Homeowners love French doors for the light, style, and indoor-outdoor flow they add to a residence. Yet the question everyone asks first is simple: What is the cost of installing French doors? CountBricks answers that question every day through our AI voice estimating engine, so we have distilled the factors that shape pricing for Minneapolis-area residential projects and beyond.
French door installs rarely share identical scopes. Your final investment hinges on five core elements:
• Door quality and material grade (vinyl, fiberglass, wood, aluminum-clad)
• Dimensions and configuration (single, double, sidelights, transom)
• Site conditions (new rough opening versus retrofit, wall thickness, siding type)
• Hardware and energy-efficiency upgrades (multi-point locks, Low-E glass, blinds between panes)
• Labor complexity (structural header change, weatherproofing, finishing)
Based on thousands of CountBricks data points, homeowners typically spend:
• $1,200 – $2,000 for economy double vinyl units set into an existing opening
• $2,000 – $4,000 for mid-grade fiberglass or wood doors with new casing and paint
• $4,000 – $7,500 for premium clad units, structural modifications, and integrated blinds
Keep in mind that the figures include both materials and professional installation labor, which makes up 35-50 % of the total on most projects. To obtain a line-item estimate in under five minutes, start a voice session at CountBricks.com/services.
Vinyl frames are affordable and low-maintenance, but styles and color options are limited. Expect $600 – $1,000 for a standard 72-inch double unit before labor.
Fiberglass balances strength, thermal performance, and aesthetic flexibility. Pricing generally ranges from $1,000 – $1,800 for the same size unit.
Nothing beats natural wood for character, yet it demands upkeep. Premium species such as mahogany can push material costs past $2,500.
Cladding shields the exterior face with durable aluminum while preserving interior wood beauty. Budget $2,000 – $3,500 before hardware upgrades.
CountBricks estimates show labor spreads from $450 on a straightforward swap to $2,500 when reframing and load-bearing headers are involved. Key drivers include:
• Demolition difficulty (brick veneer removal, stucco patching)
• Structural work (enlarging an opening, lintel installation)
• Weatherization details (pan flashing, sill support, drainage mats)
• Interior trim and finish (casing, stool, apron, paint or stain)
• Permit and inspection requirements in your municipality
1. Site prep and floor protection
2. Removal of existing door or wall section
3. Framing adjustments and header installation
4. Door setting, shimming, and anchoring per manufacturer specs
5. Air and water sealing with pan flashing and low-expansion foam
6. Exterior siding or masonry patch
7. Interior trim, drywall, and paint touch-ups
8. Final hardware adjustment and homeowner walkthrough
• Disposal fees for old doors and debris
• Temporary weather protection if walls remain open overnight
• Electrical re-routing when switching from window to door
• Alarm system sensor relocation
• Impact on floor coverings that butt against the old threshold
Traditional measuring can add days to the bidding cycle. CountBricks reads your blueprints, identifies wall openings, and generates exact door schedules in minutes. Pair that with our voice estimating and you receive:
• Real-time material counts tied to local supplier pricing
• Auto-applied labor assemblies based on regional wage data
• Printable quote documents branded for your company or GC partner
• Seamless hand-off to invoicing once the job is complete
A recent CountBricks project in the Linden Hills neighborhood involved replacing a dated sliding patio door with a fiberglass French unit. The AI estimate predicted $3,950. Actual cost closed at $3,915, a 0.9 % variance. The homeowner approved the quote within an hour of receiving it, shaving two weeks off the decision timeline. View more successes at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
1. Open CountBricks.com/consultation
2. Click “Start Voice Estimate” and describe your existing wall and desired French door style
3. Approve or modify automatically generated quantities and crew hours
4. Receive a shareable PDF proposal with firm pricing and timelines
• Order doors 4-6 weeks ahead; supply chain delays remain common
• Include a multi-point locking system for better energy seals and security
• Request factory-applied paint or stain on wood units to minimize on-site labor
• Add an outswing configuration if interior floor space is tight
• Plan threshold height to align with future patio pavers or decking
The cost of installing French doors depends on choices you control and site conditions you discover. By using CountBricks’ AI tools and vetted installer network, you lock in transparent pricing, accurate schedules, and craftsmanship that holds up to Midwest weather. Start planning at CountBricks.com today.
While AI estimating nails the numbers, on-site execution ultimately safeguards your investment. Our project managers compiled the most common pitfalls they correct on residential French door installs—and how you can avoid them.
• Insufficient header sizing: Older patio doors often carry little load. When converting a window bay, CountBricks framers upsize headers to meet today’s code, preventing drywall cracks and door sticking.
• Missing sill pan: Water damage is the silent wallet killer. We fabricate custom aluminum pans on-site and tie them into house wrap for a leak-free threshold.
• Foam overfill: Expanding foam that bows jambs leads to uneven reveals. Our crews use backer rod and two thin foam passes, then verify operation before trim goes on.
• Hardware misalignment: Multi-point locks need exact strike placement. CountBricks finish carpenters laser-line strikes to guarantee smooth locking year-round.
• Rushed paint prep: Bare wood edges absorb moisture. We prime and seal all six sides before installation, not after, to extend door life.
An Edina homeowner chose triple-pane fiberglass French doors to cut drafts. CountBricks’ AI estimated U-factor improvements and calculated a 21 % HVAC savings. Six months post-install, utility bills confirm a 19 % drop—nearly spot on.
• Dedicated project dashboards keep homeowners updated on schedule, weather delays, and inspection dates.
• Integrated invoicing means no surprise change orders—every modification routes through the CountBricks approval app.
• Post-installation analytics track energy usage and maintenance reminders, turning a one-time project into a lifecycle partnership.
When precision matters—from first measurement to final finish—CountBricks is your residential construction ally. Explore more insights or request a personalized consultation at CountBricks.com/services.
