Residential · Kenner, LA
Deadbolt Installation in Kenner
Grade 1 deadbolt supplied and fitted, with a reinforcement plate and three-inch screws — the upgrade that matters more than the lock.
Deadbolt installation in Kenner is $195 to $395 supplied and fitted for a Grade 1 or Grade 2 unit. Add $125 to $225 for a proper reinforcement plate and 3-inch screws — the frame is the weak point, not the lock.
The upgrade that costs less than the lock and matters more
You can spend $600 on a Grade 1 Medeco. If the strike plate is held on by two 3/4-inch screws biting into soft jamb trim, the door still fails at 100 to 150 pounds of shoulder force. The lock stays intact. The frame explodes.
The fix is $30 of parts and 20 minutes. Three-inch screws through the strike and the top hinge into the stud, plus a reinforcement plate that spreads the load. That takes the door from 100 pounds to 400 or 500. Research on convicted burglars found roughly 60% move on when they can see a house has been hardened.
We do it as an add-on for $125 to $225 while we are there for the deadbolt. Or do it yourself — we will still respect you.
Deadbolt prices
What deadbolts cost, fitted
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Deadbolt supplied and fitted (Grade 1 or 2) | $195–$395 |
| Labour only, you supply the deadbolt | $95–$185 |
| Deadbolt + frame reinforcement + 3-inch screws | $285–$525 |
| New bore in a solid door | + $65–$125 |
| Cut and re-mortise the strike | + $85–$145 |
| Smart deadbolt supplied and fitted | $195–$495 |
Prices shown are typical ranges. Your total is confirmed on the phone before we dispatch — and if the specific lock, vehicle or job is unusual we tell you the number before we come out. No surprise fees.
Questions
Deadbolt questions
How much does deadbolt installation cost in Kenner?
$195 to $395 supplied and fitted for a Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt. That is the total including the deadbolt itself. Add $125 to $225 if the door frame needs reinforcement plates and 3-inch screws, which in Kenner it usually does.
What grade of deadbolt should I get in Kenner?
Grade 1 for exterior doors — single-cylinder, one-inch bolt throw, solid brass or 316 stainless. Zinc-plated hardware corrodes in Kenner humidity within 2 to 5 years. Grade 2 is acceptable for interior applications and Grade 3 is not something we install on an exterior door.
Single-cylinder or double-cylinder deadbolt?
Single-cylinder for almost all residential doors — key outside, thumb-turn inside, so people can escape in a fire without a key. Double-cylinder (key both sides) is restricted on required exit doors under fire code. Only consider it where there is a window immediately next to the lock and someone could break the glass to reach the thumb-turn.
Do I need a reinforcement plate?
If you live in Kenner and you care about the door, yes. The lock is not the weak point — the frame is. A standard door with two 3/4-inch screws in a strike plate fails at 100 to 150 pounds of force. A reinforcement plate with 3-inch screws into the stud takes it to 400 to 500 pounds. About $30 in parts and 20 minutes.
Can you install a smart deadbolt?
Yes. Smart lock installation is $195 to $495 depending on the unit. In Kenner we specify weather-sealed IP-rated units because humidity kills exposed keypad contacts. See smart lock installation.
Can I supply the deadbolt myself?
Yes. Labour is $95 to $185 to install a deadbolt you have supplied. We will tell you honestly whether the one you bought will hold up in Kenner weather before we fit it.
How long does installation take?
30 to 60 minutes if the door is already bored for a deadbolt. 60 to 90 if we are boring a new hole and cutting a fresh mortise for the strike.
Do you drill the door or use the existing hole?
Whichever the door already has. Doors bored for standard 2-1/8 inch cross-bore and 1 inch edge-bore accept any Grade 1 deadbolt. Older or custom doors sometimes need a jig and a fresh bore.
Deadbolt installed properly, once
Grade 1 hardware. Frame reinforcement. Done in an hour.