By Katie Flannery | Updated Mar 28, 2023 11:05 AM
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Installing French doors is an excellent option for homeowners who want to create a bright and airy atmosphere in their home. These glass-paneled doors can be used on the exterior or interior of a home, and they come in various shapes and styles, including double, single, and sliding doors. How much does it cost to install French doors? According to Angi, homeowners will spend between $2,000 and $5,000, with many spending approximately $3,500. Depending on the size, type, materials, and location of the doors in the home, some homeowners can spend as little as $400 or more than $10,000 to install French doors.
French doors are typically installed in pairs with no frame in between so they can be opened to create a large doorway. There are also space-saving sliding French doors, including telescoping French doors, that can fully open up an entire wall. The labor cost to install French doors ranges from $70 to $120 per hour, with many homeowners spending between $140 and $600 for installation. It usually takes a professional between 2 and 5 hours to install French doors. Removing the old door and frame, measuring the space, installing the new frame and doors, and positioning the new hardware take time and careful technique. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that certain types of French doors cost more to install than others, and heavier French doors will cost even more. This guide will examine the important factors that influence the average cost to install French doors, additional costs and considerations that can change the final prices for French doors, the different types of French doors, and some salient questions to ask a professional about French doors and the installation process.
While many homeowners spend between $2,000 and $5,000 to install French doors, the overall price can vary from the national average due to some important factors. These can include door size, type, material, style, and brand; glass type; hardware type; installation location; and local labor prices. All of these can greatly affect the overall cost to install French doors.
The bigger the French door, the more expensive the price. Larger French doors can increase the price by $100 to $500. While the standard size of a French door is 72 inches wide by 80 inches tall, there are other common sizes that measure from 30 to 96 inches wide for a pair of doors and 80, 84, or 96 inches tall. Wider doors require more materials and glass, which will increase the overall price.
Traditional French doors are typically installed as a pair of side-by-side hinged doors that meet in the middle. Modern French doors are available in a variety of types and styles that can fit in with any decor design and space. Depending on the style, French doors can cost from $300 to $6,000. Homeowners will want to choose the type of door according to the size of the frame opening and the amount of clearance that is available for the doors to swing open. French doors can swing in or out, and sliding doors are an option in areas that don’t have the necessary clearance. Types of French doors include center hinged, double in-swing, double out-swing, single in-swing, single sliding, and telescoping sliding. Each of these door types is discussed in a section below.
French door frames can be made from a variety of materials that range from budget-friendly vinyl to more expensive high-end hardwood. The overall cost of French doors depends on the materials. Below are the common materials used for French doors and the average price range for each, not including installation.
French doors are available in a variety of styles. Some styles will fit in with a specific architectural design more than others, and some homeowners opt for a custom-designed style that works the best with their home. Below are the most common readily available styles of French doors.
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French doors are available from many brands. Some manufacturers specialize in specific types and styles of French doors, while others make a variety of custom options for homeowners to choose from. With such a large selection and variety of features, homeowners can find the right energy-efficient material or style that works the best for their home and their budget. Below are some common brands of French doors and their average price ranges.
The type of glass used in French doors affects the overall cost. While interior doors can use a single pane of tempered or laminated glass, exterior doors need double- or triple-pane glass for improved energy efficiency and safety. Below are the different types of glass used in French doors and the average price range for each.
French door hardware comes in a few styles and options with or without locks. Some of the most common hardware types are lever handles, fixed pulls with a thumb latch, and cremone bolts. Each type of hardware can be simple or decorative and made from a variety of materials. Lever handles and pulls are typically the most common and can be locked from the outside. Cremone bolts run the length of the door, bolting at the top and bottom and locking from the inside. Cremone hardware can also be combined with a lever handle or pull that locks from the outside to increase French door security. Below are the average price ranges for French door hardware.
Since French doors can be installed as both interior and exterior doors, the average installation cost can vary. Exterior French doors typically cost between $500 and $2,200 more than exterior doors, and double doors cost more than single options. While it may be tempting to buy a less expensive interior door to use as an exterior door, doing so is not advised, since interior doors are lighter and less energy efficient. Below are some common locations to install French doors and their impact on the overall cost.
Many professionals charge between $400 and $1,500 for French door installation, depending on the difficulty of the project. A retrofit typically costs more than new construction, and interior doors cost less than exterior ones. If a homeowner decides to install more than one set of French doors at the same time, some manufacturers may offer a discount on the cost. Below are the average labor price ranges to install different types of French doors.
When budgeting for the cost to install French doors, homeowners will find that there are additional price factors and considerations that can change the total project cost. These can include the difference in price for prefabricated versus custom French doors, replacement of an existing door or window, painting and finishing costs, storm door installation, additional security features, and accessories.
Custom French doors cost more than prefabricated options and range in price from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on material, glass type, style, size, and level of customization. On average, custom French doors are 10 percent to 30 percent more than prefabricated ones.
French door replacement cost ranges from $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the complexity of the job. This price usually includes the removal of the old door or window, disposal, and installation of the new door. Interior doors cost less to replace than exterior French doors, since they’re lighter and easier to install. If the old door is in good shape, the installation company may be interested in buying it or providing an installation discount so the door can be used for another project. If the door is in bad shape, it may be recyclable, depending on the material. French doors that are difficult to remove or cannot be reused or recycled typically cost more to replace.
Adding French doors when replacing sliding glass doors costs from $1,300 to $5,000, including the removal and disposal of the old door and installation of the new one. The overall costs vary because of the weight, size, and material of the replacement French doors. If a homeowner wants to replace a window with French doors, the cost ranges from $2,000 to $6,000. The price is influenced by the wall material and the size of the window. The window will need to be removed and the area enlarged to fit the new French doors, resulting in higher installation costs.
While fiberglass and vinyl French doors don’t need to be painted, some homeowners prefer a painted look for their doors. Painting French doors can cost from $150 to $200 per side, depending on how much surface area needs to be painted.
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For homeowners who prefer extra protection for their exterior French doors, storm doors are an excellent option. Storm doors for French doors can cost from $150 to $600, and a DIY kit to convert regular storm doors to fit French doors costs approximately $150.
Extra security features for French doors can cost between $30 and $800. Adding locks to French doors can cost from $30 to $700, depending on the type of lock, material, and style. Adding lamination (which will make the glass stick to the lamination if it’s shattered) will increase the price by $100 to $500. While additional features can increase the security of the doors, it’s important for homeowners to remember that French doors are not immune from break-ins, although there are some important steps they can take to increase glass door security.
Adding accessories to improve and enhance French doors can increase the overall cost of the project. Some homeowners add transoms above the doors to increase their height and allow even more light into the room. Some transoms have the option of opening to allow for increased airflow. Each transom can cost from $200 to $600. Installing blinds over French doors costs from $200 to $1,300. Blinds can create more privacy and block the interior of the home from harmful UV rays. Since French doors are made mostly of glass, this type of door is difficult to soundproof. There is the option of using soundproofing caulk around the panes of glass, which can cost about $30. Upgrading to hurricane-proof French doors can start at around $3,000. For those who live in storm-prone locations, fortifying exterior French doors involves reinforcing the frames and locks and using an added layer of sealant around the glass panes to prevent cracking.
The type of French doors directly affects the price of the doors and the installation cost. Some types are easier to install, while others require much more care and time. Homeowners should choose the type of French doors based on the surrounding clearance for the opening of the doors and the size of the door frame. Below are the different types of French doors and the average price ranges.
The average cost of center-hinged French doors ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. This style of French door is typically used as an outside door and has one stationary fixed door while the other side opens and closes. The door that opens is hinged in the center of the two doors, instead of on the side like traditional French doors.
The cost of double French doors that swing inward ranges from $400 to $4,000. This type of French door does not have a frame in between the two doors, and they open into a room. They’re more commonly used as interior doors or as patio doors rather than exterior front doors, since exterior French doors typically swing out.
Double out-swing French doors run from $400 to $4,000. Just like double in-swing doors, they’re made without a frame between the two doors, but they open outward. This type of door is typically used as an exterior door, since the two doors don’t take up valuable indoor space when they’re opened.
Single in-swing French doors open into a room. They cost between $300 and $1,000 because one single door is less expensive than traditional double French doors. It’s common for a single in-swing French door to have a single, thin, fixed glass panel on one side of the door. These are typically used as interior doors.
Single sliding French doors cost between $800 and $2,000. Commonly used as exterior doors, they work well for areas that lack the clearance to open traditional French doors. When closed, they retain the classic look of traditional French doors, but only one side, or section, slides to open.
Telescoping sliding French doors are a set of doors that slide into each other when they open. Ideal for use in an outdoor/indoor living space, this type of door creates more usable space between the areas. Telescoping French doors cost from $1,500 to $6,000 and usually have a modern look with a steel frame and large glass panels without mullions.
French doors are a stylish option that allows increased light into the home. Since they’re available in different styles, types, and materials, French doors can match the decor of any home. Below are some of the benefits of installing French doors.
Since French doors traditionally have multiple panes of glass in a large frame, French doors provide more security than other types of large, single-pane glass doors.
French doors are more aesthetically pleasing than traditional front doors. They allow for more light to enter the space and can increase the overall value of a home.
With a wide range of construction materials, types, glass designs, and styles, French doors are highly customizable. Whether the doors are made from aluminum, wood, vinyl, or steel, the look and design of the doors can match any home’s aesthetic.
Available as both exterior and interior doors, French doors can connect two rooms or be used to open onto a patio, garden, balcony, deck, or porch.
French doors can be used not only to open up a space but also to create some privacy by closing off two rooms; this can reduce noise and also make heating an interior space more efficient. When opened, French doors can create the feel of additional space in a room, and they can also make it easier to move large items in and out of an area.
Homeowners can bring the outdoors in when French doors are opened to the outside. Since French doors are traditionally made mostly of glass panes, they allow increased natural light and airflow into a home.
French doors can create a focal point within a room and generate interest. Installing French doors is a valuable upgrade that can appeal to potential home buyers when it’s time to sell.
An experienced DIYer can install French doors on their own, and a prehung French door kit will make the process easier in a home that has standard-size door frames. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that professionals can take between 2 and 5 hours to install French doors. If a homeowner doesn’t feel comfortable installing French doors on their own, it’s recommended that they call a professional. The installation process can be challenging for those who don’t have the experience with door installation. Exterior French doors require a tight seal to ensure proper insulation, and custom-size doors take precision for a proper installation. In addition, some manufacturers of the best patio doors require professional installation for the warranty to be valid.
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Installing French doors can improve the look of a room, increase the amount of natural light, and boost the value of a home. Depending on the style, type, and material of the doors, however, they can cost a considerable amount of money. Below are some money-saving tips to follow when budgeting for the cost to install French doors.
Asking the right questions about French door installation can help a homeowner get the right information and save money. Below are some questions to ask about French doors and the installation process.
French door installation is a big project that can seem daunting when a homeowner is first considering it. Below are some frequently asked questions about French doors and the installation process.
Installing French doors can add value to a home. Due to their relatively low cost compared to the cost of other types of home improvements, French doors have a high resale value that is attractive to potential home buyers when the homeowner decides to put their home on the market.
Exterior French doors can last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the quality and type of materials. Interior French doors can last much longer—between 30 and 50 years.
Typically, traditional sliding glass doors are less expensive than French doors, but if a homeowner buys higher-quality sliding glass doors, the price will become comparable.
Whether the doors swing in or out comes down to personal preference. Homeowners will want to choose the option that works the best in their space and consider if the area has ample clearance when they are opened and closed.
Double French doors usually have handles on both sides, but center-hinged, single, and sliding French doors typically do not.
French doors are more difficult to install and cost more than the cost to install a single door. Not only does the seal need to be exact, but lining up each door to create an equal space around them takes skill and experience.
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