Hero image

How Much Do French Doors Cost?

$1,500 to $5,000

    How Much Do French Doors Cost?

    French doors are a beautiful upgrade for the interior or exterior of your home. They are a classic style that creates an elegant look and are the perfect way to partition your home and increase natural light. French door prices differ anywhere from $250 to $5,000 depending on the size of the doors and the type that you select.

    Labour and installation account for a large portion of the cost of French doors. This can vary from location to location. The following reflects typical prices according to city.

    City Average Cost Per Hour
    Sydney $30
    Melbourne $35
    Brisbane $35
    Canberra $30
    Perth $35
    Darwin $35
    Hobart $30
    Adelaide $30

    Factors Impacting the Cost to Install French Doors

    Material. Material is a significant factor in the cost of the doors. You can choose from aluminium or wood. Aluminium is the least expensive. It ranges from around $350 for a single French door to $1,500 for a larger set of double doors. Wood can range from $300 for a single door to upwards of $4,000 to $10,000 for a set of carved custom doors.

    Size of the project. The size of the project also affects cost. Of course, you could expect to pay more for a double French door than a single one. For example, Single aluminium doors cost between $750 to $1,000. Aluminium double doors begin at around $1,200. The cost to replace windows with French doors is considerably more expensive, as there is much more construction involved. The price for turning your windows into French doors can climb to $20,000, depending on the type of door chosen.

    The complexity of the design. The complexity of the design can drive up the cost of the job. For instance, the cost to replace a sliding door with French doors involves considerably more labour and work than simply replacing an existing set of French doors. When budgeting for complex installations, you could expect between $10,000 and $20,000 in labour. Still, it is always a good idea to play for around 15 per cent extra for unforeseen issues during the project.

     

    French doors leading out to a courtyard

    French doors create an elegant entrance into your home / Source: EG Press Builders

    Price Estimates for Different French Door Materials

    The type of material that you choose affects the cost of French doors. The most common materials are aluminium, steel, and wood. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages and is appropriate for different circumstances.

    Aluminium. Aluminium is a popular choice because it is durable yet more lightweight than steel. Aluminium French doors prices are one of the reasons why many people choose them. They are durable, and they are relatively low cost. You can get single aluminium doors for between $350 to $1,500 each.

    Steel. Steel is another popular choice because it is strong, but it is also heavy. It is durable and will last a long time, but because of its weight, it might require reinforcement of the structural components of the frame. Steel doors range in price from between $500 to $1,500 for the door alone, but labour costs can be much more because of their weight.

    Wood. Wood can be an appealing option, but might not be the best option for areas that will be exposed to the weather. Cheap composite wood doors can be as low as $50, but they are not necessarily the most durable options. Custom hardwoods can cost upwards of $10,000 for a carved hardwood door.

    Fibreglass. Fibreglass is another popular option. It is inexpensive and durable. It also comes in a wide range of colours and textures. The average cost for a fibreglass door is between $200 to $3,000.

    Replacement Costs for French Doors

    The cost to replace French doors depends on the type of job that needs to be done. The average replacement with minimal work to the door jambs and framing ranges between $750 to $2,000 for the average job. The Cost to replace windows with French Doors requires more labour and ranges between $2,000 to $10,000. The same can be said for the Cost to replace sliding door with French Doors.

    The price of the job also depends on whether it is an interior or exterior door. For instance, an interior set of doors can average between $50 to $150, but an exterior door can climb to between $500 and $10,000. Extras also drive up the costs. For instance, if you need security, weather resistance, fire resistance, or sidelights, you can expect to pay an extra $300 to $2,000 for each of these features.

    How to Hire a French Door Installer

    Majority of the cost of installing French doors is not in the value of the door itself, but the labour involved. You can expect to pay between $30 and $60 per hour, so you want to get a professional that can get the job done right and at the most affordable price. Here are a few tips for getting the most for your money when hiring an installer for your project.

    Creating an Accurate Estimate

    Here are a few tips for helping your professional give you an accurate estimate for the job.

    • Do some shopping beforehand and have an idea of what you want.
    • Know the size of your door and wall material.
    • Call at least three contractors to compare prices.

    Licencing/Qualifications

    The installation of French Doors does not necessarily require a licence for a simple replacement or installation. If the job entails changes to the framing or electrical work, then the contractor will need a licence to perform those portions of practice. Here are a few questions you need to ask before choosing someone.

    • Do they have all of the necessary licences and qualifications to complete the job?
    • Do they carry appropriate insurance?
    • Ask for references or ask to see other jobs they have completed.

    How to Save Money Hiring a French Door Installer

    You might be tempted to do the job yourself to save money, but this can end up costing you more in the long run. Here are a few reasons why hiring a professional is the best way to save money.

    • Getting everything lined up straight can be difficult. If you do not get everything lined up straight, the doors might not close correctly. The job will look bad if it is crooked and might even leak.
    • More tools are often required than most have on hand. Most professionals have the tools that they need and experience using them.
    • You might run into problems that you did not foresee. If a professional runs into a problem, they have the experience to know what to do.
    • You can’t replace experience when it comes to saving money. A professional can get the job done quickly and professionally.

    In the end, hiring a professional is the best way to save money. If you have to hire a professional to correct your mistakes, it can cost more than hiring them in the first place.

    FAQs

    How much do double glazed French doors cost

    Double glazed French doors have two panes of glass and air space between then. They offer better insulation and act as a sound barrier. They often require specially trained installers, which can cost between $750 to $5,000.

    How much do French patio doors cost? 

    French patio doors are an excellent way to let some of the outdoors inside. They are excellent for allowing in fresh air and light. On average, they cost between $500 to $4,500.

     

     

    * The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources

    Related French Door Cost Guides