Installing French doors in a brick wall typically costs $3,000-$9,000, with an average project near $5,500. The price depends mainly on whether an opening already exists, the door material and size, structural reinforcement, and local labor rates.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete installation | $3,000 | $5,500 | $9,000 | New opening, standard double doors |
| French door unit | $900 | $2,400 | $5,000 | Fiberglass, steel, or wood |
| Masonry cutting and framing | $900 | $1,800 | $3,500 | Includes opening work and support |
| Installation labor | $700 | $1,300 | $2,500 | Varies with access and finish work |
What French doors in a brick wall usually cost
For a new opening in an exterior brick wall, homeowners commonly pay $4,000-$7,500 for a standard 60- to 72-inch-wide door set, masonry work, installation, and basic interior and exterior trim. A narrow 48-inch opening or a lower-cost steel or fiberglass unit may bring the total closer to $3,000-$4,500. Large custom doors, structural complications, or extensive finish repairs can push the bill above $9,000.
A pre-existing door or window opening can reduce the total by roughly $1,000-$3,000 because less brick removal and reinforcement may be needed. These estimates assume ordinary access, standard double doors, and no major electrical, plumbing, or siding changes. Assumptions: typical U.S. contractor rates, standard materials, and normal site access.
How brick cutting, lintels, and door materials shape the quote
Quotes usually combine the door package, masonry labor, structural support, fitting, and finish work. Ask whether the estimate includes lintel installation, flashing, insulation, and disposal; exclusions in those areas can create unexpected charges.
| Quote item | Typical range | Pricing basis | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| French door unit | $900-$5,000 | Per set | Standard steel or fiberglass to custom wood |
| Brick cutting and removal | $500-$1,500 | Per opening | Saw cutting, demolition, debris handling |
| Lintel or structural support | $400-$1,500 | Per opening | Steel or engineered support above doors |
| Door setting and sealing | $700-$1,800 | Per installation | Frame, shimming, weatherproofing, hardware |
| Trim and finish repairs | $300-$1,200 | Per project | Interior casing, exterior patching, paint |
The lintel and weatherproofing matter as much as the door price for a safe, dry exterior opening. Contractor labor commonly runs $75-$150 per hour, although masonry and finish crews may quote by the job.
Opening width, brick thickness, and lintel needs change the price
A standard 60-inch-wide door opening generally costs less to create than an opening wider than 72 inches, which may require a larger lintel and more structural review. Cutting through a single-brick veneer is typically simpler than altering a load-bearing wall with brick masonry or multiple wythes. Wall thickness, floor height, and the condition of existing brick also affect labor and support requirements.
Moving from a 60-inch to a 72-inch opening can add $500-$1,500, while a structural engineer’s evaluation may add $300-$800. If the opening is in a load-bearing wall, a contractor may need an engineered lintel or temporary shoring before removing masonry. Matching old brick and mortar can add $200-$800 when the surrounding wall needs careful patching.
How long masonry door installation takes
Creating a new opening often takes two to four workdays, spread across masonry cutting, lintel installation, door setting, and finish repairs. A straightforward replacement in an existing opening may take one day, while custom doors or substantial interior repairs can extend the schedule. Multiple trades, inspections, and mortar or sealant cure times may add calendar days.
Labor and masonry work together commonly account for $1,600-$4,000 of a new-opening project. A small crew may include a mason and an installer, with a carpenter or finish worker added for framing and trim. Confirm whether the bid includes debris removal and any return visit to complete trim or paint.
Regional labor rates from rural markets to major cities
Local labor and permitting can shift an otherwise similar project by 10%-30%. Major coastal cities and high-cost metro areas may land near the upper end because masonry crews, disposal, and inspection fees cost more. Rural markets can be cheaper, but travel charges or limited contractor availability may offset the difference.
For a $5,500 mid-range project, a 15% regional premium means roughly $825 more. Compare quotes from contractors who regularly cut exterior masonry, not only general door installers. Their bids should specify the door dimensions, lintel, flashing, cleanup, and finish scope so regional differences are easier to evaluate.
Three French-door installation quotes by project scope
A 60-inch fiberglass set installed in an existing opening might total $2,600-$3,800, including a $1,200-$1,800 door, about 8-12 labor hours, and limited trim repair. A new 72-inch opening with standard fiberglass doors may cost $4,500-$6,500, with 16-24 labor hours and a new steel lintel.
A custom 96-inch wood door set in a load-bearing brick wall can reach $7,500-$11,000. That larger example may include a $3,500-$5,000 unit, structural review, added support, 24-36 labor hours, and more extensive trim and masonry restoration. These examples assume normal access and exclude major electrical relocation or unusual code upgrades.
Existing opening or fresh brick cut which costs less
Using an existing opening is generally the lower-cost option, especially when it is close to the required door dimensions and the surrounding frame is sound. Converting a window opening can still require lowering the sill, rebuilding brick below it, and changing interior framing, so it may not save as much as a direct door replacement.
Changing the size or location of an opening usually adds more than choosing a basic door over a premium model. Before choosing a replacement, have the contractor check for water damage, cracked brick, and a usable lintel. If the existing opening needs only minor adjustments, a standard-size door may avoid expensive custom fabrication.
Ways to lower the brick-wall French-door bill
Keep the opening near a standard width, retain its location where possible, and select a stock fiberglass or steel unit rather than custom wood. Get at least three itemized bids and compare the same door size, glass features, hardware, lintel, flashing, disposal, and finish work. Homeowners can clear furnishings and protect nearby areas, but should leave structural demolition and door setting to qualified trades.
Scope control is usually more effective than cutting out structural support or weatherproofing. Ask whether repair of the existing opening is safe before committing to a larger cut, and confirm permit requirements with the local building department. Avoid paying for upgraded glass, decorative hardware, or extensive trim changes unless those features are part of the project’s priorities.