How much does a good French door cost? (2023)

How much is a good quality french door?

The average cost of French doors is around $3,500, with a typical range between $2,000 and $5,000. But you might pay as little as $400 or as much as $10,000 depending on the type, size, materials, whether you choose outdoor or indoor French doors can transform your home into an open and inviting space.

How Much Does it Cost to Install French Doors? The cost to install French doors starts at about $400, and with labor estimates running between $75 and $180 per door. You can expect an average cost of $525 and up.

Cost of French doors—and resale value

All in all, they're a good investment in your home, since they don't cost much but add significant resale value, so they almost pay for themselves.

French patio doors typically cost more than sliding patio doors, but the cost of either door style can vary greatly depending on the custom options you choose.

It's likely that you'll have to replace your sliding glass door or French doors after just 30 years. However, if you keep them in good working order with regular maintenance, you may be able to get a few extra years out of your patio doors. Everyone's needs for replacement doors is different.

Generally, French doors feature large glazed panels and are often used as an alternative to classic patio doors. Double doors, meanwhile, are most often larger versions of these doors with minimal or no glazing, and can feature in commercial as well as residential properties.

It typically takes between two and three hours to install exterior French doors if two people work together and have a level of experience. Before you start to install your French doors, make sure to remove any protection foil that was added to prevent damage to the frame during transport.

The reason French doors are harder to install than a single door is that you have additional tolerances you must satisfy to make the result look professional. The reveal around all the doors and in between the two doors needs to be consistent and as equal as possible.

Installing French doors usually takes five or six hours, including removal of the old frame. A very simple installation may take only a few hours. However, complications aren't unusual and will add to the duration of the project.

French doors are more expensive, but they're popular among homeowners seeking a classic design scheme. Sliding doors are less expensive and give homes a modern look with plenty of light.

Is it easy break in French doors?

The glass area on French doors is a large security risk. Usually, burglars tend to break one of the glass panels, creating enough space for them to put a hand inside and unlock the doors. Making sure toughened glass is fitted will make breaking any glass panels significantly more difficult.

Sliding doors provide better security and offer ease of use and space-saving opportunities. Sliding glass doors use a glass pack and insulated frames to offer better energy efficiency than the traditional French doors. French doors allow more ventilation but can have space, mechanical, energy-efficiency issues.

Ultimately it's all a matter of preference. If you want to maximise internal floor space, get French doors that open outward. If you want French doors with better weatherproofing that maximise patio or garden space, chose to fit it so your french doors open inwards.

Homeowners have installed French doors in place of sliding glass patio doors for years. They're extremely customizable and let in more fresh air when open. When you need to get new ones, you could be concerned French doors are out of style. These doors remain very much in style for 2021 and beyond.

But generally speaking, the answer to the question 'are French doors more expensive than patio doors' is a resounding yes. In most cases, French doors cost more than patio doors. However, that also depends on the custom options you choose.

French doors offer a traditional aesthetic, in a practical , high-performance and secure design. A popular solution for homeowners, French doors provide easy access to the outdoors, plentiful natural light and a greater sense of space.

French doors have a good balance of glass to wood in their frames which makes them far more energy efficient than your average set of sliding doors. A high-quality set of French doors will also come with a strong seal around them.

Originally a 17th-century design feature, their popularity has stayed consistent throughout the centuries simply because of their timeless classicism. Incorporating both windows and doors into one design feature, they allow plenty of light into your home.

High return on investment

Anytime you install French doors in your home, you can expect to receive a significant return on your investment. One of the most reliable ways of increasing resale value of your home is to replace your entry door with a stylish French door.

French patio doors cost between $500 for low-end options and $4,000 for large, pre-designed, or custom alternatives. They are hinged to open at the center, swinging in or out on both sides to connect interior and exterior living space.

Do French doors always have glass?

Since French doors are primarily all glass, these types of doors can bring in an incredible amount of natural light.

This is actually a straightforward job that needs minimal tools or support. The important thing is to take your time, and to be careful at every step, so that you don't cause any damage to the opening. Because, if you do, you may find it hard to install the new set of doors – it may even affect their long-term working.

French doors will enable both doors to be fully open at the same time, thus providing full opening of the aperture. The basic configuration of French doors means that there is less of an importance placed on design for functionality.

According to HomeAdvisor, on average, homeowners spend $2,500 on installing a patio door, including labor costs. A patio door professional charges $70 to $120 for installation—and it could take three to five hours to pull down the old one and replace it with something new.

Difference between French windows and French doors

Essentially, the difference comes down to how they're used. They work in very much the same way but one is used as a window and the other as a door. Traditionally, French windows reach down to the floor but are much narrower than French doors.

In terms of security, the type of patio door that is most secure overall is the French Door. While bifold and sliding doors can be extremely secure, French doors usually take the top spot due to how they operate. French doors have a whole host of features that make them more secure.

There are two common uses for French doors — patio and interior. Patio French doors typically open to a deck or backyard patio on the first floor of a home. Interior French doors are often in entryways between a dining room, kitchen or living room.

The average cost range to replace sliding glass doors with French doors is between $1,300 and $5,000. This includes removing and disposing of the old sliding model and the cost to install the new doors. Costs range depending on the door's material, type, style, and size.

The cost to replace a window with French doors runs $600 to $5,800 on average. This can be a more expensive project because you need to either widen one window opening or convert two windows to make space for the wide French doors.

The Quick Answer: Yes, planning is needed in every instance. If you live in a listed building you will need planning permission and listed building consent to change your windows and doors.

Do French doors have screens?

French doors can be installed with retractable screens. Retractable screens are a great way to enjoy the look of French doors and the benefits of a screen door (airflow, pest control, etc.)

Without proper sealing, French doors also serve as a notorious source of water leaks, reveals Better Door. Left untreated, these water leaks can damage your flooring and may even rot the doors and surrounding structure.

Most modern energy-efficient patio doors have double-paned glass. Some homes, those in colder regions, may use triple-paned glass.

Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in. First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home. Back door: 22% come in through the back door. Garage doors: 9% gain entrance through the garage.

For the very best French door security: Choose laminated glass. Laminated glass is manufactured in the same way as any other double glazing, except a sheet of plastic is positioned either between the glass or on the outer pane, adding extra protection.

So, are French doors safe and secure? The answer is, yes, they are. French doors come with the same quality locking mechanisms found in standard doors, making them just as safe and secure. The biggest risk these types of doors present is when they aren't installed properly.

The locking mechanism on most sliding glass doors are easy for a burglar to bypass. Often, the lock is nothing more than a mere latch that hooks into the door frame when the door is shut.

Fiberglass Exterior Doors

This manufacturing process makes fiberglass one of the most durable and energy-efficient options on the market.

In a recent study published by Indoor Air: International Journal of Indoor Environment and Health, scientists observed a group of healthy young adults sleeping over a period of five nights. Those who slept with the bedroom door open reported a better and longer night's sleep than those who slept with the door closed.

Why do French doors drop?

If this is happening to your French doors (also known as French windows), then it's most likely because they have become misaligned. Either due to wear and tear on the hinges (if they're older doors) or a poor installation (if they're newer).

Bi-Fold patio doors are a unique alternative to a standard French door system. They can create a wide-open space in your home and let in plenty of fresh air and natural light. Bi-Folds are easy to operate, and fold and slide smoothly to one or both sides of your opening.

So, for anyone who is worried that having patio or French doors within a room – rather than a small residential door surrounded by wall space – our advice is: don't be. New patio and French doors that are well-installed will keep your lounge or kitchen just as warm as regular doors.

If you're looking for a way to add value to your home, sliding patio doors are a great option to consider. Not only are they energy-efficient and low-maintenance, but they also improve your home's curb appeal and increase its resale value.

These high-end doors can cost from $1,500 to $7,000. Composite wood. The most budget-friendly option on this list, a composite wood door averages between $40 and $500.

Wood entry door, on the low-end, starts at $1,200, but on average, wood doors can range from $1,500 to $2,500 for a complete installation. Fiberglass door costs about $1,900 to $2,900 on average for full installation. Door installation can be a DIY project, though that depends a bit on the project and the door type.

French Doors

French patio doors cost between $500 for low-end options and $4,000 for large, pre-designed, or custom alternatives. They are hinged to open at the center, swinging in or out on both sides to connect interior and exterior living space.

Wooden doors are the highest quality door on the market. As the name implies, wooden doors are made of 100% natural wood (save for the hardware of course).

Fiberglass and steel are the most popular because they hold up better to weather, denting, scratches, and require less maintenance. Wood doors offer a beautiful traditional look but require regular repainting or varnishing to look their best.

How can you tell the quality of a door?

Steel and fiberglass front doors require the least amount of maintenance. They're made from durable materials that resist dents and scratches, with a long-lasting finish. Wood front doors require a bit more maintenance if you choose a wood exterior.

Wood Doors

The most common door material found in most homes and used for both interior and exterior doors. Wood doors are especially common in Victorian, Colonial, and Craftsman style homes.

Cost of sliding doors vs French doors

Traditional French Doors are typically the cheapest option for patio doors when compared to sliding doors, but they do not offer the same huge glass expanses and subsequent natural light. They cost less than sliding doors because there's a smaller expanse of space.

According to Quality Overhead Door, a new front door offers a potential return-on-investment of around 75%. In other words, you'll recoup about 75% of what you spend on a new front door in the form of home value.

For supply and installation of a basic white uPVC door the new front door cost is £800+* Timber and composite doors can cost anything from £1,500 to £2,000 and more.