French door installation costs $2,000 to $5,000 in 2026
Angi puts French door installation at $2,000 to $5,000, with many homeowners spending about $3,500. Simple interior doors can cost as little as $400, and large custom exterior doors more than $10,000. Labor runs $70 to $120 an hour, about $140 to $600 for most installs.
Cost by door and job
| Average | About $3,500 (Angi). |
|---|---|
| Interior French doors | Can start near $400. |
| Exterior fiberglass door, 72 by 80 inch | $928 at a big box store in one August 2026 estimate. |
| Labor | $70 to $120 an hour, about $140 to $600. |
| Custom or large exterior | Over $10,000. |
What pushes a quote up
| Interior or exterior | Exterior doors need weatherproofing and security. |
|---|---|
| Material | Wood, fiberglass, steel and vinyl differ in price. |
| Glass | Low E and impact glass cost more. |
| New opening | Cutting a new opening adds framing and a header. |
| Size | Wider doors cost more. |
French door installation cost by region
| Lower cost states | $1,600 to $4,000. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia and most rural areas. |
|---|---|
| Average cost states | $2,000 to $5,000. Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia and most mid size cities. |
| Higher cost states | $2,600 to $6,500. California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington, plus big metros such as Chicago, Denver and Washington DC. |
These rows are our estimate. We took the typical national range and adjusted it for local labor costs, which run about 20 percent lower in the cheapest states and about 30 percent higher in the dearest ones. Carpentry labor varies by region, and cutting a new opening may need a permit.
Replacing a door vs cutting a new opening
The cheapest French door job replaces an existing door in the same opening. Cutting a new opening in an exterior wall means a new header, framing, flashing, trim and often a permit, which is where totals head toward $5,000 and beyond.
Bob Vila notes that a handy homeowner may install French doors, but a pro can get a tight seal quickly, and some manufacturers require professional installation for the warranty to apply. Check the warranty terms before you decide to do it yourself.
Interior doors
Interior French doors skip the weatherproofing and are much cheaper. They are a popular way to close off a home office while keeping light.
Why this costs more in 2026
Glass and framing lumber prices, and carpenter rates, are higher this year.
Fuel is the common thread. AAA's national average for diesel passed $6 a gallon for the first time on September 11, 2026, up from about $3.70 a year earlier (CBS 8 reporting AAA). Every truck roll and every delivery carries that. Materials moved too. Associated Builders and Contractors reported construction input prices up 4.8 percent in a year as of March 2026, the largest annual gain since January 2023, and the Associated General Contractors said diesel jumped 37.8 percent in one month, the largest one month rise since 1990 (Roofing Contractor, April 2026). Some suppliers added freight surcharges this year. Ask how long your quote is good for.
How to judge the quote in your hand
- Ask if the opening changes.
- Ask what door and glass are quoted.
- Ask if trim and paint are included.
- Ask about the permit.
- Check the door warranty install rules.
Ways to pay less
- Use the existing opening.
- Choose fiberglass or vinyl over wood.
- Paint the trim yourself.
- Get two quotes.
What will this cost me?
Pick the job, your state's cost level and the last detail. The estimate updates as you change them.
An estimate built from published 2026 cost guides. It is not a quote. Get a written quote before work starts.
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Book a free 15 minute callNo pitch deck. We run your audit live on the call.Common questions
How much does it cost to install French doors?
About $2,000 to $5,000, around $3,500 on average.
How much is labor to install French doors?
About $70 to $120 an hour, often $140 to $600 in total.
Are interior French doors cheaper?
Yes. They can start near $400.
Can I install French doors myself?
Some people do, but check the warranty, which may require a pro.
Other jobs and rates
Photo: Shixart1985, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0, cropped.