«I want a new door» — call a metalworker or carpenter? Common question, and mixing them up is costly. Each trade has a clear specialty.

When you need a metalworker

  • External or security steel doors
  • Metal railings for stairs and balconies
  • Window bars and security grilles
  • Garage gates
  • Lock mechanism or heavy hinge repair

Common metalwork prices

  • Steel door installation: 1,200–2,500 ₪
  • Railing installation per linear meter: 250–450 ₪

When a carpenter is enough

  • Interior wooden doors
  • Kitchen cabinets (or modular kitchen)
  • Shelves and wood decor
  • Damaged wooden door repair (cracks, hinges)

When you need both?

A main door project may need a carpenter for the wooden frame and a metalworker for external security. Coordinate them — measurements must match.

Questions before signing

  • Does the door include a lock or do you buy separately?
  • Who measures — or do you provide dimensions?
  • What steel thickness for the railing?
  • Does it include painting and wall anchoring?

Signs of a professional metalworker

  • Takes accurate on-site measurements
  • Uses galvanized steel for outdoors (rust-resistant)
  • Welds in the workshop and brings finished — welding in your apartment is usually costlier and messier

When a carpenter repairs instead of replaces

A wooden door stiff at hinges or broken handle — repair is often cheaper than a new door. Kitchen cabinet with one damaged door — replacing just the door may suffice. The carpenter assesses if the wood is repairable.

Coordinating metalworker and carpenter

For main door projects, start with the metalworker for the metal frame, then carpenter for interior finish. Measurements must match to the millimeter — small error = gaps and drafts.

Additional prices

Garage gate: up to 3,000–6,000 ₪. Window security bar: 400–800 ₪ per window. Request anti-rust paint for external steel — without paint it rusts within 2–3 years.

Steel door maintenance

Grease hinges annually. Check paint — scratches accelerate rust. Main door = security — don't skimp on the lock.

Carpenter — approximate prices

Interior wooden door with installation: 800–2,000 ₪. Simple wall shelf: 200–500 ₪. Full kitchen: by design — get 3 quotes.

When metalworker is essential for safety

Balcony railing under 90 cm — fall risk. Law and municipality may require standards — don't «fix» with wire alone.

Bottom line

Metal = security and durability (exterior, railings). Wood = beauty and insulation (interior). Don't ask a carpenter to install a steel railing — or a metalworker for an interior wooden door.