How Much Does Basement Bulkhead Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]
Bulkhead door replacement costs $1,750 on average, but it ranges between $500 and $3,000, depending on the material and the labor costs to hire a storm shelter pro.
If your basement bulkhead is more of a floodgate than a fortress, it might be time for an upgrade. Bulkhead replacement costs range from $200 to $4,000, depending on the condition of the existing door and the material. On average, replacing a bulkhead costs $1,750, excluding installation and removal costs. A bulkhead, or cellar door, provides an entrance to a basement or a storm shelter if your area experiences extreme weather.
A faulty bulkhead door can result in water damage and inconvenient cleanups, so it’s essential to have a door that’s made of durable material, installed properly, and replaced promptly when its structural integrity weakens. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the costs.
Basement Bulkhead Replacement Cost Breakdown
Your cellar deserves a water-tight door, and fortunately, replacing a bulkhead isn’t as expensive as a new installation. The process includes three separate tasks: removing the existing bulkhead door, choosing and installing a new door, and hauling away the old one. Each task carries its own price tag, although removal costs are in the quote you’ll get for the installation work.
Bulkhead Door
Depending on the material, a new basement bulkhead door costs anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more. You can find a wide range of styles at local big-box home improvement stores, most of which cost between $600 and $1,200.
Casting Replacement
Bulkhead doors have a concrete, rock, or brick casting to which the door attaches. Over time, the casting can break down and may need replacing along with the door. Demolition costs between $4 and $6 per square foot.
In some cases, you may need to grade and level to repair the foundation, which costs between $1 and $4 per square foot. Finally, pouring the new casting can cost between $4 and $8 per square foot.
Labor and Installation
Bulkhead installation costs and labor prices range from $400 to $1,000. If you’re replacing the old door with a closely matched new one, there isn’t likely to be additional buildup or concrete work to ensure a good fit. That means labor costs will be on the lower end of the average range. Hire a local storm shelter pro for the installation and removal work.
Removal
After installation, the old door and any associated debris will need to be hauled away. The total labor cost includes this step, but double-check before formally hiring a contractor to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the final invoice.
| Replacement Cost Factors | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Bulkhead door | $500–$2,000 |
| Grading or leveling | $1–$4 per square foot |
| Demolition (for concrete removal) | $2–$4 per square foot |
| Cutting concrete | $2–$10 per square foot |
| Pouring concrete slab foundation | $3–$8 per square foot |
| Permits | $25–$400 |
Disposal Fees
If your contractor doesn’t include disposal fees in their estimate, you’ll have to pay these separately. Hauling and disposal fees vary but cost an average of $150 to $400. You can also rent a dumpster, take care of the hauling and disposal yourself, or hire a separate junk removal service to remove the old bulkhead and related debris.
Location
As with most construction-related projects, the cost of bulkhead replacement depends on where you live. Labor rates are the biggest reason for this. Below is what you can expect to pay across the country.
| State | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $1,500–$3,200 |
| California | $1,800–$4,000 |
| Colorado | $1,400–$3,000 |
| Florida | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Georgia | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Illinois | $1,400–$3,200 |
| Indiana | $1,200–$2,700 |
| Louisiana | $1,300–$3,000 |
| Massachusetts | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Michigan | $1,100–$2,600 |
| Minnesota | $1,400–$3,000 |
| New York | $1,600–$3,800 |
| North Carolina | $1,200–$2,900 |
| Ohio | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Oregon | $1,600–$3,600 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,300–$3,000 |
| Tennessee | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Texas | $1,300–$2,900 |
| Virginia | $1,300–$3,000 |
| Washington | $1,700–$3,800 |
| Wisconsin | $1,300–$2,900 |
Bulkhead Replacement Door Cost by Material
The cost of the basement bulkhead door will depend largely on the type of material used. Basement bulkhead doors come in wood, steel, plastic, or fiberglass. The labor costs to replace an existing door average 40% of the total cost and are substantially less than the cost of new construction, which includes excavation and concrete work.
| Bulkhead Door Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Wood | $500–$1,500 |
| Steel | $900–$1,600 |
| Plastic | $1,200–$1,500 |
| Fiberglass | $1,000–$2,000 |
Wooden Bulkhead Doors
Traditional cellar bulkhead doors found on properties across the Midwest are made of wood. While they provide some measure of protection, wooden bulkhead doors can begin to rot over time, leading to the potential for significant weather damage or intrusion. You can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for pressure-treated wooden bulkhead replacement doors, with custom-built doors costing more.
If you’re installing a wooden door that will rest in a concrete or stone frame or brush up against a concrete platform, ensure that the wood portions are treated with a protective sealant. Acrylic stains require less maintenance than paint and will last longer without peeling.
Steel Bulkhead Doors
Steel bulkhead doors can last for at least 20 years without risking significant rust damage. Their weight means that they offer superior protection, especially when combined with a heavy chain and padlock. The cost of steel bulkhead doors averages from $900 to $1,600, depending on the style and manufacturer.
Fiberglass Bulkhead Doors
Fiberglass basement bulkhead doors offer the strength of steel at a lighter weight. Their aesthetic is similar to traditional wood designs, which many people prefer. A fiberglass door offers a higher degree of protection from the elements without the risk of rust while also resisting age-related cracking or structural failure. Although some higher-end models cost more, fiberglass bulkhead doors range from $1,000 to $2,000.
Cost to Replace a Basement Bulkhead Door Yourself
If you’re fairly handy with carpentry projects, you might want to replace your basement bulkhead door yourself. Doing so can save you an average of 40% of your total costs to hire a professional.
However, the time involved can be significant, so reserve a full weekend for the project. If you can persuade a skilled friend to assist, you might be able to finish the work in a day. Bulkhead doors can be quite heavy, so you’ll need at least one helper to move and manipulate them into place.
To get the job done, have these tools on hand:
| Tools | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| A right-angle grinder and cutoff wheel | $26 for a four-hour rental or $65–$200 to purchase |
| Prybar | $10–$15 to purchase |
| Drill with a mixing paddle attachment | $18 for a four-hour rental or $65–$225 to purchase |
| Saw | $17 for a four-hour rental or $100–$250 to purchase |
If you don’t have the necessary tools and materials, you’ll need to purchase or rent them (or just hire a pro for the job).
Ways to Save Money on Bulkhead Replacement Costs
Replacing a basement bulkhead door can potentially eat into a home improvement budget. However, there are a few ways you can save some money while completing this project.
Do Comparison Shopping
To save money while replacing your home’s bulkhead door, start by comparison shopping for your new door. Door products are available at most large home improvement stores at various prices, so research your options carefully and compare costs from different retailers.
Only Replace the Door
Bulkhead replacement will cost more if you need to replace the casting. Casting replacement may involve demolition, removal, leveling, grading, and pouring concrete. More complicated projects may also have an increased labor cost to accommodate the higher degree of skill required to complete the job. However, if the casting is in good shape and you’re only replacing the door, expect the costs to be on the lower end of the range.
Consider DIY Installation
Finally, consider doing the installation yourself if you have the requisite carpentry skills or want to attempt a full homemade storm shelter. You’ll still have to buy the door and materials, but you’ll save around 40% off the total price of having the work done professionally.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Look for signs of advancing wear and tear. Crumbling wood, rusted hardware, or increasingly misaligned doors indicate that you should begin considering a replacement. Although the replacement price might seem high, replacing the doors as soon as you notice these issues is best. Letting your existing doors continue to deteriorate can result in costly damage to your basement and belongings.
In some cases, you can repair a cellar door instead of replacing it. Whether you can fix it depends on how severe the damage is. For instance, if you have a leaky cellar door, you can repair it by adding weather stripping and caulking it. You would need to fully replace it for more extensive problems, like rot due to severe water damage. A pro can help you determine whether you can repair your bulkhead door.
With proper installation and maintenance, bulkheads can last 20 to 50 years. Most wooden bulkheads last about 15 to 20 years, but vinyl and composite bulkheads last much longer—up to 50 years or more. The lifespan of your bulkhead also depends on the material it’s made from and environmental conditions.
When replacing your basement bulkhead door, consider the condition of your current door (including why it needs to be replaced) and what you want your new bulkhead to be made from. This will determine durability, required maintenance, functionality, and design. Also think about your needs for energy efficiency and the overall cost. Ask a pro to inspect the site before submitting a quote to determine whether the bulkhead or surrounding materials need additional work.
If you plan to replace your basement bulkhead doors, you can consider adding on a few other projects to save you money overall. Think about finishing up or remodeling that basement you’ve been waiting to upgrade or adding a bathroom. Or consider adding a full aboveground or underground storm shelter . Doing more projects at once will help you get the most bang for your buck.
