What Is a French Door?
A French door is a door for interior or exterior use made of light construction, with glass panels making up most of its length. They are usually installed in pairs with no wooden stile between them so that the doors can be positioned into a single large opening.
There are variations on this theme, and today, a French door can also be sliding, installed singly beside a fixed panel, or telescoped into a full set of other doors to open an entire wall.
They provide access and increase the amount of natural light. They are most often installed on the patio for exterior use, but they can be used inside between common-use rooms, such as living and dining rooms.
French Door Price by Location
They can be installed inside and outside. The doors are not interchangeable: an interior door cannot be used in an exterior location. Exterior doors are heavier and more energy-efficient than interior ones, which tend to be lighter with thinner glass. This can greatly impact the door’s cost.
| Location | Average Costs (Material Only) |
|---|
| Interior | $500 - $800 |
| Exterior | $1,000 - $4,000 |
Interior French Doors Cost
Interior models cost between $500 and $800 on average. These lightweight options typically have a single pane of glass. They can be made of any material, including softwoods like pine and fir. They do not have to be sealed as tightly because they are not used on the exterior. This makes them less expensive. Installation costs are similar to the exterior but cheaper in some instances, depending on the location and frame.
Exterior French Doors Cost
Exterior doors range from $1,000 to $4,000. These heavier options have been sealed to keep out the elements. You are more likely to find hardwood options for a wood door. The glass is usually double-glazed, if not triple-glazed. This makes them more expensive than the interior style. They also are more likely to have heavier hardware so that they lock securely.
French Door Price by Material
Like any door, these doors come in many materials. Most of them are made of glass, but the frame can be any material, from wood to vinyl. Like other types, the cost is influenced by the material.
| Material | Average Costs (Material Only) |
|---|
| Vinyl | $500 - $2,000 |
| Wood | $500 - $4,000 |
| Aluminum | $650 - $3,000 |
| Fiberglass | $650 - $4,000 |
| Steel | $650 - $4,000 |
Vinyl French Door Prices
Vinyl 1 doors cost between $500 and $2,000 on average. They are lightweight and fairly low maintenance. The vinyl does not need to be painted and can be easily cleaned. Some vinyl is smooth, but manufacturers can also give it a wood-grain for a more interesting texture. Most of them are white, but a few are available in other finishes or colors. Vinyl is not as good an insulator as some materials. It can also warp in very hot weather, so it may not be suitable for exterior use in hot and sunny climates.
Wooden French Door Prices
Wooden options range from $500 to $4,000. They are often made of pine, fir, or another low-cost softwood. They can be pre-stained, painted, or unfinished so that you can finish them in your choice of stain or paint. You can also find interior and exterior doors in hardwoods, such as maple, oak, and exotic woods like cherry or mahogany. These can also be found stained, painted, or unfinished. Hardwoods are usually more expensive, but they last longer and are more durable for exterior use.
Aluminum French Door
The cost of aluminum doors average $650 to $3,000. Aluminum is a lightweight material that is also fairly low maintenance. It does not peel but can slightly fade, so it needs periodic repainting. Aluminum is a poor insulator, so it is not the best choice as an exterior door for very hot or cold climates. Aluminum usually has a smooth finish. It is found in white or with a black finish that looks like iron.
Fiberglass French Door Prices
Fiberglass 2 units cost between $650 and $4,000. Fiberglass is often considered one of the best materials because it is very durable and insulates well. It can have a realistic wood-grain finish and be found in several colors. It is very low maintenance and does not need to be repainted. It can also handle being installed in different climates. They are also fairly lightweight and work well in interior and exterior applications.
Steel French Door Costs
Steel options average $650 to $4,000. Steel is a less common material. It is mostly found in telescoping and contemporary-style options but can sometimes be found in more traditional settings. Steel is a very durable metal that does not require much care. It is a poor insulator, so it may not be the best choice for very hot or cold climates. It can be used to give a more modern or industrial finish, particularly when left unpainted.
Average Cost of French Doors by Door Type
Traditional French doors are hinged, with two doors that meet and close in the middle. However, today’s doors come in a much wider range of styles and types, with single, sliding, and telescoping models now available. The door you choose should depend on the opening’s size and how much clearance you have for the door swing - they can open in or out, but sliding options may be the best fit in areas where you do not have clearance.
| Type | Average Costs (Material Only) |
|---|
| Single In-Swing | $300 - $1,000 |
| Double In-Swing | $400 - $4,000 |
| Double Out-Swing | $400 - $4,000 |
| Single Sliding | $800 - $2,000 |
| Center-Hinged | $1,000 - $1,500 |
| Telescoping | $4,000 - $6,000 |
Single In-Swing
Single in-swing units average $300 to $1,000. This single door has a glass interior. It swings inward into the house or room it is installed in. Frequently, they may have a thin, fixed glass panel on one side. This can widen the look and increase the amount of light. They can be used outdoors but are much more common as interior doors.
Double In-Swing
Double in-swing units cost between $400 and $4,000. This is the classic looking set of French doors. It is a set of two doors with no frame or stile between them. They swing into the home or room they are installed in. They can be used inside or out but are less common on the exterior. Most exterior models swing out to avoid the needed clearance space.
Double Out-Swing
Double out-swing models range from $400 to $4,000 on average. These are also the classic type of French doors. They are made of two doors with no frame or stile between them. They open by swinging outdoors or into the adjacent room. This is the more common type for exterior use. They swing out, which means there is often more clearance space outside, and you do not need to worry about having space inside.
Single Sliding
Sliding designs cost between $800 and $2,000 on average. They are primarily used for exteriors. They are good if you do not have clearance on either side of the door. They have the appearance of the classic French door but only one section moves or opens. The other section is a fixed panel. When closed, they look like traditional French doors, but one side overlaps the other when open.
Center-Hinged In-Swing
A center-hinged in-swing door averages $1,000 to $1,500. This is a rare type of French door used almost exclusively outdoors. When shut, they look similar to classic models. Only one door opens while the other is fixed. The door that opens is hinged in the center of the two doors, usually at the frame’s top and bottom rather than off of the sides.
Telescoping Slider
A telescoping sliding unit ranges from $4,000 to $6,000. These are a rare type of doors. They typically appear very modern, often with one large glass panel in the center with no mullions. They may have a steel frame. Instead of being one or two doors, this is a set of multiple doors, which slide into one another when they open. This is a good option if you have an entire wall that you want to open or close as needed. They are most popular when creating an indoor/outdoor living space because you want to maximize the space between the two areas.
French Door Cost by Type of Glass
Because French doors are mostly glass with a thin frame around it, the type of glass you use can impact the cost, appearance, safety, and energy efficiency. Most of them have a single pane of glass for interior doors, which may be laminated or tempered. For exterior use, you can use double or triple-paned glass to improve the door’s efficiency.
| Type of Glass | Average Costs (Material Only) |
|---|
| Tempered | $400 - $1,700 |
| Laminated | $500 - $1,200 |
| Double-Pane | $700 - $3,000 |
| Triple-Pane | $800 - $5,000 |
Tempered Glass
French doors with tempered glass cost between $400 and $1,700. Tempered glass is frequently known as safety glass. When this glass breaks, it comes apart in small chunks rather than shards. The chunks are less likely to cut than thin shards, so it is less dangerous if the glass is impacted. Tempered glass can be used in indoor and outdoor applications. It should be used in situations where the glass may be broken.
Laminated Glass
French doors with laminated glass average $500 to $1,200. Laminated glass is another safety glass. It is not as strong as tempered glass, but it does not come apart. Laminated glass has a glass panel sandwiched between two layers of resin. If the glass cracks or breaks, it does not usually leave the frame. The layers on either side hold it in place. This is another good choice for doors where the glass may be impacted.
Double-Glazed French Doors Cost
French doors with double glazing range from $700 to $3,000. Double glazing means that two panes of glass are used rather than one. The two panes trap air between them, which insulates the glass. Double glazing can make them more energy-efficient. Most exterior French doors have at least double glazing. Since the bulk of the door is glass, double glazing ensures they do not create large amounts of thermal transfer.
Triple-Glazed French Doors Price
French doors with triple glazing cost between $800 and $5,000 on average. Triple glazing means three panes of glass are used. The three panes of glass have more chances to trap air between them, which insulates the door more. The extra beading needed to hold it in place offers even more efficiency. Triple glazing is a good choice for exterior in very hot or cold climates. Using this glass can reduce thermal transfer at the doors.
French Door Styles
French doors also come in many styles. Some styles are designed to fit specific architectural types like Victorian and Craftsman. Others may fit better with a modern or traditional home. The following styles are some of the more readily available models. When looking for something different, you may need to opt for a custom door.
French Country
French country designs are more likely to be made of solid hardwood than other types. They tend to have slightly less glass than normal French doors. They also often have an arched top. Occasionally, the top of the entire door may be arched, but it is more common for the door to be squared and the glass to arch. They have mullions between the glass panels like classic models. They are more likely to be used as front rather than patio doors.
Industrial-Style
Industrial-style models are more often used for interiors. They have a very thin metal frame. The mullions between the glass and frame are roughly the same thickness. This means that more of the door is made of glass. They can open traditionally, swinging in or out of a room. They are more likely to be sliding, with a visible track in the ceiling.
Modern Farmhouse
Modern farmhouse French designs have less glass than traditional ones. They are also slightly thinner than average. In this style, the glass starts at the door’s top but does not extend all the way down. Instead, it stops about ¾ of the way and is finished with wood paneling. The frames are likely made of wood. They may be painted or given a natural wood stain.
Craftsman-Style
Craftsman-style designs have the same glass pattern as many Craftsman homes and farmhouses. This is called a two-over-one. It means that at the bottom of the door is a single panel of glass. Above it are two panels of glass of the same height but half the width each. A thin frame divides the three panels. The frame is likely to be wood with this style.
Shaker-Style
Shaker-style French doors are most often designed for interior use. This door has a flat wooden frame with the glass in a single large panel in the middle. There are no mullions or separate panes of glass. The overall look is reminiscent of a Shaker-style cabinet door, with a flat frame and a single-panel inset in the middle. The glass is often frosted, obscuring the interior. They are often used for closets and other interior spaces.
Prairie-Style
Prairie-style French doors have very elaborate and decorative glass. They also have a thicker-than-average frame, so the glass panel is slightly smaller. They are usually made of wood. The glass is leaded or cut to display patterns and images reminiscent of a Frank Lloyd Wright design. They work well in a prairie-style or mid-century modern-style home. They work best as a front door than a patio door.
Spanish-Style
Spanish-style models are nearly identical to traditional ones. This is a set of double doors with mullioned glass. They are designed to open out to a patio or courtyard. They are more likely to be painted in a solid or bright color or made of natural wood with a dark stain. The glass interiors are always rectangular, with no arching or other decorative elements. The frame is flat with no ornate trim.
Victorian
Victorian French units may be used for exterior front doors or interior use between rooms. They often have leaded glass in a wood frame. The glass is usually highly decorative and may be frosted in places or throughout. The decorative elements are usually floral or reminiscent of floral patterns. The exterior frame is usually a dark wood stain. The contrast of the plain doors with the ornate glass inside creates a striking display.
French Door Cost by Brand
There are many manufacturers of French doors. Some specialize in certain styles or materials, while others focus on things like energy efficiency. Most also have different series for their doors, with differing costs.
| Brand | Average Costs (Material Only) |
|---|
| Jeld-Wen | $400 - $1,200 |
| Pella | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Andersen | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| Milgard | $3,000 - $5,000 |
| ProVia | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Marvin | $3,000 - $6,000 |
Jeld-Wen French Doors Cost
Expect to pay between $400 to $1,200 for Jeld-Wen units. They make a full range of single and double French doors. Their products can be found in wood, fiberglass, and steel. Their wood options start with very inexpensive pine and go to more durable hardwoods. They produce products for interior and exterior use. They are readily available and often in stock at most big-box stores.
Pella French Door Cost
Pella French designs range from $2,000 to $5,000 on average. Pella makes a wide range of doors in wood, vinyl, and fiberglass 2. They have several lines for each material for indoor and outdoor use. Their products come in several styles, including class double in-swing, out-swing, and sliding models. Their wood products come in different species, from pine to durable hardwoods. They also have a range of colors to choose from.
Andersen French Doors Cost
Andersen French models cost between $2,500 and $4,000. Andersen gives nearly endless customization for all their products. They have wood and aluminum options available. Their wood doors are available in a wide range of species. Their aluminum ones can be finished in more than 40 colors. The more customization, the higher your costs.
Milgard French Doors Price
Milgard French doors average $3,000 to $5,000. Milgard specializes in high-end vinyl doors, but they make a full range of French door types. This includes classic double-hinged, single-hinged, and sliding doors. They make options for exterior and interior use. Their products come in white and other limited colors.
ProVia French Doors Cost
ProVia French doors cost between $3,000 and $6,000. ProVia offers numerous options and customizations for its doors. You can add side panels, transoms, leaded glass, and several options. These are high-quality exterior doors for entrances or patios. All their products are Energy Star certified and are highly efficient. Choose from various materials, glass options, and customizations.
Marvin French Doors Cost
Marvin French doors range from $3,000 to $6,000 on average. Marvin’s options are more limited than some of the other brands. They offer a wide range of materials. They also have a full line of doors that are Energy Star certified. Their wood options are available in a full range of durable species. They also offer various glass options and efficiency levels.
Labor Cost to Install French Doors
French doors cost between $400 and $1,500 to install. Differences in costs are partly due to the doors and location. In most cases, retrofitting costs more than new construction. Likewise, lightweight interior and single in-swing options cost less to install than heavier double doors.
When having several doors or windows installed from the same manufacturer at one time, you may get a discount on a per-door or window cost. Below are the average labor costs to install various types of French doors.
| Type | Labor Costs |
|---|
| Single In-Swing | $400 - $600 |
| Single Sliding | $600 - $900 |
| Double In-Swing | $800 - $1,200 |
| Center-Hinged | $800 - $1,200 |
| Double Out-Swing | $900 - $1,400 |
| Telescoping | $900 - $1,500 |
We have had up to 40% cost increases in the last 2 years. Labor shortage and high demand is making pricing unstable in some places.
French Door Installation Cost by Location
Because French doors can be used inside, outside, and in different areas of the home, you may find that your costs fluctuate. Exterior models cost more on average than interior ones. Double cost more to purchase and install than single doors. Therefore, your installation’s location may impact your project’s cost.
| Installation | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Interior | $750 - $1,100 |
| Existing Doorway | $750 - $4,500 |
| Exterior | $1,250 - $4,500 |
| Brick Wall | $2,500 - $6,000 |
Cost to Install Interior French Doors
The average cost range to install interior French doors is between $750 and $1,100. They are lighter and less expensive than exterior units. They are also slightly easier to install, leading to lower costs. Most of them are double and installed between rooms. They can also be single doors installed in place of existing passage doors. They can usually be installed in a few hours.
Cost to Install French Doors in an Existing Opening
The cost to install French doors in an existing opening ranges from $750 to $4,500. The cost range includes the installation in interior and exterior openings. Most of them are installed as retrofit installations. However, they can also be installed as part of new construction. Costs are higher if you need to remove an existing door from the opening than if the opening is in new construction.
Cost to Install Exterior French Doors
The cost to install exterior French doors averages $1,250 to $4,500. They are generally heavier and more expensive than interior ones. They need to be more energy-efficient. They also need to seal tightly, so installation can be more complex. Installation could take two to six hours to complete, depending on the frame’s quality. In general, most installations are fairly quick, especially when they are already pre-hung in their frames.
Cost to Install French Doors in a Brick Wall
Installing French doors in a brick wall costs between $2,500 and $6,000. In this case, the brick needs to be sawed or cut to create the opening. This adds a minimum of $1,000 to the labor and installation costs. The opening also must be framed, and then they can be installed. Once the opening is created, the installation is fairly straightforward and similar to other installations. Costs vary depending on the type of French doors.
Custom French Doors Cost
Custom models have a wide range of costs, depending on the customization level. Some companies make their products to order and allow you to customize on several levels. Others start with a blank opening, and you design your door in every detail. Custom options cost around $3,000 and can go as high as $10,000, based on the level of detail and customization.
French Door Hardware
French doors can have several types of hardware, depending on their style. They may have fixed pulls with a thumb latch or lever handles with or without locks. They can also have a bolt called a cremone, which runs the length of the doors and bolts at the top and bottom. All three locks come in a wide range of materials and styles. They can be decorative or plain and made of different materials. Pulls and lever handles are the easiest to use and can be locked or unlocked from the outside. Cremone-style bolts lock from the inside. They may have keys for added security or flipped with a knob. If you are worried about break-ins, cremone-style bolts are typically safer, but they are also more prominent from the interior. You can pair them with a standard pull or lever handle and a lock that can be locked from the outside.
| Hardware and Lock | Average Costs (Material Only) |
|---|
| Lever | $50 - $200 |
| Pulls | $50 - $800 |
| Cremone | $100 - $500 |
Cost to Replace French Doors
The average cost to replace French doors is between $2,500 and $6,000. This includes the removal, disposal, and installation. Costs range depending on the location, type, style, and material. Exterior and heavier doors cost more to replace than interior ones. Replacement costs include the cost of the door and its installation, as well as $500 to $1,000 for removal and disposal costs. Depending on the material the door is made from, it may be able to be recycled. If the door is in good condition, your installer may purchase it back from you or give you a discount, which can allow it to be refurbished and used in another location. Those that cannot be recycled or reused or that are difficult to remove or dispose of will have higher replacement costs than doors that are easily removed or that can be reused or recycled.
Cost to Replace Sliding Glass Door With French Doors
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. Heavier and more efficient options have a higher price than lighter ones.
Replace a Window With French Doors
The average cost to replace a window with French doors is between $2,000 and $6,000, depending on the home’s material and window’s size. In most cases, the window must be enlarged to fit the doors. This involves cutting into the home’s siding or frame to enlarge it. This increases the project cost. Once the opening is enlarged, costs are similar to the initial price and average installation, depending on the door’s type, style, and material.
Are French Doors Energy-Efficient?
For the most part, yes, French doors can be very energy-efficient. They increase the amount of light in the home to warm the interior for homes in cooler climates. Most French doors today are available with energy-efficient glass and frames or are Energy Star certified. The key is to ensure that the glass is tightly sealed in the frame and using a naturally insulating frame material like fibgerglass or wood. If you are concerned, look for a door with an Energy Star certification label.
Pros and Cons
Like any material or project, French doors have pros and cons. They raise the home’s value. They are easier to use than sliding glass doors and maximize the amount of light entering a home. They also improve the view into the space outside.
However, they typically need more clearance than other types. This is particularly true if you add a screen because the screen swings one way and the doors the other. This can be eliminated by using sliding French doors, but these have their own problems, such as getting stuck in the tracks and being harder to open.
They are not as secure as some other types. Even safety glass and laminated glass is easily broken into, which can mean that they are easier for burglars to enter through.
French Doors vs Sliding Glass Doors
Both French and sliding glass doors are considered types of patio doors. They offer the same amount of light into a home and access to areas like patios. However, they are very different in appearance and function.
French doors both open out fully, allowing you to have the full width of the doorway to pass through. Sliding glass doors have two panes of glass, but only one side opens, while the other is fixed. This narrows the amount of space you have to move through, as well as the potential amount of ventilation the doors may offer. Sliding doors operate on a track. This track can be hard to maintain because it needs to be clean so that the door can slide on it. They can also jump their tracks and must be reseated. They can also become completely stuck and difficult to open and shut. French doors remain easier to open and close throughout their lifespan. French doors require more clearance than a sliding door, limiting the placement of furniture and other items nearby. This does mean that regardless of whether the doors open inward or outward, you do need to pay close attention to the layout of the surrounding areas, while sliding doors do not offer any type of obstruction.
Both of them are fairly comparable in costs, with sliding doors costing slightly less on average for budget options. High-end options of both types have similar cost ranges. Below is the average cost to install each type of door in a patio installation.
| Type | Average Costs (Installed) |
|---|
| Sliding Glass | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| French | $2,000 - $5,000 |
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Cost to Paint Exterior French Doors
Not all French doors need to be painted. Some are made of materials like vinyl and fiberglass that never need to be painted. For those that do, expect to pay between $150 and $200 per door, depending on how much visible area there is to paint.
Locks and Security
Add a lock to your hardware to secure the door. Locks cost between $30 and $800, depending on the type and style. Most doors lock from the inside, but you can get keyed locks on the exterior.
Soundproofing
French doors are difficult to soundproof because they are made of glass. You can enhance the soundproofing slightly by using a soundproofing caulk around the edges of the panes. This costs approximately $30.
Transom
You can add a transom above your French doors to increase the height and maximize light. Transoms can sometimes also be opened for additional ventilation. They have a starting cost of around $300 per window.
Hurricane-Impact French Doors
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, you can have your doors hurricane-impact proofed. This involves reinforcing the locks and frames. It also usually adds an added layer of sealant around the window panes to prevent cracking. They have a starting cost of around $3,000 and can go higher, depending on the materials and options.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Clearance. Ensure you always have clearance on either side of your hinged doors before opening. If you do not have enough clearance, sliding doors or having one fixed door can help.
- Repair costs. These doors have similar repair costs to windows because their most common repairs are associated with fixing or replacing glass.
- Use. French doors are most commonly used for patios and can also be used for front entry doors, porches, decks, balconies, and interior passageways.
- Value. They increase the home’s value and curb appeal.
- Screens. They can be screened. The screen opens opposite to the door’s swing, so you must have clearance on both sides.
- Security. French doors are easier to break into than solid doors because of the glass. Laminated glass makes it slightly more difficult to break into, but they are not burglar-proof.
- Storm doors. They are available for French doors. They come as a special kit that allows their installation over the French doors, or you can purchase a conversion kit for two ordinary storm doors. The conversion kits cost around $20 to $50.
FAQs
- Do French doors open in or out?
French doors are available with an inswing or outswing. You can choose your preference based on your clearance.
- Can you replace a sliding glass door with a French door?
You can. Sliding glass doors and French doors can use the same frame to the same opening with little adjustment.
- Are French doors more expensive than patio doors?
French doors are a type of patio door. They are slightly more expensive than sliding glass doors, however.
- Do French doors add value to your home?
French doors do add value to your home. They can also improve your curb appeal and make your home easier to sell.
- Do French doors have handles on both sides?
Normally, yes. This allows you to operate the doors from either side.
- Are French doors still in style?
Yes, French doors are still in style and can add value and beauty to your home.
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