French Doors Cost Explained

French doors are a pair of hinged doors that open from the centre, giving a wide opening to a garden, patio or upstairs Juliet balcony. They are a popular choice for kitchens, dining rooms and conservatories. When pricing them, the cost of French doors depends on more than the doors alone, and this guide explains the main factors so you can compare quotes. We do not list figures, because each opening is different.

Size, side panels and layout

The width and height of the opening are the first factors. Many French door sets include fixed glazed side panels or a top light to fill a wider opening, and each extra panel adds frame and glass. Whether the doors open outwards, which is common in the UK for weathertightness, or inwards also affects the design.

uPVC, aluminium or timber

uPVC French doors are typically the most economical option and are low maintenance. Aluminium French doors cost more but give slimmer frames and a contemporary look. Timber gives a traditional finish but needs ongoing care. Colour, woodgrain foils and dual colour frames all affect the price within each material.

Glass and decorative options

Clear double glazing is standard, while solar control, obscure or laminated glass, and decorative glazing bars or Georgian bars add cost. Larger glazed areas also need safety glass in line with Building Regulations.

Locks and hardware

French doors normally have a multipoint lock on the main door and shoot bolts on the second door. Upgraded locks, anti snap cylinders, handle styles and finishes all play a part. Good hinges that can be adjusted keep the two leaves meeting neatly over the years.

Fitting and building work

Swapping an existing French door for a new one of the same size is the simplest job. Replacing a window with French doors, or creating a new opening, means building work and often Building Regulations approval, which affects the overall price. Upstairs French doors may need a Juliet balcony for safety, which is a separate item explained on our Juliet balconies page.

Cheap French doors: what to watch for

Cheap French doors uPVC or exterior sets sold online can look like a bargain, but they may come in fixed sizes, with basic locks and no fitting. Doors that drop out of line or will not close in the centre often trace back to weak hinges or poor installation. When comparing cheap French doors UK offers with a fitted quote, compare the hardware, glass and fitting as well as the headline cost.

Opening direction and space

Outward opening French doors keep the room free of swinging leaves but need clear space on the patio and restrictors or stays to stop them catching the wind. Inward opening doors suit balconies and tight patios but need room inside. Your choice affects the hinges and weather seals, and can therefore make a small difference to the cost.

Lead times and colours

Made-to-measure French doors in standard white are generally the quickest to supply, while coloured foils, dual colours and aluminium finishes can take longer. Planning the work around those lead times avoids temporary fixes and extra visits.

Long-term value

French doors get heavy use in summer. Good hinges, a reliable lock and properly sealed frames keep them closing neatly in the centre and help avoid the repairs that cheaper sets often need sooner.

Questions to ask before you choose

Ask how the second door is secured, whether the hinges are adjustable, which way the doors open, what glass is included and how the opening will be finished. Written answers to those questions make comparing quotes simple and fair.

Need it sorted?

Book French doors through our French doors page, then send the opening size, a photo and whether you want side panels through the quote form.