Swapping an existing window or door for French doors is one thing. Cutting a brand new opening in a solid exterior wall is a bigger job altogether, and that is what pushes the price up. The cost to install French doors in an exterior wall in the UK covers far more than the doors themselves, because you are asking a builder to remove a chunk of load-bearing wall and hold the house up while they do it.
This guide breaks down what the work involves and what you can realistically expect to pay, so the figure does not catch you out.
Why cutting a new opening costs more
When you replace like for like, the opening already exists and the wall above is already supported. Creating a fresh opening means the wall above needs a new lintel to carry the load, and that changes the job from a fitting into a small building project.
The work usually runs like this:
- Propping the wall with temporary supports (acrows and needles) so nothing moves.
- Cutting the opening through brick or block, often through a double skin.
- Fitting a structural lintel sized for the span and the load above.
- Making good the reveals, plaster, floor and any brickwork on the outside.
- Fitting the French doors and sealing them properly.
Every one of those steps adds labour, and a couple of them may need a structural engineer or building control sign-off. That is normal for this kind of work.
What it typically costs in 2026
As a rough 2026 guide, supplied and fitted:
- The French doors themselves usually land around 1,200 to 2,500 pounds for a quality uPVC or aluminium set, more for wider or premium specs.
- Cutting the opening and fitting the lintel often adds around 1,500 to 3,500 pounds, depending on the wall, the span and access.
- Making good inside and out (plaster, flooring, brickwork, a bit of decorating) can add several hundred pounds more.
All in, a new opening with French doors frequently sits somewhere around 3,000 to 6,000 pounds, and sometimes higher on a tricky wall. These are guide ranges, not a quote. The only way to know your figure is to have someone look at the actual wall, so request a free quote and we will assess it properly.
The things that move the price
A few factors make a real difference to the final number:
- Wall type and thickness. A solid stone wall on an older York property is harder work than a modern cavity wall.
- The span. Wider doors need a bigger, pricier lintel and more propping.
- Whether the wall is load-bearing. Most external walls are, which means proper structural support.
- Access. A ground-floor rear wall with easy access is cheaper than an awkward, tight spot.
- The door spec. A slim aluminium set costs more than a standard uPVC one, though it can look superb. Our uPVC doors range shows where a sensible set sits.
Do you need permissions?
For most homes, adding French doors to a rear wall falls under permitted development, but the structural work almost always needs Building Regulations approval, and the new opening must meet current rules on lintels, thermal performance and safety glazing. If you are in a conservation area or the house is listed, which is common around central York, there may be extra planning considerations. Rules change, so always check with your local authority before you commit.
Is it worth the outlay?
For most people, yes. A set of French doors turns a dark room with a small window into a bright space that opens onto the garden, and that lift in light and connection to outside is hard to put a price on. It also tends to add appeal when you come to sell.
If your budget is tight, it is worth knowing that replacing an existing large window with French doors, where the opening is already there, is a good deal cheaper because you skip most of the structural work. We can talk you through both routes when we visit. If your current doors are simply tired or dropping, our repairs team may be able to sort them without a full rebuild.
FAQs
How much does it cost to put French doors into a wall in the UK?
As a rough 2026 guide, creating a new opening and fitting French doors often costs around 3,000 to 6,000 pounds all in, covering the doors, the structural work and making good. A solid or wide wall pushes it higher. Get a quote for a firm figure, as every wall is different.
Do I need Building Regulations approval to cut a new opening?
Almost always, yes. Cutting into a load-bearing wall and fitting a lintel is structural work that needs Building Regulations approval, and the glazing and thermal performance must meet current standards. Check with your local authority, as rules change.
Is it cheaper to replace a window with French doors?
Usually much cheaper, because the opening already exists and the wall above is already supported. You avoid most of the propping, cutting and lintel work, so you are mainly paying for the doors and the fitting.
How long does the job take?
A straightforward new opening with French doors often takes a few days, allowing time for propping, cutting, the lintel, fitting and making good. A harder wall or extra plastering and decorating can stretch it out a little.
Want to see the full range of styles and finishes before you decide? Download our latest brochure, or request a free quote and we will pop out for a look at the wall.