How Much Does a French Door Cost? Tips to Save Your Money

 

Why Knowing the Cost of a French Door Matters

Understanding the cost of a French door is the first step in building a clear project budget and avoiding unexpected expenses. Whether you are replacing an outdated patio entry or adding elegant interior doors to separate your living room from a home office, accurate cost estimates help you compare materials, labor, and design options without sacrificing quality. A well-planned budget based on reliable data prevents surprises mid-project, ensures you get the best value for your investment, and also helps protect your home’s resale value.

What Is a French Door? – Definition plus Interior vs. Exterior Applications

A French door is typically a pair—or sometimes a single—door unit with glass panels that allow natural light to pass between spaces. Traditional French doors feature multiple small glass panes divided by muntins, while modern designs range from full-glass panels to insulated multi-pane systems.

• Interior French doors: Commonly installed between living rooms, dining rooms, or home offices, interior French doors bring openness and natural light while still maintaining privacy. They usually feature single-pane tempered glass, which is lightweight and practical for indoor use.
  
  

• Exterior French doors: Designed for patios, balconies, or gardens, exterior French doors must meet higher standards for weather resistance, energy efficiency, and security. These doors are often built with double- or triple-pane insulated glass to provide durability, insulation, and protection against the elements.
  
  

Breakdown of Material Costs

Standard vs. Custom Door Prices

• Standard French doors: Available in common sizes such as 60″×80″ or 72″×80″, these doors typically cost $600 to $3,000 installed. They are manufactured in bulk, which keeps production costs down and makes them more affordable and easier to source.
  
  

• Custom French doors: For oversized openings, unique glass patterns, hand-carved wood, or specialty paint finishes, custom French doors average $3,000 to $15,000 for the door unit alone, before installation. While custom doors allow for more creativity and the ability to match historic architecture, they usually come with longer lead times and significantly higher prices.
  
  

Glass, Frame, Hinges and Hardware Costs

The cost of a French door depends on multiple components:

• Frame materials (per set; doors only):
  
  

• Vinyl: $500 – $2,000
  
  

• Wood: $300 – $2,000
  
  

• Fiberglass: $850 – $4,500
  
  

• Steel: $700 – $3,000
  
  

• Wood-clad: $2,500 – $5,000
  
  

• Glass options (per lite):
  
  

• Single-pane tempered: $50 – $100
  
  

• Double-pane insulated: $75 – $150
  
  

• Triple-pane insulated: $150 – $300
  
  

• Laminated or impact-resistant glass: add $50 – $200
  
  

• Hinges and hardware:
  
  

• Standard steel hinges (set of 3): $15 – $40
  
  

• Heavy-duty ball-bearing hinges: $50 – $150
  
  

• Handle set, lock, and strike plate: $75 – $300
  
  

• Additional components:
  
  

• Thresholds, sill pans, and flashing: $25 – $100
  
  

• Weatherstripping kits: $20 – $75
  
  

Installation Cost Components

How Much to Install French Doors Interior – Labor and Frame Preparation

For homeowners asking how much it costs to install Interior French doors indoors, the total price generally falls between $600 and $3,000, including both materials and labor. Professional labor typically ranges from $20 to $40 per hour, covering tasks such as measuring, trimming jambs, mortising hinges, and installing locks and handles. A pair of French doors usually requires 8–12 hours of labor, meaning labor costs alone fall between $160 and $480. The remainder includes the cost of the doors, fasteners, shims, and finishing materials.

Cost of French Door Installation – Total Material plus Labor Summary

Combining both material and labor costs, French door installation nationwide ranges from $600 for a basic interior set to $6,000 or more for high-end exterior pairs. On average, homeowners spend between $2,000 and $5,000, with the national mean hovering around $3,500 for a standard double-door installation. Factors such as regional labor rates, permit fees, and structural complexity can increase or decrease final costs by 10–20%.

Total Cost to Install a French Door – Sample Budgets by Opening Size

Tips to Save Your Money

• Buy standard sizes and finishes to avoid custom-fabrication premiums. Schedule installation in fall or winter when demand is lower.

• Opt for stock double-pane glass over triple-pane unless extreme insulation is required.

• Prep the rough opening yourself (remove old doors, clear debris) to reduce labor hours.

• Reuse existing hardware if it’s in good condition and matches your finish.

• Get at least three itemized quotes to negotiate competitive rates.

• Bundle related work (painting, flooring transitions) with other home projects to leverage contractor discounts.
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Estimating Your Project Budget

1. Measure the opening carefully (width, height, and wall thickness).
   
   

2. Research different door types and compare standard versus custom pricing.
   
   

3. Calculate material costs using online tools or supplier catalogs.
   
   

4. Contact local installers and request quotes for the same specifications.
   
   

5. Add the cost of extras such as flashing, trim, and upgraded hardware.
   
   

6. Include charges for old-door removal and debris disposal.
   
   

7. Account for permit or inspection fees as required by your local municipality.
   
   

8. Add a 10–15% contingency fund for unexpected issues such as wood rot or structural framing adjustments.
   
   

Additional Considerations – Old-Door Removal, Debris Disposal, Permit Fees

Removing an existing door and frame typically costs $50 to $150, depending on ease of access. Debris disposal fees run $25 to $75, or may be included in a contractor’s lump-sum bid. Permit or inspection fees, when required, range from $50 to $200 per opening and vary by jurisdiction. If structural modifications—like header replacement or brick cutting—are needed, add $300 to $1,000 or more.

Related Projects – Adding Sidelights, Transoms, or Converting Sliding Doors

When budgeting for French door installation, also consider ancillary upgrades: installing sidelights ($200; $1,000 each), adding a transom window ($150; $800) for extra daylight, or converting a sliding patio door to hinged French doors ($500; $2,500). These complementary projects can be done simultaneously to streamline labor and reduce mobilization costs.

FAQ

What is the average cost of a French door?

Most homeowners spend $2,000 to $5,000 for a double French door installation, with the national average around $3,500.

How does interior installation differ in price?

Interior installations cost less—typically $600 to $3,000—because they use lighter materials and single-pane glass. Exterior installations range from $1,300 to $5,500 due to higher performance requirements.

Can I lower costs by buying standard sizes?

Yes. Standard-sized doors are much cheaper, while custom dimensions typically increase the price by 20–50%.

Is DIY installation feasible for beginners?

Basic slab-only installations can start at around $211, but precise framing, flashing, and leveling require carpentry skills. DIY may reduce labor costs but comes with higher risks and potential correction expenses.

Conclusion – Recap Key Takeaways and Emphasize Budgeting Importance

Estimating the cost of French doors accurately requires balancing material quality, design preferences, and installation complexity. By choosing standard sizes, scheduling installations strategically, and gathering multiple quotes, homeowners can achieve elegant, light-filled entryways without overspending. Remember: the cheapest bid is not always the best. Instead, hire licensed professionals who provide warranties and have proven craftsmanship. A carefully planned project will deliver lasting value, improved functionality, and enhanced curb appeal for your home.