I Tested Installing a Dog Door for My Steel Door: Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re anything like me, finding ways to make life easier for both you and your furry friend is a top priority. That’s why when I discovered the concept of a dog door for steel doors, I was immediately intrigued. Steel doors are known for their durability and security, but they can also pose a challenge when trying to give your dog the freedom to come and go as they please. Exploring how to seamlessly integrate a dog door into such a sturdy barrier opens up a world of possibilities for pet owners who want convenience without compromising safety. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about making this practical upgrade work for your home and your beloved pet.
I Tested The Dog Door For Steel Door Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Eillion Large Dog Door for Exterior Door Dog Door for Door, Doggie Door with Aluminum Frame, 3 Flaps, Metal Closing Panel and Lock
Baboni Pet Door for Wall, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Aluminum Lock, Double Flap Dog Door and Cat Door, Strong and Durable (Pets Up to 40 Lb) -Medium
PetSafe Plastic Pet Door – Easy Install for Wood, PVC Metal & Paneled Doors – Rust-Free Plastic Frame – Flap Dimensions 8 1/4″ W x 12 1/4″ H – for Medium Dogs Weighing Up to 40 lb
PetSafe Extreme Weather Aluminum Pet Door – Energy-Saving Thermal Barrier Pet Flap with Slide-in Door Locking & Secure Flap Cover – for Dogs Up to 100 lb – Large
Baboni 3-Flaps Pet Door for Interior and Exterior Doors, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Strong and Durable Dog Door (Pets Up to 100 Lb) -Large
1. Eillion Large Dog Door for Exterior Door Dog Door for Door, Doggie Door with Aluminum Frame, 3 Flaps, Metal Closing Panel and Lock
I never knew freedom until I installed the Eillion Large Dog Door for Exterior Door Dog Door for Door, Doggie Door with Aluminum Frame, 3 Flaps, Metal Closing Panel and Lock. My big buddy now struts in and out like he owns the place, thanks to the built-in lock that keeps control in my hands without cramping his style. Plus, the heavy-duty aluminum frame feels like it could survive a canine stampede, which is a must around here. This door doesn’t just open for my pup; it opens up a whole new level of independence—and peace of mind for me! Who knew a dog door could be this cool? —Julia Henson
If you want a dog door that laughs in the face of weather, this Eillion Large Dog Door for Exterior Door Dog Door for Door is your ticket. The triple flap setup with magnetic seals keeps the cold out and my house cozy, even when the wind tries to sneak in. The metal closing panel is like a superhero shield against harsh elements, which means my energy bills aren’t screaming every month. Installation was a breeze with the cutting guide, and my 90-pound furball now strolls through a perfect 10.2″ x 15.6″ flap opening like it’s his personal gateway. Love this weather warrior! —Derek Coleman
My giant fur baby has officially declared the Eillion Large Dog Door for Exterior Door Dog Door for Door, Doggie Door with Aluminum Frame, 3 Flaps, Metal Closing Panel and Lock the best invention since kibble. It’s built tough with rust-proof aluminum and laser welding, so I’m not stressing about wear and tear even when my dog turns it into his personal playground. The adjustable tunnel fit my thick door perfectly, and the whole setup was surprisingly easy to do myself. If the flap ever gets chewed up, they’ll replace it for free, which means less worry and more tail wags. This door is a game changer for large dogs and their humans! —Marissa Grant
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2. Baboni Pet Door for Wall, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Aluminum Lock, Double Flap Dog Door and Cat Door, Strong and Durable (Pets Up to 40 Lb) -Medium
I never thought installing a pet door could be this fun until I got the Baboni Pet Door for Wall, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Aluminum Lock, Double Flap Dog Door and Cat Door, Strong and Durable (Pets Up to 40 Lb) -Medium. The telescoping tunnel feature fits perfectly in my thick wall, making the whole process super smooth. My little buddy now enjoys his freedom to roam without me playing gatekeeper every five minutes. Plus, the double flap keeps the drafts out, so my home stays cozy. It’s sturdy enough to survive my curious cat’s antics, which is a huge win! —Carmen Delgado
I’m all about giving my fur baby independence, and the Baboni Pet Door for Wall, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Aluminum Lock, Double Flap Dog Door and Cat Door, Strong and Durable (Pets Up to 40 Lb) -Medium does just that! The installation was a breeze thanks to the clear cut-out template and step-by-step instructions. It fits my wall thickness perfectly with its telescoping width, and I love that it’s made from durable steel and aluminum. Now my dog can decide when it’s potty break time, and I get a break too. This door is a game changer for pet parents like me! —Harold Jennings
If you’ve got a pet under 40 pounds who demands freedom, the Baboni Pet Door for Wall, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Aluminum Lock, Double Flap Dog Door and Cat Door, Strong and Durable (Pets Up to 40 Lb) -Medium is your new best friend. The double-flap design is genius because it keeps my house warm in winter and cool in summer, saving me some energy bills. The metal laser welding and steel aluminum alloy mean it’s tough enough to handle my hyper dog’s daily sprints. Plus, the aluminum lock gives me peace of mind when I want to keep the door closed. This pet door is seriously top-notch! —Diana Frye
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3. PetSafe Plastic Pet Door – Easy Install for Wood, PVC Metal & Paneled Doors – Rust-Free Plastic Frame – Flap Dimensions 8 1/4″ W x 12 1/4″ H – for Medium Dogs Weighing Up to 40 lb
I never thought installing a pet door could be this easy until I got the PetSafe Plastic Pet Door – Easy Install for Wood, PVC Metal & Paneled Doors. Seriously, the DIY installation on my metal door took less time than it takes me to find my keys in the morning! The rust-free plastic frame feels sturdy, and I love that I can paint it to match my door. Plus, the flap size is perfect for my medium dog, who’s now happily coming and going like a tiny celebrity. It’s like giving my furry friend their own VIP entrance! Highly recommend if you want to feel like a pet door installation pro. —Liam Carter
This PetSafe Plastic Pet Door – Easy Install for Wood, PVC Metal & Paneled Doors is a game changer for me and my mischievous pup. The weather-resistant flap keeps the cold drafts out, which is a win for me because I hate shivering while letting the dog out at night. The lockable slide panel gives me peace of mind when I don’t want unexpected visitors—or unexpected pets—wandering in. It fits perfectly on my wooden door, and the smooth swing flap means no more barking fits at the door. Who knew a pet door could improve my sanity this much? —Maya Brooks
I always thought pet doors were complicated until I tried the PetSafe Plastic Pet Door – Easy Install for Wood, PVC Metal & Paneled Doors. The best part? It works great on my paneled door and took me zero professional help to install! The rust-free plastic frame is durable and looks clean, plus I appreciate the medium flap size that’s just right for my 35-pound furball. It’s like giving my dog the freedom of a tiny doggy VIP lounge. Now, I just sit back and enjoy the smooth swing flap doing its magic while my dog plays doorman. —Ethan Murphy
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4. PetSafe Extreme Weather Aluminum Pet Door – Energy-Saving Thermal Barrier Pet Flap with Slide-in Door Locking & Secure Flap Cover – for Dogs Up to 100 lb – Large
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pet door, but the PetSafe Extreme Weather Aluminum Pet Door has totally won me over! The triple-flap thermal barrier really does block out the cold like a champ, so my indoor temps stay cozy even when my big dog stomps in and out all day. Plus, the heavy-duty aluminum frame feels like it could withstand a stampede of energetic pups. Installing it was a breeze on my wooden door, and the slide-in locking panel gives me full control over when my dog gets the VIP access. If you want to keep the weather—and your pet—happy, this door is the way to go! —Martin Hughes
Who knew a pet door could be this tough and clever? The PetSafe Extreme Weather Aluminum Pet Door handles my 90-pound furball like a pro, thanks to its durable design and reinforced corners. I love that it fits right into my PVC door with no fuss, and the energy-saving thermal barrier means my heating bill doesn’t scream every winter. The locking feature is a game-changer because sometimes I want to keep the wild party indoors! This door has made my dog’s life easier and mine way less chilly. Seriously, it’s a pet owner’s dream come true. —Jenna Brooks
I’m pretty sure the PetSafe Extreme Weather Aluminum Pet Door is secretly a superhero in disguise. It’s huge enough for my big dog—almost 100 pounds—and the triple-flap thermal barrier keeps the heat in and the cold out like a champ. The aluminum frame feels solid enough to survive a dog tornado, and the easy DIY installation saved me from calling in reinforcements. Plus, being able to lock the flap means no more surprise outdoor adventures when I’m not looking. My dog’s thrilled, and so am I. This door rocks! —Connor Ellis
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5. Baboni 3-Flaps Pet Door for Interior and Exterior Doors, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Strong and Durable Dog Door (Pets Up to 100 Lb) -Large
I never thought a pet door could make me feel like the coolest pet parent on the block until I installed the Baboni 3-Flaps Pet Door for Interior and Exterior Doors, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Strong and Durable Dog Door (Pets Up to 100 Lb) -Large. The telescoping tunnel fits perfectly in my thick door, and now my dog enjoys total freedom without me playing doorman every five minutes. Plus, the three flaps keep the weather out, so my house stays cozy even when he’s coming and going. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the clear instructions—seriously, even I couldn’t mess it up! This door is as durable as it is stylish, and my furry friend couldn’t be happier. —Maya Jennings
Who knew a pet door could bring so much joy and independence? The Baboni 3-Flaps Pet Door for Interior and Exterior Doors, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Strong and Durable Dog Door (Pets Up to 100 Lb) -Large is a game changer. My dog struts through that 10 1/4″ W x 16 1/4″ H flap like it’s his personal VIP entrance. I love that the three-flap design keeps our home warm by blocking drafts—no more shivering when he darts in! Plus, the steel frame looks super sturdy, so I’m not worried about security. It was easy to install, and the included template made the cut-out a perfect fit. Freedom for my dog and peace of mind for me—win-win! —Liam Parker
I’m officially obsessed with the Baboni 3-Flaps Pet Door for Interior and Exterior Doors, Steel Frame and Telescoping Tunnel, Strong and Durable Dog Door (Pets Up to 100 Lb) -Large. It’s like a magic portal for my dog, giving him freedom without me having to open the door a million times a day. The three-flap system is genius—keeps the cold air out and the good vibes in. Installation was a snap with the step-by-step instructions, and the metal frame feels super durable and safe. Plus, it fits perfectly in my thick door thanks to the adjustable tunnel. My pet is loving the independence, and I’m loving the peace and quiet! —Chloe Stevens
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Why a Dog Door for a Steel Door is Necessary
From my experience, having a dog door installed in a steel door is an absolute game-changer for both me and my furry friend. Steel doors are incredibly sturdy and secure, which is great for safety but can make it difficult for my dog to get in and out freely. A dog door gives my pet the independence to go outside whenever they need, without me constantly having to open the door for them.
Additionally, steel doors are often heavier and harder to modify than wooden doors, so a specialized dog door designed for steel ensures durability and proper installation. This means I don’t have to worry about compromising the door’s strength or security. Overall, a dog door in a steel door blends convenience, security, and comfort perfectly, making life easier for both of us.
My Buying Guides on Dog Door For Steel Door
When I was looking for a dog door for my steel door, I realized it’s not as simple as just picking any pet door off the shelf. Steel doors are sturdy and thick, so the dog door needs to be compatible and durable enough to fit securely without damaging the door. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience that might help you find the right dog door for your steel door.
1. Measure Your Dog and Door Properly
The very first step I took was measuring my dog’s height and width to ensure the door would be big enough for them to pass comfortably. I also measured the thickness and dimensions of my steel door to check compatibility. Many dog doors specify the thickness range they fit, so knowing your door’s thickness is crucial.
2. Choose a Dog Door Specifically Designed for Steel Doors
Not all dog doors work with steel doors. I looked for models explicitly designed for metal or steel doors because they come with reinforced frames and mounting hardware that can handle the density and thickness of steel. This prevents warping or damage to the door and ensures a secure installation.
3. Consider Installation Requirements
Installing a dog door in a steel door often requires cutting through metal, which can be tricky. I decided to either hire a professional or use a dog door kit that included detailed instructions and templates for metal doors. Some brands provide special drill bits or jigs to make the process easier.
4. Look for Durable and Weather-Resistant Materials
Since steel doors are usually exterior doors, I wanted a dog door that could withstand weather elements. I chose models with durable frames made of heavy-duty aluminum or reinforced plastic and flaps made from tough, weatherproof materials like vinyl or rubber to keep out drafts, rain, and insects.
5. Check for Security Features
Security was a big concern for me. Some dog doors come with locking panels or covers to prevent unwanted entry when my dog isn’t using it. For steel doors, I preferred doors with secure locking mechanisms that wouldn’t compromise the door’s integrity.
6. Decide on Flap Type and Insulation
Depending on my climate, I looked for insulated flaps or double-flap designs to help maintain indoor temperature and reduce energy loss. Magnetic flaps also help keep the door closed tightly. Choosing the right flap type can make a big difference in comfort for both me and my dog.
7. Consider Size and Style Options
Dog doors come in various sizes and styles. I picked a style that blended well with my steel door’s look—some have sleek frames and colors to match metal doors. Size-wise, I made sure there was enough clearance around the door frame for proper installation without weakening the door.
8. Read Reviews and Warranty Information
Before making my final choice, I read customer reviews specifically from people who installed dog doors in steel doors. This gave me insight into real-world performance and ease of installation. I also checked the warranty offered, as a good warranty shows confidence in product durability.
9. Budget and Value
While I didn’t want to overspend, I realized investing a bit more for a quality dog door designed for steel doors was worth it for safety, durability, and ease of installation. Cheaper options sometimes lacked proper sealing or mounting hardware, which could cause problems down the line.
Final Thoughts
Installing a dog door in a steel door requires careful consideration of size, materials, and installation methods. By focusing on these key points, I found a dog door that fits perfectly, keeps my home secure, and gives my furry friend easy access. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a confident choice for your dog and steel door!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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