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A fire door can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,350 to purchase and have installed. The cost comes from the price of the door, which can be anywhere from $400 to $900 or more, and the cost of labor, which should be contracted out considering that fire doors are a safety measure. Most contractors will take between two and four hours to install one door.

You should prime interior doors before painting for the best results. If you do paint directly on the wood, you could see some of the grain patterns show through the paint, in which case you’d need to apply additional coats. Priming the surface before painting will reduce the number of coats and can better cover the grain pattern for a clean, finished look.

Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.

It can affect security, especially if you don’t finish it properly. A Dutch door has more moving parts that can be compromised, so you’ll want to use solid hardware and make sure everything lines up and locks cleanly. If the latch is flimsy or the two halves don’t sit tight, it’s going to be easier to force open.