French doors are a stylish and elegant addition to any home, offering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, whilst letting in an abundance of natural light. French doors are usually made from uPVC, timber or aluminium and consist of 2 main doors that open from the centre and can either swing outwards or inwards depending on your preference. For those wanting a sense of openness, as well as that seamless transition in their home, they’re the perfect choice!
Whether you’re renovating your current home or building a new one, understanding the cost factors associated with French doors is essential for budget planning.
In this article, we’ll delve into the various aspects that contribute to the cost of French doors, helping you to make more of an informed decision.
If you’re looking for a set of French doors that are beautifully engineered and meticulously designed, we’d definitely recommend taking a look at our Reynaers French Doors collection.
French doors are great for helping you to create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
How much do French doors cost?
The cost of French doors can vary widely based on several factors, including the materials used, the style of the doors and additional features, all explained below.
On average, you can expect to pay anything from roughly £1,000 to £5,000 or more for a pair of French doors. This price range reflects the diversity in quality, design and functionalities available in the market.
What can affect the cost of French doors?
As there are several factors that can influence the cost of French doors, it’s extremely important to carefully consider each aspect before going ahead and making a purchase:
French door materials
The materials used to make the doors significantly impact their price. Common materials for French doors include wood, uPVC and aluminium. Each material comes with its own unique benefits, such as wood’s timeless appeal, uPVCl’s low maintenance and aluminium’s durability.
The choice of material will directly affect the price point, with wood generally being more expensive than other options.
French door styles
French doors are also available in many different styles, including traditional, modern and rustic designs. The complexity of the style and the presence of decorative elements like grilles or sidelights can influence the cost. Custom designs or speciality finishes may also result in high costs due to the additional craftsmanship involved.
Glass and energy efficiency
The type of glass used in French doors can impact both their appearance and energy efficiency. Double or triple glazing, low-emissivity coatings and gas-filled panels contribute to better insulation but may raise the overall cost. While energy-efficient options may have a higher upfront cost, they can lead to savings on heat and cooling bills over time.
Our uPVC French doors are perfect if you want a hassle-free, low maintenance product.
How much do French doors cost to install?
The cost of installing French doors involves more than just the price of the doors themselves. Installation costs must be considered and can vary based on factors like location, labour rates, the complexity of the installation and any additional work required.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between roughly £1,000 to £1,500 for the installation of French doors.
Like the price of French doors, the installation cost is also affected by many factors including:
- Removal of old doors: If you’re replacing existing doors with French doors, there may be additional costs associated with removing the old doors and preparing them for the new ones.
- Frame modifications: Sometimes, the door frame might need adjustments or modifications to fit the new French doors. This can involve structural changes, which may increase the installation cost.
- Weatherproofing and sealing: Proper weather-proofing and sealing are crucial to prevent air leakage and moisture infiltration. Investing in professional installation ensures that the doors are installed correctly and provide effective insulation.
- Professional labour: The cost of labour varies depending on your location and the expertise of the installer. It’s advisable to hire experienced professionals to ensure proper installation and avoid potential issues in the future.
- Additional features: if you opt for additional features like integrated blinds, screened or motorised openers, these can also contribute to higher installation costs.
If uPVC isn’t for you, we also have aluminium French doors & industrial styled French doors within our collection too!
In summary, French doors can significantly enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your home, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. When considering the cost of French doors for your property, always remember to account for factors like materials, styles, glass options and installation expenses.
While the initial investment may vary, the long-term benefits of increased natural light, improved energy efficiency and enhanced curb appeal make French doors a valuable addition to any home.
If you’d like to browse our stunning collection of French doors, click here or alternatively, you can call our team via 01642 309576.
FAQs about the cost of French doors
Do French doors increase home value?
Yes, French doors can increase home value by enhancing the aesthetic appeal, allowing for more natural light in the home and helping to create an inviting indoor-outdoor connection.
What is the difference between a double door and a French door?
Double doors and French doors are actually the same thing. Some manufacturers refer to the doors differently, with some suppliers even referring to the doors as ‘patio doors’ as they usually open up onto the patio. Within this industry however, a ‘patio door’ generally means a door that slides to one side on a track.
Are French doors cheaper than patio doors?
Whilst it’s important to consider all the factors, not just the cost when it comes to purchasing a new door, if you’re comparing French doors and Patio doors made from the same material, you’ll often find that French doors are the cheapest out of the two. This is down to the doors being made with a lesser amount of glass meterage, whereas with patio doors, large square meterage of glass is used.
Do French doors lose heat?
French doors with large glass panels can potentially lead to heat loss as glass is not as insulating as other materials, however modern French doors often come with energy-efficient features such as double or triple glazing, low-emissivity coatings and thermal breaks to minimise heat loss and improve insulation.
Here at GFD Homes, all doors in our French door collection have achieved terrific energy ratings that meet the 2022 new building regulations. For that extra peace of mind, you can also opt for product upgrades to reach energy efficiency ratings as low as 1.1/m2k.