Understanding the Real Cost to Install French Doors Interior
Installing interior French doors can significantly enhance a space by introducing natural light and creating a seamless flow between rooms. For construction professionals, understanding the cost to install French doors interior is crucial for accurate project planning. Current estimates in Houston range from $1,200 to $3,800, depending on materials and complexity.
Key Cost Components
- Door unit price: Standard paint-grade pine starts around $350, while pre-finished oak or MDF with integral blinds can exceed $1,500.
- Hardware and accessories: Hinges, levers, ball catches, and privacy locks add $75–$250 depending on finish.
- Framing and demolition: Cutting a new opening or widening an existing one ranges from $200 for simple stud work to $1,000+ when structural headers are required.
- Finish carpentry: Casing, jamb extensions, and custom trim average $3–$6 per linear foot.
- Labor to set the doors: Experienced crews typically bill $75–$125 per door leaf, ensuring perfect reveals and smooth swing.
- Paint or stain: A professional finish costs $2–$4 per square foot.
Average Project Ranges in Houston
Most interior French door installations fall between $1,200 and $3,800. Renovations in historic bungalows with plaster demolition or load-bearing walls can push totals to $5,500, while straightforward retrofits in new builds trend closer to $1,000.
Factors Influencing Costs
- Wall material: Cutting through masonry or double-layer drywall requires heavier tools and longer labor hours.
- Electrical relocation: Moving switches or outlets within the new opening adds $150–$400.
- Custom glass: Low-iron, beveled, or decorative panes add 15–40% to the door unit price.
- Soundproofing: Upgrading to solid-core doors with acoustic seals increases material cost by roughly $200 per leaf.
- DIY prep work: Removing baseboard or painting trim yourself can shave 5–10% off the final invoice.
Pro Tips for Installation
- Order doors after framing inspection to ensure rough opening accuracy.
- Choose ball-bearing hinges for long-term smooth operation.
- Request adjustable threshold kits when installing over uneven slab.
- Seal all six sides of the doors before installation to prevent warp.
- Schedule paint crews 48 hours after install to allow shims and adhesives to set.
Return on Investment
Interior French doors consistently rank among top cosmetic updates for immediate impact. Homes featuring glass panel transitions between living and dining areas can realize a 60–80% return at sale, primarily through perceived openness and daylighting.
Case Study: Midtown Loft Transformation
The Reyes family transformed their Houston loft with twin 8-ft interior French doors, creating a quiet home office. The project included structural work and custom finishes, with a final cost of $3,600.
Project Details
- Door style: 10-lite, solid pine, factory-primed
- Opening size: 72" × 96" rough
- Structural work: Added LVL header to replace undersized lintel
- Extras: Acoustic seals, satin-nickel lever sets, custom 1×4 flat stock casing
Timeline & Outcomes
- Day 1: Demolition and framing
- Day 2: Door install and trim
- Day 3: Paint, touch-ups, and QA walkthrough
Noise reduction tests showed a 38 dB drop, perfect for Zoom calls, while natural light still pours through the loft.
Lessons Learned
- Always run an electrical scan before widening openings.
- Invest in solid-core slabs when sound control matters.
- Schedule finish paint immediately to protect raw pine from humidity.
