Light, bright and incredibly chic, French doors are a perfect hybrid between a window and door. They are used for both the interiors and exteriors of homes to bring in lots of natural light. French doors are available in a wide range of materials and styles. They serve as a convenient, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing option for homeowners.
Understanding your French door options will help determine which one is best suited for you. On this page, we will cover the cost to install French doors — both internal and external — as well as the types of French doors you can choose from.
What Is a French Door?
A French door is a type of interior or exterior door that is typically comprised of window panes that stretch the length of the door or most of it.
As the name suggests, French doors made their way from France to the United States in the 1600s. They were billed as a hybrid between a window and door that provided good ventilation and ample lighting.
These doors consist of a pre-hung frame that typically comes outfitted with a sill and weather-stripping. Grilles and hardware can be customized to match a homeowner’s personal style. While French doors are most often recognized for their grid-like appearance, they can take on other period styles, such as Victorian or Tudor.
Types of French Doors
Depending on the functionality you are looking for, there is a range of French door options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular options available.
Single-hinged French Doors
A single-hinged French door can be put in any area where a single door originally was. They can swing either inward or outward.
Many people picture the classic double-doors when thinking of French doors. But even in a single door setting, a French door can be appropriate.
Double-hinged French Door
Double-hinged French doors are the most common type that will come to mind for most people. This is the classic visual typically seen opening out into a living room or patio area.
Double-hinged French doors feature a set of doors opening either inward or outward. In an outdoor setting, outward opening doors can help compress the seal between the inside and outdoor elements.
Sliding French Door
Often found on bedroom balconies or patio areas, sliding French doors, which are also known as pocket French doors, are types of sliding glass doors.
They can function either as a single-slider where only one door slides, or as a double-slider where both doors can slide. These doors are aesthetically pleasing and also save space since they do not swing in either direction in order to open.
Best Materials for French Doors
French doors can come in a number of different frame materials. Deciding which type of frame material you need will depend on whether the door is exterior or interior, where your home is located, and more. Here is an overview of the most common French door frame materials offered:
Wood
Wooden French doors are classic and aesthetically pleasing. But if wood is the main material and the door is used in an exterior setting, keep in mind it will require some upkeep to help withstand the elements.
Fiberglass
For areas with drastically changing climates — such as scorching summers or frigid winters — consider fiberglass. Fiberglass French doors can withstand the temperature changes without compromising strength. They are also energy-efficient and sturdy. And for those craving the wooden appearance, modern embossing techniques can help the fiberglass look more like wood, without all the upkeep.
Vinyl
Vinyl French doors are durability and affordable. It is often the most cost-effective option when it comes to door replacements. Like fiberglass, it is energy-efficient and can be convincingly manipulated to look like wood. However, regions prone to wildfires may want to pick a different material. Vinyl melts at high temperatures.
Steel
Steel French doors are lauded for their strength and energy efficiency. However, they can be difficult to treat with either paint or stain. Still, according to the 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, steel door replacements can yield a 65% return on investment, making them worth the cost.
Glass For French Doors
As for glass options, you will once again need to consider your region and how you need the door to function.
Interior vs Exterior French Door Glass
If your French door installation will be interior, then you can opt for cheaper single-glazed glass.
However, exterior French doors need to be better-insulated. Glass should be double- or triple-glazed. If you region faces extreme temps — either hot or cold — you should also consider a gas infill between each pane to help keep your indoor temperatures comfortable. Low-e glass (glass with a reflective coating) can also help keep your home the temperature you want it.
Privacy Concerns
If you love the idea of having more natural light, but are concerned about neighbors or pedestrians being able to see inside, you should choose a privacy glass. Textured and frosted glasses can be utilized for privacy, while decorative glass can give a period look to a Victorian-style French door. You can also consider tinted glass, though this may ultimately let in less natural light.
Exterior French Doors
Exterior French doors are intended for any space where the door leads outdoors. Pros to using this type of exterior door include the abundance of natural light they provide. Cons are that they need a little extra room to swing in or out versus a traditional door. They also lack privacy, unless a homeowner opts for treated window panes.
The price of exterior French doors installed ranges on factors including area and material, but the average starting cost is around $500. Explore the most popular types of exterior French doors below.
Patios and Balconies
These doors serve as a great option for patios since they create a natural flow between spaces. Still, keep in mind that compared to a traditional door, they can be less energy-efficient when used for the outdoors.
Patio French doors are also a great option for upper-floor balconies. As far as options go, patio French doors can come in a number of styles and materials. Because of their weather resistance, vinyl and fiberglass materials are usually the most appropriate.
Front Doors
Front French doors provide a stylish and clean look along with plenty of natural lighting. They’re versatile, offering a number of customization options, and relatively simple to maintain. Some drawbacks include the lack of privacy that comes with large windows, but that can easily be fixed with a window treatment.
Good materials for French front doors include wood, for its sturdiness, and vinyl for its versatility and ability to stand up to the elements.
Pool House Doors
A perfect marriage between form and function, French doors are an excellent choice for a pool house because of their versatility, curb appeal and ability to withstand the elements.
Because of the inevitable exposure to water and other elements, a vinyl or fiberglass French door is likely to last the longest and require the least maintenance.
Interior French Doors
Interior French doors are intended for within a home, placed between one room and another. These doors can add to a room’s brightness and spaciousness, becoming a focal point in a living room and adding drama through additions like archways. Costs vary but installed interior French doors start at around $800.
Bathroom Doors
While not the most popular utilization of this style door, bathroom French doors offer an inspired and creative approach to the space. They can become a focal point in many cases and can let a lot of natural light in. Because bathrooms are private by nature, it may be a good opportunity for a frosted window treatment. Ideal materials include fiberglass and vinyl because of the proximity to water, humidity and steam.
Kitchen Doors
Serving as a dramatic, classic bridge between a kitchen and dining room, kitchen French doors offer a way to close off a cooking space without losing the view.
The windows keep the areas feeling roomy even when doors are shut. Kitchen door materials can be more forgiving than other areas, meaning wood, fiberglass, vinyl and steel can all be considered.
Bedroom Doors
Adding style and elegance to the bedroom, French doors are a popular option among homeowners. They instantly make a space look larger and brighter. Still, there are drawbacks, including the lack of privacy and lost space from the door’s swinging footprint, both worth considering.
French Doors to Divide Rooms
Ultimately, French doors are a popular option to break rooms apart from each other without completely closing up a space.
Homeowners like the way the large window panels let the rooms still seem accessible and close by. They’re ideal for families who want to separate spaces but still keep tabs on one another and for making smaller homes seem more spacious.
How Much Does It Cost to Install French Doors?
The average cost to install French doors varies based on door size, materials, glass types, and more. Let’s break down costs for both exterior and interior installations.
Exterior French Door Cost
In most cases, vinyl will wind up being the cheapest material for an exterior French door. Fiberglass and steel can cost more.
Exterior French doors usually cost more than interior doors because of the nature of what goes into the installation process. Exterior French doors typically use heavier-duty materials, extra treatments, and more expensive hardware and glue to protect the door — and your home — from the elements.
Interior French Doors
Using French doors inside to separate rooms is a fantastic option to maintain privacy between rooms without sacrificing natural light.
What Else Impacts Costs?
Several other considerations may increase the total of your French door installation.
- Customization. A mass-produced door might cost anywhere from $400 to $2000, depending on the quality. However, a custom specialty door could cost up to $8000 or more. Expect to spend more for high end materials like mahogany as well as specialty sizes.
- Wiring. If the wall your door is in currently has a single door and you are replacing it with French double doors, you may discover there are outlets or wiring in the space you need. Your contractor will need to engage an electrician to reroute them, which will add to your labor costs. Also, many building codes require an exterior light on all home exits, with two light switches installed on the wall next to the door.
- Roof overhangs. If your roof overhangs are narrow in the spot over your future French door, your door installation may turn into a roofing project, too. This will likely only be an issue for homeowners who are adding a door where no door currently exists or who are replacing a window with French doors. Many roofs have slim, two-foot overhangs on exit-free walls. That offers plenty of protection for a window, but it won’t be wide enough to keep your doors in good shape. So you may need to extend the roof overhang as part of the project—or at the very least, purchase an awning to sit over the door.
- Molding and trim. The door will need both molding on the interiors and trim on the exteriors, both of which add to materials and labor costs. This is a project you could choose to DIY, particularly the interior trim.
While these are all good guidelines to begin budgeting for your project, the only way to get an exact price on installing French doors is to contact a contractor. Click below to get paired with up to four contractors in your area.
Door Accessories
There are a number of add-on accessories and features to consider for your French door installation. They include the following:
- Door handles or knobs
- Screens
- Blinds
- Locks and/or smart home solutions
- Trim pieces
- Custom glass treatments
The accessories that make the most sense for your new door depends on which room you are installing the door, the amount of privacy you are looking for, how much natural light you want, and more. A professional contractor will be able to guide you in terms of which door accessories are ideal for your situation.
French Door Standard Sizes
French doors come in a number of sizes depending on your individual needs. Of course, they can always be customized as needed. But typically, the size of standard French doors is about 6.6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Be sure to ask your contractor which sizes are available and which dimensions work for your space.
Finding a Local Installer
While it may be tempting to replace a pre-hung door on your own, Modernize always recommends consulting a professional. It is important to make sure your door is safely and properly installed, not damaging its surroundings and getting the full curb appeal.
Keep in mind that many window brands also install French doors. Modernize can help you find an installer and prepare for installation day. With the help of our directory of reputable and skilled door installers in your area, your project will get done right and beautifully the first time.
As you search for your contractor, be sure to check out our handy checklist to help you in your quest to find the best professional for the job.
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