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French Doors in the UK: Costs, Styles & Installation
- French doors typically cost £750 to £2,300, with installation adding £300 to £850 to the final cost.
- Styles include uPVC, timber, aluminium, composite, and steel, with various glazing and opening options.
- French doors are popular because they let in plenty of natural light and create a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
French doors look simple, but the wrong choice can cost you more than you think. With so many styles, materials, and installation options, it is easy to spend more than you need to.
This guide breaks down what affects price, function, and long-term value, so you know exactly what to look for and what to avoid.
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French door styles
French doors bring a simple, elegant idea to your home. Two doors, set side by side, filled with glass that often runs from top to bottom. Hinged to the sides, they meet in the centre and open either inward or outward, creating a wide, welcoming entryway.
This timeless design remains the base for many modern variations. Different materials, glazing styles, and opening mechanisms now offer plenty of ways to adapt French doors to any home.
Here are the main French door types based on material type:
- uPVC doors combine practicality with low maintenance. Their tough, weather-resistant material resists rot, rust, and flaking. uPVC front doors come fitted with double or triple glazing to boost insulation and reduce noise. A quick wipe with warm soapy water is usually all they need to stay looking fresh.
- Wooden doors offer warmth and traditional charm. Natural wood insulates well and takes paint or stain beautifully. Laminated timber strengthens the structure and improves resistance to the elements. With proper care, wooden doors can last for decades. And when sourced responsibly, they’re also one of the most sustainable door materials available.
- Aluminium doors have slim frames which allow more natural light to flood into the room. Strong and easy to maintain, they come in a wide range of colours. Although they cost more than uPVC, their durability often makes them a worthwhile investment.
- Steel doors have solid construction, which adds security. As a type of metal door, they are strong and long-lasting. For extra safety, fire-rated steel doors are also available.
- Composite doors blend materials to get the best of each. A solid timber core provides strength, while an outer layer like uPVC or GRP (glass reinforced plastic) protects against the weather.
Once you choose the material, the next big decision is the style of glazing. Glazing defines light and privacy in your room. Let’s walk through the most common glazing styles for French doors:
- Fully glazed: Large glass panels run from top to bottom with no solid sections. This style floods the room with natural light and gives clear, uninterrupted views of the garden or surroundings. It suits spaces where maximum brightness and a strong indoor-outdoor connection are priorities.
- Half glazed (with panels): These doors combine glass in the upper or lower section with a solid panel. They offer more privacy than fully glazed designs while still allowing natural light to enter.
- Georgian style: Small individual panes of glass, separated by decorative bars, create a classic, elegant look. Georgian French doors suit period homes or traditional interiors where a historical character is important.
- Heritage or steel-look: A grid pattern across the glass mimics the appearance of old steel doors. This style fits perfectly with industrial, Art Deco, or urban-inspired homes.
Variety does not end here. The way your French doors open shapes how you use them every day. Let’s take a closer look at the most common opening styles:
- Inward opening: This design works well for homes with little outdoor area, including tiny patios, balconies, or narrow gardens.
- Outward opening: This design frees up indoor floor space and leaves more room for furniture placement. Outward-opening French doors are also less likely to be forced open by strong indoor draughts.
- Sliding French doors: This style saves valuable floor space and works well in small rooms.
- Bifold doors: The doors fold back in sections and stack neatly to one or both sides. This creates a very wide opening, perfect for connecting indoor living areas with patios, gardens, or terraces.
Cost of French doors in the UK
French doors cost from £750 to £2,300 in the UK, depending on size, material, style and other factors. Let’s go over the most typical French door prices:
| Material | French door sizes (mm) | Style | Price range (supply only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| uPVC | 1565 x 900 | Glazed | £750 – £950 |
| uPVC | 2200 x 2090 | Glazed | £880 – £1,125 |
| uPVC | 1565 x 900 | Triple glazed | £1,050 – £1,330 |
| uPVC | 2200 x 2090 | Triple glazed | £1,230 – £1,575 |
| Aluminium | 1565 x 900 | Glazed | £975 – £1,235 |
| Aluminium | 2200 x 2090 | Glazed | £1,145 – £1,465 |
| Aluminium | 1565 x 900 | Triple glazed | £1,365 – £1,730 |
| Aluminium | 2200 x 2090 | Triple glazed | £1,600 – £2,050 |
| Wood | 1565 x 900 | Glazed | £1,125 – £1,425 |
| Wood | 2200 x 2090 | Glazed | £1,320 – £1,690 |
| Wood | 1565 x 900 | Triple glazed | £1,575 – £1,995 |
| Wood | 2200 x 2090 | Triple glazed | £1,850 – £2,365 |
How much maintenance your French doors need depends on the material. uPVC and aluminium are the easiest to maintain. They do not rust or rot and only need occasional cleaning and a check on the hinges. Most households spend between £20 and £60 a year on upkeep.
Wooden doors need more attention. You will need to repaint or restain them regularly to protect against weather damage. Without this, the wood can swell, crack, or warp. Maintenance costs usually range from £100 to £200 a year. That said, wooden doors can last 50 to 75 years if looked after, and the maintenance costs are often outweighed by the long-term value."
Composite doors require less care than wood but more than uPVC. A simple clean and an occasional check on the fittings is usually enough.
Keep in mind that there are no government grants that directly cover doors in the UK. However, if the doors are part of a broader energy efficiency upgrade, such as improved insulation or glazing, you might qualify for support through schemes like the Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) or local Warm Homes programmes.
Check with your local authority to see what’s available in your area.
French door installation cost
On average, the cost to fit French doors in the UK ranges between £300 and £850, depending on the material, size, and complexity of the job. Here is a more detailed overview:
| Door style | Installation cost (standard wall opening) | Installation cost (new opening or structural work) |
|---|---|---|
| uPVC | £300 – £500 | £500 – £800 |
| Aluminium | £350 – £600 | £550 – £850 |
| Timber (Wood) | £400 – £650 | £600 – £850 |
| Composite | £350 – £600 | £550 – £800 |
Several factors can push the installation price up or down. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Type of wall: Installing into a brick wall costs more than a timber frame. Just like with front door prices, the structure you are working with plays a big role in the final cost.
- Structural changes: Creating a new opening, resizing an existing one, or installing a lintel adds to the cost.
- Glazing: Heavier triple-glazed doors take more labour to fit and may need reinforcement.
- Door weight and material: Timber and steel doors are heavier, so installation takes longer and may require two fitters.
- Access: Hard-to-reach areas or upstairs installations may involve scaffolding or extra labour.
- Finishing work: Extra costs may apply for plastering, trim, painting, or making good after installation.
- Removal of old doors: Taking out an existing door or window can add another £50–£150.
Not sure if you’re being quoted a fair price? French door cost varies widely depending on material, glazing, and installation. Some quotes include everything, while others don’t. It’s easy to overpay if you only look at one option.
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What affects French door costs?
A few key choices and conditions can push the cost up or down, sometimes by hundreds of pounds. Let’s go over the most influential factors:
- Material: uPVC is the most affordable, while timber, aluminium, and steel cost more due to higher manufacturing and transport costs.
- Glazing type: Double glazing is standard. Triple glazing, decorative glass, or laminated security glazing increases the price.
- Door size: Larger or custom-sized doors use more material and cost more to manufacture and install.
- Finish and colour: Standard colours like white are cheaper. Premium colours like anthracite grey, sage green, or dual-colour finishes add to the cost.
- Door style: Georgian bars, heritage grids, or special profiles can increase manufacturing complexity and price.
- Hardware and security upgrades: Multi-point locks, premium handles, smart locks, or enhanced security glass can add to the final price.
- Installation complexity: Installing into a new opening or requiring structural changes (like cutting into brickwork) adds labour and materials.
- Location: Labour rates vary by region. Installations in London and the South East cost more than in other parts of the UK.
- Access to the site: Hard-to-reach areas, upper floors, or tight spaces require more time and tools.
- Finishing touches: Internal French door trims, plaster repair, painting, and exterior sealing may come at an extra cost if not included in the installer’s quote.
French door pros & cons
French doors offer a lot of style and functionality, but they aren’t the right fit for every home. Before you invest, we recommend weighing both the benefits and disadvantages:
- Natural light: Large glass panels let in plenty of daylight and brighten up the room.
- Indoor-outdoor connection: Great for connecting living spaces with gardens, patios, or balconies.
- Aesthetics: Classic and elegant design that suits both modern and traditional homes.
- Versatile materials: Available in uPVC, timber, aluminium, composite, and steel to match different budgets and styles.
- Ventilation: Can open wide to let fresh air in.
- Property value: Well-installed French doors can enhance kerb appeal and add to resale value.
- Customisation: Options for glazing, finishes, colours, and hardware make it easy to personalise.
- Heat loss: Large glazed areas can reduce energy efficiency if poorly insulated or single glazed.
- Security concerns: More glass in a French front door means more potential entry points without proper locks and toughened glass.
- Space requirements: Hinged designs need clearance to swing open, which might not suit tight areas.
- Maintenance: Timber doors need regular upkeep. Glass needs cleaning to stay clear and streak-free.
- Cost: Average costs of French doors are higher than those of single doors, especially with triple glazing or premium materials.
- Weather exposure: Outward-opening doors can be affected by strong winds or heavy rain unless well sealed.
Should you get new French doors?
If your current doors are leaking heat, hard to open, or simply outdated, upgrading to French doors can make a real difference. They let in more light than standard double doors and, with the right locks and glazing, offer better security than many sliding patio doors.
But to get the full benefit, you need the right installer. That is where most people get stuck. They spend hours comparing quotes, waiting for callbacks, and still do not know if the price is fair.
We make that easier. Instead of chasing quotes yourself, you can fill in one short form and get up to 4 free quotes from vetted local installers near you. No spam. No pressure. Just clear, side-by-side options so you can make the right choice with confidence.
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