French doors typically cost $500-$6,500 installed, depending on whether they are interior or exterior, their material and glass, and the amount of framing work required. A standard interior pair averages about $1,400 installed, while an insulated exterior set averages around $3,500.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior French doors | $500 | $1,400 | $3,000 | Pair with basic hardware and standard opening |
| Exterior French doors | $1,500 | $3,500 | $6,500 | Insulated, weather-sealed set with installation |
| Custom or premium doors | $4,000 | $7,500 | $12,000+ | Special sizing, wood, upgraded glass, or structural work |
Assumptions: Typical U.S. metro labor rates, standard double-door opening, and midrange products; local quotes vary.
What a standard French door installation costs
For a standard 60- to 72-inch-wide opening, a basic interior pair generally costs $500-$1,200 for the doors and $300-$900 for installation. Midrange interior projects commonly total $1,000-$2,000. Exterior French doors cost more because they need insulated glass, secure hardware, a sill, and weather protection; a common installed range is $2,000-$5,000.
Most homeowners budgeting for a standard project should allow $1,000-$2,000 indoors or $2,000-$5,000 outdoors. Prices assume the opening is usable and does not need major reframing. Custom sizes, premium finishes, and high-cost labor markets can push totals above those ranges.
How door, labor, and removal charges shape the quote
Quotes may combine product, installation, and removal charges or list each separately. The table shows common ranges for a two-door project; not every job requires every line item.
| Cost component | Interior range | Exterior range | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door pair | $300-$1,800 | $1,000-$4,500 | Vinyl, fiberglass, steel, or wood; glass and finish affect price |
| Labor | $300-$900 | $500-$1,500 | Set, level, secure, and adjust doors |
| Hardware and trim | $50-$400 | $100-$600 | Handles, locks, casing, and threshold details |
| Removal and disposal | $75-$300 | $100-$450 | Old door removal and hauling |
| Framing or finish repair | $0-$800 | $0-$1,500 | Opening corrections, drywall, siding, or paint |
Door material and labor are usually the largest quote items. Exterior projects may also include flashing, insulation, and sealing, while interior jobs often require only fitting and trim work.
Why opening width, glass, and material change the price
Standard units for 60- or 72-inch openings are usually less expensive than custom-width doors. If the opening needs widening, reframing can add roughly $500-$2,000 or more, especially when exterior siding, drywall, or structural framing must be changed.
Glass and frame choices also matter. Basic clear, double-pane glass is less costly than Low-E or decorative glass; upgrades may add $150-$800 per pair. Vinyl and steel options generally cost less than solid wood. Fiberglass often falls between basic vinyl and premium wood, while custom wood species and finishes can raise the door price by $1,000-$4,000.
Measure the rough opening and specify glass and material before comparing bids. A quote for a standard 72-inch unit is not directly comparable with one that includes custom sizing or upgraded glazing.
Which installation tasks take the most labor hours?
A straightforward replacement often takes two installers 4-8 hours. Installing a new exterior unit with trim and weatherproofing may take 6-12 hours; widening an opening or repairing rot can extend the work to one or two days. Labor rates commonly run $50-$100 per worker per hour, with higher rates in expensive metro areas.
For example, two workers for 6 hours at $75 per hour equal $900 in labor before materials or disposal. Ask whether the estimate includes old-door removal, interior and exterior trim, caulking, and cleanup.
Interior pairs and exterior entry sets are priced differently
Interior French doors mainly provide room separation and light, so standard hollow-core or solid-core products can keep the total near $500-$2,000. Exterior sets must withstand rain, temperature changes, and security demands, making insulated glass, multipoint locks, and weather seals more important. Those requirements help explain installed totals of $2,000-$5,000 for many standard projects.
Do not compare an interior door price with an exterior quote as if they cover the same product. Exterior estimates should identify the threshold, glass rating, lockset, flashing, and installation warranty.
How metro labor rates affect French door estimates
Labor and delivery commonly make urban projects 10%-25% more expensive than comparable work in lower-cost rural markets. High-cost coastal cities may run 20%-40% above national midrange estimates, while smaller Midwest or Southern markets can fall 5%-15% below them. These differences vary by contractor availability, travel distance, and local building conditions.
Compare at least three quotes using the same door specifications and installation scope. A low bid may exclude trim, disposal, or finish repair, so compare the written inclusions rather than the headline total alone.
Removal, permits, and finish repairs that add fees
Removing an existing pair often adds $75-$450, and disposal can cost more when heavy glass or difficult access is involved. Painting or staining may add $150-$600; new exterior trim, siding repair, or water-damage correction can add $300-$1,500. A permit may be required when the project changes a structural opening or exterior egress, with fees commonly around $50-$300, depending on the municipality.
Request separate prices for removal, disposal, paint, and opening repairs. This makes it easier to distinguish necessary work from optional finish upgrades before approving the job.
Ways to lower the bill without cutting essential performance
Keeping the existing opening size avoids much of the expense associated with reframing and exterior finish work. Standard-size units, simple clear glass, and stock finishes usually cost less than custom dimensions or decorative glazing. If the existing frame is sound, ask whether a door-only replacement is suitable; a full-frame replacement may still be necessary when there is rot, leakage, or poor alignment.
Control the scope first, then compare equivalent product and labor quotes. Schedule nonurgent work during a contractor’s less busy period, handle simple room clearing beforehand, and avoid paying for premium hardware or finishes that do not meet a specific need. For exterior doors, retain proper insulation, weather sealing, and secure locks rather than reducing costs by omitting them.