Who Installs French Doors? Here’s Who to Hire

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are asking who installs french doors, start with a professional door installer. These pros handle structural changes, precise hanging, weatherproofing, and permits. You need a building permit to enlarge an opening, and a licensed door installer or a general contractor can help navigate codes. Use this hiring guide to choose the right pro for your project.

Benefits of Hiring a Door Installer for Installing French Doors

A dedicated door installer delivers safe handling, accurate measurements, and code-compliant results. They guide design choices, address structural needs, and seal doors to prevent drafts and leaks. You gain time savings, permit support, and often a workmanship warranty that helps avoid costly DIY mistakes.

Consider more reasons to hire a pro door installer:

• Recommend materials, frame size, and swing for aesthetics and function.

• Handle opening expansion and structural reinforcement without disruption.

• Seal and weatherproof to prevent water ingress and higher energy bills.

• Assist with permitting when enlarging the entryway is required.

• Offer workmanship guarantees for added peace of mind.

• Complete the job faster than DIY attempts.

• Minimize draft, leak, and security issues from misalignment.

• Prevent expensive repairs by avoiding installation errors.

Can I Hire a Handyperson to Install French Doors?

A handyperson is a budget-friendly option for straightforward swaps when the existing opening already fits your French doors. If you need new or expanded framing, hire a licensed door installer. When the project requires framing tweaks plus finish work, a general contractor is a better fit but costs more. Handypeople also may not offer permit support or a warranty. If your project is more complex or you want to ensure a perfect fit and finish, you might want to consider door installation pro near you to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

How Do Pros Install French Doors?

Once the opening is prepared, pros follow a set process to achieve a square, secure, weather-tight installation:

1. Install a sill pan to prevent water ingress.

2. Square and level the rough opening.

3. Set the frame and shim for plumb and level.

4. Hang both doors.

5. Secure the frame and doors.

6. Add hardware, including knobs, locks, and strike plates.

7. Install trim and finalize weatherproofing.

How Much Does Installing French Doors Cost?

Installing French doors averages $3,500, with homeowners spending $2,000 to $5,000 on average. High-end projects can reach $6,000 or more. Interior units cost $400 to $2,000; exterior units run $1,000 to $4,000. Professional installation adds $140 to $600. Labor rates vary—handypeople start at $50 per hour, and general contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour or 10% to 20% of the job total. Costs rise with custom sizes, materials, complexity, tricky locations, finishes, and permits.