Installing a standard pair of French doors in the UK costs between £1,200 and £3,500 including labour and VAT in 2026, according to the latest industry data from the Energy Saving Trust (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). The wide range depends on frame material, glass specification, and whether you replace an existing door or create a new opening.
The single biggest cost variable is whether you install French doors into an existing opening (lower cost) or cut a new opening in an external wall (higher cost, often requiring structural work). Labour alone for a standard fitting typically runs £300–£600, with new openings adding £800–£1,500 for lintels, brickwork and plastering. Prices exclude any remedial work such as repointing or new floor coverings.
UPVC French doors cost £1,200 to £2,000 installed
UPVC is the most budget-friendly option. A standard 1.2m-wide pair with double glazing and a multi-point locking system typically costs £1,200–£2,000 fully installed. The Energy Saving Trust notes that UPVC doors offer good thermal performance, with typical U-values around 1.4 W/m²K (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Prices increase to around £2,000 if you choose a colour finish other than white, or add decorative glass panels. UPVC frames require minimal maintenance but have a shorter lifespan than timber or aluminium.
Aluminium French doors cost £2,500 to £3,500 installed
Aluminium French doors command a premium due to their strength, slim sightlines and durability. A standard 1.2m pair with double glazing and thermal break typically costs £2,500–£3,500 installed. The Glass and Glazing Federation states aluminium frames can achieve U-values as low as 1.2 W/m²K when properly thermally broken (Glass and Glazing Federation, 2026). Powder-coated colour options and bespoke sizes push costs toward the upper end. Aluminium is corrosion-resistant and requires only occasional cleaning.
Timber French doors cost £1,800 to £3,200 installed
Timber French doors offer a traditional look but require regular maintenance. A standard 1.2m pair in hardwood such as oak or mahogany typically costs £1,800–£3,200 installed. The Energy Saving Trust advises that timber doors can achieve U-values of 1.6 W/m²K or lower with modern double glazing (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Softwood options such as pine start around £1,500 but need more frequent repainting. All timber doors require annual re-varnishing or painting to prevent rot, adding long-term cost.
A worked example
A typical 1930s semi-detached homeowner in Manchester replacing an existing back door with a 1.2m-wide pair of UPVC French doors costs £1,800 fully installed in 2026, after the 0% VAT saving. The Energy Saving Trust estimates this upgrade cuts heat loss by 15% compared to a 1990s single-glazed back door, saving roughly £85 a year on heating bills. If the homeowner is eligible for an ECO4 grant covering part of the labour, the upfront cost drops to £1,200. Over 25 years, total savings reach £2,125, making the payback period around 14 years without a grant or 9 years with ECO4 support. The new doors achieve a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K, well within current Building Regulations for England and Wales. See the Energy Saving Trust door advice page for more on thermal performance.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Upfront cost after grants | £1,200 |
| Yearly savings | £85 |
| Payback period | 9 years |
| 25-year lifetime savings | £2,125 |
What homeowners often get wrong
The most common mistake UK homeowners make is assuming French doors are always cheaper than sliding patio doors, which leads to budget overruns on installation. Here are three specific errors that cost homeowners money.
- Ignoring lintel costs on a new opening Cutting a new opening in a solid brick wall requires a steel lintel, which adds £300 to £600 to the total. Homeowners who skip a structural survey often face surprise bills of £1,500 or more for remedial brickwork and plastering.
- Choosing the cheapest glass to save money A basic double-glazed unit with a U-value of 1.8 W/m²K costs £100 less upfront but loses £40 more in heat each year compared to a low-E argon-filled unit at 1.2 W/m²K. That extra £100 upfront pays back in under three years.
- Fitting French doors to an uninsulated wall Installing high-performance doors into a cavity wall with no insulation wastes the doors’ thermal benefit. The Energy Saving Trust says you lose up to 35% of the potential saving, making the payback period stretch from 9 years to over 20 years.
Quick reference
- A standard 1.2m-wide pair of UPVC French doors costs £1,200 to £2,000 fully installed in 2026.
- Aluminium French doors cost £2,500 to £3,500 installed, with a typical U-value of 1.2 W/m²K.
- ECO4 grant eligibility covers French door installations for households on certain benefits, reducing costs by up to £1,000.
- Replacing a single-glazed back door with a French door saves £85 to £120 a year on heating bills.
- Failing to apply for 0% VAT before March 2027 adds £180 to the cost of a £2,000 installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost to install a standard pair of French doors in the UK in 2026 is £2,350, based on the £1,200–£3,500 range from the Energy Saving Trust. Labour alone typically runs £300–£600 for existing openings.
Yes, French doors can add value by improving natural light and garden access. The Energy Saving Trust states they typically recoup 70–80% of installation cost in added property value.
Aluminium French doors cost £2,500–£3,500 installed, but offer slim sightlines, strength, and longer durability than UPVC. They are worth the premium if you prioritise aesthetics and low maintenance.
