The short answer
Composite French doors in the UK typically cost around £1,200 to £2,800 supply-only, and roughly £1,800 to £4,000 fitted, depending on size, glazing and hardware. A pair of doors uses more material and a wider frame than a single door, so the price is higher, but composite French doors are usually cheaper than aluminium bifolds of a similar span. The figure rises with larger sizes, decorative or double glazing, side panels, and premium locking. Fitting into an existing opening is straightforward, but widening a wall for a new pair of doors adds structural and making-good cost on top of the doors themselves.
French doors are a pair, so they cost more than a single door, but their simpler operation usually makes them cheaper than bifold or sliding alternatives of the same width.
Quick reference
- Supply-only (typical)£1,200–£2,800
- Fitted (typical)£1,800–£4,000
- Fitting labour only£400–£900
- New / widened openingadds £1,000–£4,000+
Typical French door price ranges
Composite French doors are a pair of outward or inward-opening doors, usually heavily glazed for light. The table shows indicative 2026 UK ranges for guidance; the actual figure depends on the size, glazing and whether you buy supply-only or fitted.
A standard-size pair in a common colour with double glazing sits in the middle of the range. Larger openings, obscured or decorative glass, side panels and upgraded multipoint locking move the price up. Because French doors are larger and more glazed than a single door, they cost more, but their simple hinged operation keeps them below bifold and large sliding systems of a comparable width.
| Option | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Supply-only, standard pair | £1,200–£2,000 | Double glazed, common colour |
| Supply-only, large / side panels | £2,000–£2,800+ | More glass, wider frame |
| Fitting labour only | £400–£900 | Existing opening, two doors |
| Fitted (typical) | £1,800–£4,000 | Doors, frame, labour, sealing |
Indicative UK figures for guidance. Sources: Checkatrade and MyJobQuote door cost guides.
What affects the price
Several factors move a composite French door quote up or down:
- Size — wider and taller pairs need more material and a larger, stronger frame.
- Glazing — double glazing is standard for external use; obscured, decorative or coloured glass adds cost.
- Side panels — fixed glazed panels either side widen the frame and add glass, raising the price.
- Hardware and security — multipoint locking, shoot bolts and quality handles affect the figure.
- Threshold — a low or accessible threshold for level access costs more than a standard one.
As with any external door, the core construction and brand also matter, with solid-core composite slabs and recognised manufacturers carrying a premium over budget equivalents.
French doors versus bifolds and sliding doors
For the same opening width, composite French doors usually cost less than aluminium bifolds, because bifolds use a complex multi-panel folding system with running gear and more glass. Sliding patio doors fall in between, depending on the system. French doors suit openings up to roughly two metres wide; beyond that, a pair of doors becomes impractically large and bifolds or sliders make more sense.
The trade-off is the clear opening. French doors give an opening of the two door leaves, while bifolds fold right back to open most of the span. If maximising the opening onto a garden is the priority, bifolds cost more but deliver it; if a classic look and a lower price matter more, French doors are usually the better value.
Budgeting and installation
Decide the width, glazing and threshold you want, then price that exact specification so quotes compare like for like. For a like-for-like replacement of existing French or patio doors into the same opening, the work usually takes a day or so for two fitters and the cost is dependable. Confirm whether a fitted quote includes a new frame, removal of the old doors, sealing, trims and VAT.
Where you are creating or widening an opening in a solid wall, the cost rises significantly because a structural lintel or steel beam is needed to carry the load above, plus brickwork, plastering and making good. That structural work can add anywhere from around a thousand pounds to several thousand depending on the span, and needs separate building control approval from the glazing. Treat the doors and the building work as two separate budget lines, and get the structural element specified and priced first. An installer registered with FENSA or an equivalent scheme can self-certify the glazing, while the structural opening is signed off separately. A clear, itemised quote that names the doors, the labour, any side panels and any structural work is the easiest to compare and to budget against.
Frequently asked questions
Are composite French doors cheaper than bifolds?
Usually, yes. For a comparable width, composite French doors generally cost less than aluminium bifolds, because bifolds use a more complex multi-panel folding system with running gear and more glazing.
What width suits French doors?
French doors suit openings up to roughly two metres wide. Beyond that, a pair of doors becomes impractically large, and bifold or sliding doors are usually the better choice for wider spans.
Do composite French doors need a steel beam?
Only if you are creating or widening the opening in a load-bearing wall. Replacing existing doors into the same opening does not need a new beam, but enlarging the opening requires a structural lintel or steel and separate building control approval.
Sources & further reading
- Checkatrade — door installation cost guide
- MyJobQuote — patio door installation cost
- HomeOwners Alliance — front doors guide
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific door and opening. They are guidance, not a quotation.