How Much Does It Cost To Install French Doors?

Labor cost to install a french door

Like any home project you decide to tackle, the cost to install French doors will require you to pay the cost of labor in addition to the doors themselves. The amount of time or labor required depends on your project type. Replacing standard doors with French doors is a less labor-intensive project than opening a wall to add French doors, for example.

It costs between $312 to $506 for a four-hour French door installation project, with an average labor cost of $409. The installation of these doors requires skilled labor, along with steps like measuring, trimming, and planing a door to make sure it fits the existing door jamb. The contractor will also need to mark the spot for hinges and install them. It also includes labor to install new door handles, set up, and clean up after the job is complete.

French door material costs

When you think about how much to install French doors, your cost includes the materials required to complete the project. You may choose prefabricated French doors or a more expensive custom set. It’s important to know how much each style costs and the type of materials required before you begin your project.

The doors themselves will be the most significant part of the cost. A variety of door styles are available at different price points. The actual cost of materials for French doors depends on whether you want interior or exterior doors, the size, and most importantly, the frame materials. 

Aluminum doors

Aluminum French doors are versatile and can be used for interior or exterior doors since the material is quite durable. Prices for aluminum French doors vary widely and range from $100 to $2,000, so it’s easy to find some that should fit your budget.

Clad/vinyl doors

Vinyl-clad doors are less costly than other door styles, with prices averaging between $300 and $800. These doors are also energy-efficient, making them a great choice for exterior French doors that open up to a backyard or patio.

Fiberglass doors

Fiberglass doors are another energy-efficient choice that can save you money on electricity costs. These French doors come in a range of styles and vary greatly in price, starting at $500 on the low-end to $5,000 or even more on the high-end.

Steel doors

Steel is an exceptionally durable, sturdy door material ideal for long-term use. These French doors are lower in cost than other options, but adding glass will increase your price. Plan to pay $300 to $1,200 for each door installed.

Wood doors

Wood is one of the most popular French door materials and comes in many styles. You can choose solid wood, composite, or engineered wood. Solid wood doors cost between $100 and $500 for interior doors and $500 to $5,000 for exterior doors.

Cost of custom-made French doors

So, how much is a French door that’s custom-made just for you? Plenty of pre-made styles are available, but you may prefer to design something tailored to your taste. Not only are custom-made French doors visually appealing, but they’re made with your specific needs in mind, which means they’ll look great and provide you with optimum functionality.

If you want custom French doors, keep in mind that the installation cost will be higher than a prefabricated door. The cost for custom French doors varies, but you should plan to pay from $4,000 to $10,000 for this option. The price depends on the size and ease of installation, the amount of labor required, and your specific choice of materials. It’ll also depend on how ornate and detailed you want your new custom French doors to be.

Design considerations for French doors

How much does it cost to install a French door? There are many factors to consider, including the design features you choose. Let’s take a closer look.

Material

The materials you choose will determine your new French door’s look, functionality, and cost. Whether it’s wood, vinyl, steel, aluminum, or fiberglass, the option you select will impact your total price.

Color

You can choose a custom color for your French doors to coordinate with the rest of your space. Remember to look at the color of other interior and exterior doors to help you choose the right color for your new French doors.

Energy efficiency

It’s important to choose energy-efficient doors if your French doors open to the outside. Look at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Performance Ratings to determine which material is the best in terms of energy efficiency. Don’t forget to do the same for the glass portion of your French doors.

Hardware

Door hardware is functional, but it’s also an important design feature of your French doors. Door hardware is available in metallic finishes like chrome, brass, nickel, matte black, or bronze. Use the existing finishes in your home as inspiration to help you choose the right hardware.

Swing

Your new doors can swing inward or outward, depending on where they’re located in the home and how you want them to operate. In-swing doors open into the room, and out-swing doors open away from the room.

Additional features

Think about any special features you’d like to add to your new French doors. Sliding French doors are a great choice if you want exterior doors that open to your outside patio, garden area, or backyard.

How to install French doors?

You might be wondering more about the process of French door installation. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide, including information about the basic installation process. Remember that every project is different, and some may require a few extra steps.

• Prepare for your new French door by removing the old door and door frame.
• Measure the opening before buying new French doors to ensure they’ll fit correctly. Remember to include the radius of the door swing and the door jamb depth to help you find the proper size.
• Install the new door frame first. This may require a new door jamb, particularly if you have an older home or a home with uniquely sized door openings.
• Secure the new door frame to the wall, carefully following all manufacturer instructions.
• Install your new French doors according to the manufacturer’s instructions, making sure they’re secure and level.

DIY vs. hire a pro

Some homeowners may want to try to install their new French doors DIY, while others may choose to hire a professional. If you have basic handyman skills, you can save on the cost of French door installation by attempting to tackle the project on your own. A pre-hung door kit will make the process easier. It’s typically a great choice if you have a newer home or one with standard-sized door frames.

If the installation process is more complicated, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure the job is done right. For example, a uniquely sized door frame that won’t fit a pre-hung door kit will require additional labor and precision to complete. If you need to open a wall to install new French doors, then this type of work is always best left to the pros.