Costs of placing patio doors
Installing French doors costs on average between €2,500 and €5,800 including installation, HR++ glass, and VAT. French doors are swinging doors with two or more panels that open inwards or outwards, providing maximum light and easy access to your garden or terrace. The price depends on the chosen material, dimensions, and the complexity of the installation. In this price guide, you can read exactly what determines the costs for French doors and what to look out for when making your choice.
Table of Contents
What do French doors cost?
Installing French doors costs on average between €2,500 and €5,800 including installation, HR++ glass, and 21% VAT. The total price depends on the number of doors, the dimensions, and the chosen material. In addition to the costs for the French doors themselves, there are separate costs for measuring, averaging €175 per project.
Costs of French doors per number of panels
Number of French doors | Dimensions (width x height in cm) | Average price |
|---|---|---|
Two doors | 200 x 220 | €2,500 - €3,300 |
Three doors | 300 x 220 | €3,300 - €4,500 |
Four doors | 400 x 220 | €4,600 - €5,800 |
The table shows that the price for French doors increases with the number of panels. For a standard two-panel door, you pay less than for a three- or four-panel door because more material and labour are required. The prices mentioned include installation and HR++ glazing.
The installation costs for French doors range between €1,500 and €5,000, depending on the complexity of the placement. This includes removing old frames, adjustments to the wall, or extra insulation work. The hourly rate for a carpenter via Zoofy is €50 per hour. For a complete overview of the costs for uPVC French doors including installation, you will always receive a detailed quote in advance.
All amounts mentioned include 21% VAT and labour. The exact price depends on your specific situation and will be discussed with you in advance.
Costs of French doors by material type
The costs for French doors depend heavily on the chosen material. uPVC is the cheapest option and especially popular due to ease of maintenance, while steel is the most expensive but offers a sleek, industrial look. Below you can see what different types of materials cost, excluding installation but including HR++ glass and 21% VAT.
Material type | Average price (excl. installation) |
|---|---|
uPVC | €1,500 - €2,500 |
Wood | €2,100 - €2,850 |
Aluminium | €2,200 - €3,500 |
Steel | €3,000 - €5,400 |
Price-determining factors for French doors
The costs for French doors vary greatly per project. The final price depends on several factors, from the chosen material to the complexity of the installation. Below you can read what influences the total price and how you can save costs.
Material type
uPVC doors are the most economical with prices between €1,500 and €2,500, while steel doors cost between €3,000 and €5,400. Wood and aluminium are in between. The material determines not only the purchase price but also the lifespan and ease of maintenance.
Dimensions and number of panels
The larger the doors and the more panels, the higher the price for French doors. Two doors of 200 x 220 cm cost €2,500 to €3,300, while four doors of 400 x 220 cm cost between €4,600 and €5,800. More material and a longer installation time result in higher costs.
Glass type
HR++ glass is included as standard in the price. Upgrades to triple glazing, laminated safety glass, or solar control glass increase the total price but improve insulation, safety, or the indoor climate. The difference lies in the number of glass layers and special coatings that require more production time and material.
Structural adjustments
If a new opening needs to be made in a load-bearing wall, structural calculations and possibly a steel lintel are required. This significantly increases the labour time and material costs. Removing old frames and repairing masonry also affect the final price.
Safety options
SKG-certified locks, multi-point locking systems, and anti-burglary fittings increase burglary resistance, but also the total price. These components are more robustly designed and require more installation time, which translates into higher costs.
Urgency versus planned
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work. Plan the installation of French doors well in advance to avoid extra costs. The professional can arrange their schedule more efficiently, and you do not pay an urgency surcharge.
Weekend or weekdays
Work at the weekend costs more than during the week. If possible, choose a weekday appointment to save costs. Weekday rates are more favourable because the demand for professionals is lower.
Region
In large cities, prices are often higher than in rural areas due to higher hourly rates and greater demand. This difference arises from higher business costs and longer travel times in urban environments.
Accessibility and preparation
Ensure that the workspace is clear and accessible. Move furniture beforehand and ensure there is sufficient workspace. This speeds up the installation and prevents the professional from spending extra time on preparatory work.
Delaying maintenance
Addressing small problems such as leaking rubber seals immediately is more cost-effective than waiting until major damage occurs. Moisture damage to frames or walls leads to higher repair costs and potentially the replacement of entire components.
Choosing a local professional
Local professionals can be on-site faster and do not charge extra travel time. This lowers the total labour costs and ensures an efficient handling of your job.
Using a fair platform
With Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance, without surprises. No call-out charges and no deposits. The affiliated professionals work at transparent rates, which prevents budget overruns.
Extra modifications
Replacing a garage door with French doors often requires additional carpentry and insulation. The larger opening must be reduced and finished, which increases the costs compared to standard replacement.
Additional costs and surcharges
The costs for French doors can increase due to urgent work, weekend activities, or additional services. At Zoofy, you pay no call-out charges, not even for measuring.
Measuring: costs on average €175 per project and is necessary for an accurate quote
Urgent jobs: carry a surcharge because the professional must adjust their schedule; plan well ahead to avoid this
Weekend work: is more expensive than weekdays due to irregular hourly rates
Finishing paintwork: is not included; frames are delivered with a base coat and a painter via Zoofy starts from €49 per hour
How does the professional work when installing French doors?
Installing French doors follows a fixed procedure in which the professional goes through several steps.
The professional visits for measurement and advice to view the situation, assess structural possibilities, and take exact measurements. This first step costs on average €175.
The workspace is prepared by placing a dust screen and applying protection to the floor to prevent damage to your interior.
The glass is removed from the existing frame and the old frame is carefully dismantled to prevent wall damage.
If necessary, masonry is cut to size and removed. For load-bearing walls, a steel lintel may be required to guarantee the structure.
The new frame is mounted square and level with draught-proof sealing material for optimal wind and water tightness.
The doors are hung, the glass is placed, and any glazing bars are applied according to your choice.
The inside is finished with sheet material and finishing strips, and damaged plasterwork is repaired.
The workspace is delivered broom-clean and the professional explains the operation of the locks. The entire installation normally takes one working day.
How can you save on French doors?
There are several ways to reduce the costs for French doors by planning smartly and preparing well.
Preventive maintenance: Lubricate hinges and locks annually and check rubbers and sealant joints. Addressing small problems early prevents expensive repairs to frames or glass.
Good preparation: Move furniture beforehand and ensure the workspace is clear and accessible. This saves the professional time and lowers installation costs.
Smart timing: Do not book at the weekend or with urgency. Planning during the week and well in advance saves surcharges and significantly reduces the price.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after the job is completed.
Common problems with French doors
Problems with French doors can have various causes.
Draughts
Draughts are often caused by worn rubbers, poor sealing, or subsidence of the frame. This reduces living comfort and increases heating costs because heat escapes. Check the draught strips regularly for wear.
Condensation
Condensation on the inside indicates insufficient ventilation or poor insulation. Condensation between glass layers means the insulation is defective and the glass needs replacement. This affects thermal performance.
Sticking doors
Sticking doors indicate subsidence or incorrect hinge adjustment. This causes inconvenience in daily use and can cause further damage to the frame. Have the cause investigated in a timely manner.
Leakage
Leakage is caused by outdated sealant joints or incorrect placement during installation. Ignoring it leads to moisture damage, mould growth, and higher repair costs.
Find the best professional for French doors
Reliability is crucial when installing French doors because structural insight and waterproof installation directly influence costs in the long term.
No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional's arrival, not even for the measurement required to determine the exact price.
Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what you pay without surprises afterwards, so your budget remains correct.
Quick booking without quote hassle: Provide three available moments and Zoofy directly links you to an available professional.
Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is fully finished, never in advance.
Reliable, verified professionals: All affiliated professionals are verified and have an average customer score of 9.2.
Quality certifications: When choosing materials, look for CE marking, FSC label for sustainable wood, and KOMO certificate for quality assurance.
Frequently asked questions about French doors
What does it cost to install French doors?
Installing French doors costs on average between €2,500 and €5,800 including installation, HR++ glass, and VAT. The exact price depends on the number of panels, the chosen material, and any structural adjustments. Measuring costs on average €175 per project.
What is cheaper, a sliding door or French doors?
A sliding door is usually slightly more expensive to purchase because the sliding mechanism is technically more complex. However, French doors offer a completely clear passage without rails, while a sliding door takes up less space when opening. The costs for French doors are between €2,500 and €5,800, comparable to a basic sliding door.
What does a new rear facade with French doors cost?
A new facade with French doors costs between €2,500 and €5,800, depending on the number of panels and the material. If there is no existing opening, structural adjustments such as masonry and possibly a steel lintel come on top of that. At the rear, installation is usually permit-free.
What is cheaper, French doors to the terrace or French doors to the balcony?
In terms of material costs, there is no difference between terrace or balcony. However, installation on a balcony can be more complicated due to limited accessibility and workspace, which increases installation costs. Ensure good access to avoid extra labour hours.
Do I need a planning permit for French doors?
At the rear of the house, this is usually permit-free. For installation on the front or side facade, a planning permit is often required. Consult your local council's planning office for certainty.
Which material is best for French doors?
uPVC is low-maintenance and economical, wood offers a classic look but requires more maintenance, and aluminium and steel are durable with a modern look. Your choice depends on budget, desired appearance, and willingness to maintain.
Can I install French doors in a rental property?
For this, you need permission from the landlord. Inquire in advance about the possibilities and any conditions, as installation is a major adjustment.
How long do French doors last?
uPVC doors last 40 to 50 years with minimal maintenance, wooden doors 30 to 50 years with regular painting, and aluminium and steel can last 50 years or longer.
What does it cost to replace a garage door with French doors?
This depends on the required structural adjustments. Count on costs between €2,500 and €5,800 for uPVC French doors including installation, plus extra for any masonry and steel structures to reduce the opening.
How often should I maintain the hinges and locks?
Lubricate hinges and locks annually with silicone spray and check the rubber seals for wear at the same time. This prevents sticking doors and extends the life of your French doors.
Book a professional for French doors
Ready to have French doors installed? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy links you to a reliable professional who has been verified. You only pay once the work is done.