|
| 18 ga honeycomb | 70.0 |
| 18 ga polystyrene | 76.0 |
| 18 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 110.0 |
| 16 ga honeycomb | 90.0 |
| 16 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 120.0 |
| Steel-stiffened (security) | 160.0 |
36" x 84" (21.0 ft²)
| Construction | Estimated Weight (lb) |
|---|---|
| 18 ga honeycomb | 73.5 |
| 18 ga polystyrene | 79.8 |
| 18 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 115.5 |
| 16 ga honeycomb | 94.5 |
| 16 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 126.0 |
| Steel-stiffened (security) | 168.0 |
36" x 96" (24.0 ft²)
| Construction | Estimated Weight (lb) |
|---|---|
| 18 ga honeycomb | 84.0 |
| 18 ga polystyrene | 91.2 |
| 18 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 132.0 |
| 16 ga honeycomb | 108.0 |
| 16 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 144.0 |
| Steel-stiffened (security) | 192.0 |
42" x 84" (24.5 ft²)
| Construction | Estimated Weight (lb) |
|---|---|
| 18 ga honeycomb | 85.8 |
| 18 ga polystyrene | 93.1 |
| 18 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 134.8 |
| 16 ga honeycomb | 110.2 |
| 16 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 147.0 |
| Steel-stiffened (security) | 196.0 |
42" x 96" (28.0 ft²)
| Construction | Estimated Weight (lb) |
|---|---|
| 18 ga honeycomb | 98.0 |
| 18 ga polystyrene | 106.4 |
| 18 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 154.0 |
| 16 ga honeycomb | 126.0 |
| 16 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 168.0 |
| Steel-stiffened (security) | 224.0 |
48" x 96" (32.0 ft²)
| Construction | Estimated Weight (lb) |
|---|---|
| 18 ga honeycomb | 112.0 |
| 18 ga polystyrene | 121.6 |
| 18 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 176.0 |
| 16 ga honeycomb | 144.0 |
| 16 ga mineral core (fire-rated) | 192.0 |
| Steel-stiffened (security) | 256.0 |
DIY Weight Calculator (Simple)
- Find a reasonable lbs/ft² value from the rule-of-thumb list above.
- Compute area:
(Width" × Height") ÷ 144= ft². - Multiply:
lbs/ft² × ft²= door slab weight (lb). - Add hardware/glass from the table below for total leaf weight.
Example: 36" x 84" 18 ga honeycomb → 21.0 ft² × 3.5 lb/ft² ≈ 73.5 lb.
Hardware & Accessories Adders (Typical Ranges)
| Component | Typical Added Weight |
|---|---|
| Surface door closer (Grade 1) | +6–12 lb |
| Mortise lock / cylindrical lock | +2–8 lb |
| Hinges (3–4 hinges) | +2–5 lb |
| Exit device (panic hardware) | +6–12 lb |
| Vision lite kit w/ glass (6" x 22") | +5–10 lb |
| Louver kit | +4–8 lb |
| Pulls/push plates/kick plates | +2–6 lb |
For precise submittals, always reference the manufacturer’s data sheets. The ranges above are planning estimates.
FAQs
Do fire-rated hollow metal doors weigh more?
Yes. Mineral-core and many steel-stiffened constructions add mass for fire resistance and can be 1.5–2× heavier than non-rated honeycomb/polystyrene doors of the same size.
Does the frame affect the door’s weight rating?
The slab weight doesn’t change with frame type, but heavy doors require properly anchored, rated frames and suitable hardware (hinge pattern, closer size, anchors) to support the load.
How much weight does glass add?
Small vision lites (e.g., 6" x 22") typically add 5–10 lb. Larger insulated or fire-rated glazing can add substantially more; consult the glazing kit’s datasheet for exact weight.
Buy, Configure, or Get Fast Pricing
Shop USA-Made Hollow Metal Door Packages—UL listed, ANSI/BHMA compliant, and engineered for every wall type.
Need a tailored spec? Use our Hollow Metal Door Quote Builder and receive a quote within 24 hours.
Questions? Call 866-232-5673 or text 210-275-8966.
