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Guide To the Cost of French Doors in the UK
French doors bring both style and functionality to homes, providing a seamless connection between indoor spaces and gardens or patios. Featuring double glazed glass panes and symmetrical design, modern French doors maximise natural light while offering a timeless aesthetic. This guide explores the true cost of buying and installing French doors in the UK, including all key factors homeowners should consider.
What Are French Doors?
French doors are double doors, typically glazed from top to bottom, allowing for generous light flow. Available as both external French doors and internal variants, they suit properties ranging from traditional to contemporary. Many homeowners choose double glazed French doors or even triple glazing to enhance security and achieve lower energy bills with superior insulation.
Material Choices and Cost Implications
The choice of material greatly impacts both upfront price and long-term value. Popular types include:
- uPVC French doors: Known for affordability, low maintenance costs, and strong insulation.
- Aluminium French doors: Offer superior durability, slim sightlines, and weather resistance, though they are usually more expensive upfront.
- Composite doors: Combine multiple materials for enhanced strength, security features, and energy efficiency. These modern French doors are popular for exterior installations.
- Timber French doors: Deliver traditional beauty but require regular upkeep and may lack the energy efficiency of double glazing.
Typical Prices for French Doors
Below is a guide to supply-only prices for standard sized French doors (as of late 2025):
| Size / Type | uPVC Price Range | Aluminium Price Range |
| 1200mm Premium White uPVC | £683 | £1,278 |
| 1500mm Premium White uPVC | £739 | £1,419 |
| 1800mm Premium White uPVC | £879 – £957 | £1,549 |
| Standard Aluminium French Doors | From £1,100+ | £1,200 – £2,000 (varies by design) |
Double French doors with double glazing and toughened safety glass feature strongly for external use, keeping energy bills lower by improving insulation.
French Doors Cost & Installation Prices
French door installation prices depend on a mix of factors:
- Size and weight of new doors
- Structural changes required (e.g., widening an existing opening)
- Frame material and double glazing needs
- Added security features and hardware
The average French door installation costs, labour costs included, ranges between £500 and £1,000 for straightforward swaps. More complex jobs, such as converting windows to French doors or making doorsets outswing, can exceed £1,500. Always use experienced installers and request itemised quotes. Proper installation is vital for security and longevity.
Maintenance Costs and Long-Term Value
The maintenance required for French doors depends largely on the material. For homeowners seeking low ongoing costs, white uPVC French doors and aluminium French doors are the most attractive options. uPVC generally only needs periodic cleaning and the replacement of worn seals every few years, making annual maintenance costs low. Aluminium frames are similarly low-effort, with occasional cleaning and lubrication sufficing.
Traditional timber French doors add heritage charm but often need repainting or restaining to prevent warping and weather damage, resulting in higher maintenance fees. Composite doors balance minimal maintenance and security without compromising quality. Investing in double glazed French doors can further minimise upkeep and lower energy bills over time.
Security Features: Peace of Mind Built In
Modern external French doors are amongst the best patio doors for security, equipping robust multi-point locking systems, reinforced frames, and laminated toughened safety glass. These features make forced entry extremely difficult, security bars and shoot bolts are sometimes included by default with double French doors. Security can be enhanced with smart locks, anti-snap cylinders, and external security bars.
Choosing doors with toughened or laminated glass, as well as solid locking mechanisms, is recommended for new installations, especially for exterior French doors. Buying from leading UK brands can ensure premium hardware and factory-tested safety features.
Space Saving with Modern Door Design
French doors can be tailored for nearly any property, including narrow or non-standard openings. Customisation lets buyers fit double glazed French doors into unusual spaces, often using side lights or smaller panels for flexibility. Standard French door sizes keep costs low, while oversized double French doors make dramatic room dividers or striking patio entrances.
Space-saving design tips:
- Opt for slimline aluminium frames for a sleek, modern look and extra daylight.
- Use bifold panels or concertina styles if maximum opening width is needed.
- Select external French doors with side panels for wide openings, or internal doors for compact rooms.
- Always measure French doors before attempting installation.
French doors support flexible layouts without compromising quality, allowing homeowners to combine style, practicality, and energy-saving benefits.
Additional Costs to Factor In
- Removal and disposal of existing doors can add £50–£150 to your bill.
- Delivery charges vary but are waived at Doors Direct 2 U for UK mainland.
- Customisation such as bespoke sizes, colour options, or extra glass panes increases the total cost.
- Upgrades like enhanced locking systems or laminated double glazing are wise for security and lower maintenance costs.
Saving Money on French Doors
- Look for bulk discounts, especially when replacing multiple doors.
- Choose white uPVC French doors for the best balance of price and energy efficiency without compromising quality.
- Standard French door sizes typically offer better prices than fully bespoke units.
- Consider seasonal promotions for new doors to further reduce costs.
Why Buy From Doors Direct 2 U?
- Wide range of styles including aluminium, composite, and classic white uPVC French doors
- Free UK mainland delivery and VAT-included pricing
- 10-year warranty and bulk discount options for bigger projects
- Excellent customer ratings: 4.9 TrustSpot average
- Real UK brands like Deanta, Green Taylor, and ATT Fabrications
Looking For Modern French Patio Doors?
Choose French doors for their style, energy efficiency, and value. From double glazed to composite options, find the ideal doors for your home with expert advice and transparent pricing.
DoorsDirect2U have over 40 years of experience providing internal door and external door solutions to suit all budgets and specifications. You can purchase with confidence safe in the knowledge all products are backed with a manufacturer’s guarantee.
Shop all Patio Doors and French Doors or contact us for expert advice!
FAQs
1. Are French doors more energy efficient than sliding patio doors?
New French doors, especially when triple glazed, offer notable energy efficiency thanks to the latest double or triple glazing options and insulated frames. Unlike sliding patio doors, which may lose more heat due to larger moving panels, properly installed French doors provide strong weather seals and toughened safety glass for lower energy bills and better comfort across all seasons.
2. What should I consider when fitting French doors in my home?
Fitting French doors requires careful measurement, choosing a suitable frame material, and ensuring proper insulation. Professional installation is essential for maximising security and keeping maintenance costs low. French doors installed by experienced fitters will offer years of reliable service, unlike sliding patio doors which may need more frequent track cleaning or repair for smooth operation.
3. Can new triple glazed French doors help reduce noise as well as improve energy efficiency?
Yes, triple glazed French doors excel at reducing external noise and improving thermal performance. This makes them perfect for noisy areas or homes seeking the highest standard of energy efficient performance. Investing in triple glazing means healthier indoor temperatures, quieter living spaces, and lower heating costs for years to come.