How Much Do Aluminium French Doors Cost? 2026 UK Price Guide

Aluminium French doors are one of the most versatile and enduringly popular choices for connecting a home to its garden or outdoor space. They open on hinges rather than folding or sliding, which makes them suitable for a wide range of openings — from a modest back door to a full-width extension surround. But what do they actually cost in 2026, and what drives the price?

This guide covers the real cost of aluminium French doors in the UK, based on current market pricing and installations we carry out across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.

What Factors Affect the Price of Aluminium French Doors?

No two French door quotes are identical. Several variables combine to set the final figure, and understanding them makes it much easier to compare quotes accurately.

Frame System and Manufacturer

The aluminium profile system is the most significant cost variable. Budget aluminium systems are available at a lower price point, but they typically have thicker sightlines, fewer colour options and shorter warranties. Mid-range systems from manufacturers such as Smart Architectural Aluminium and Aluk offer a solid balance of aesthetics and thermal performance. Premium systems from Cortizo and Schuco deliver ultra-slim profiles, advanced thermal breaks and a powder-coat finish engineered to last 40-50 years without maintenance.

• Budget systems: Functional, sightlines of 70mm+, limited RAL colours
• Mid-range (Smart, Aluk): Good thermal performance, sightlines around 60mm, wide colour choice
• Premium (Cortizo, Schuco): Ultra-slim 40-55mm sightlines, best-in-class thermal values, marine-grade finish options

Door Size and Configuration

Standard aluminium French doors consist of two opening panels with a combined width typically between 1500mm and 1800mm. Wider configurations — sometimes called French doors with sidelights, or a French door set — can span 2400mm to 3600mm or more when fixed side panels are added. Larger openings cost more, and structural changes to the aperture (widening, lowering a lintel, installing an RSJ) add to the overall project budget.

Glazing Specification

High-performance double glazing with a warm-edge spacer bar, low-E coating and argon gas fill is standard in any quality installation. Upgrades that affect the price include:

• Triple glazing: Adds £100-£200 per door leaf
• Acoustic glass: Adds £80-£150 per door set
• Self-cleaning glass: Adds £50-£100 per door set
• Laminated or toughened safety glass: Included as standard in most modern systems (required by Building Regulations for door glazing)

Colour and Finish

Common colours such as anthracite grey (RAL 7016), jet black (RAL 9005) and white (RAL 9016) are included in the base price for most systems. A non-standard RAL colour typically adds £50-£120 to the total. Dual-colour finishes — one colour inside, another outside — are popular and usually add £80-£180 per door set.

Hardware

Handles, hinges, multipoint locking and threshold hardware are generally included. Upgrades such as premium lever handles, integrated door chains, or specialist low-threshold flush sills can add £50-£300 depending on specification.

Installation Complexity

A straightforward replacement of an existing French door is the most cost-effective scenario. Additional costs arise when:

• The aperture needs to be widened or raised
• A structural lintel or RSJ needs installing
• Scaffolding is required for awkward access
• Old timber frames or sub-frames need cutting out
• Brickwork needs making good around the new frame

Always ask your installer for a fully itemised quote so you know exactly where every pound is going.

Aluminium French Door Prices in 2026

The prices below are for standard aluminium French doors fully supplied and installed in 2026. All figures include VAT, a full site survey, professional installation, all trims and disposal of the old door.

Standard French Door Pair (1500mm – 1800mm wide)

A standard two-leaf aluminium French door is the most common configuration — two opening panels, no fixed sidelights, fitted into an existing aperture:

• Budget system: £1,800 – £2,600
• Mid-range system (Smart, Aluk): £2,600 – £3,600
• Premium system (Cortizo, Schuco): £3,600 – £5,200

French Doors with One Sidelight (2100mm – 2400mm wide)

Adding a fixed side panel on one side increases the glass area and frames the opening more elegantly. The sidelight itself typically adds £400-£800 to the cost of the door pair:

• Mid-range with sidelight: £3,200 – £4,500
• Premium with sidelight: £4,400 – £6,200

French Doors with Two Sidelights (2700mm – 3600mm wide)

Two fixed sidelights on either side of the opening door pair creates a full-width glazed wall effect and is popular in larger extensions:

• Mid-range with two sidelights: £3,800 – £5,500
• Premium with two sidelights: £5,200 – £7,500+

French Doors with Overhead Transom

A fixed glass panel above the door set allows additional light into the room, particularly useful where the ceiling height allows. A transom adds approximately £300-£700 depending on size.

Standard Sizes and Configurations

Aluminium French doors are manufactured to any size, but standard off-the-shelf configurations exist to reduce lead times and cost:

• Door leaf width: 700mm – 900mm per leaf is standard. Wider leaves are available but may require additional hinges
• Overall frame width: 1400mm – 1800mm for a standard pair
• Height: 2100mm is the most common, with 2200mm and 2400mm also widely available
• Low-threshold sill: Available on most systems. Important for level or flush access — particularly relevant under Part M of the Building Regulations for new builds

Custom sizes outside these ranges are manufactured to order with a lead time of approximately 4-6 weeks for most systems.

Aluminium vs uPVC French Doors

Aluminium and uPVC French doors serve the same function but deliver a noticeably different result in terms of appearance, performance and longevity. The full comparison of aluminium and uPVC applies here too:

• Sightlines: Aluminium frames are significantly slimmer — 40-60mm vs 65-80mm for uPVC. This means more glass and better sight lines
• Strength: Aluminium is structurally stronger, allowing taller and wider door panels without compromising integrity or weather resistance
• Lifespan: Aluminium lasts 40-50 years. uPVC degrades after 25-30 years, often discolouring and warping in prolonged sun exposure
• Colour stability: Powder-coated aluminium retains its colour and finish for decades. uPVC fades and yellows over time
• Cost: uPVC French doors cost approximately 30-40% less than aluminium. A standard uPVC pair typically costs £900-£1,800 installed, compared to £1,800-£3,600 for aluminium

For most homeowners, the additional cost of aluminium is justified by the better aesthetics, longer lifespan and superior resale value. If budget is the primary concern, uPVC remains a functional and thermally efficient option.

Aluminium French Doors vs Bifold vs Sliding

Choosing between aluminium French doors, bifold doors and sliding doors depends on the opening width, how much clear aperture you need when open, and the overall aesthetic you are aiming for. Here is a straightforward comparison:

French Doors - **Best for:** Openings up to 2400mm wide (with sidelights), period or traditional properties, compact rear access points - **Open aperture:** Approximately 90% of the frame width when both leaves are open against the walls - **Cost:** Lowest of the three options at equivalent widths - **Maintenance:** Hinges and multipoint locks require occasional lubrication — minimal

Bifold Doors - **Best for:** Wider openings (2400mm to 6000mm+), maximising the connection between inside and outside, contemporary extensions - **Open aperture:** Up to 95% of the frame width — the panels stack neatly to one or both sides - **Cost:** Higher than French doors at equivalent widths — [see our bifold cost guide](/blog/how-much-do-bifold-doors-cost) - **Maintenance:** More moving parts (hinges, runners, bottom track) require occasional cleaning and lubrication

Sliding Doors - **Best for:** Wide openings where you do not want a track in the floor, contemporary minimalist designs - **Open aperture:** Around 50% of the frame width (one panel always covers the other) - **Cost:** Similar to bifold at comparable widths — see our [sliding vs bifold guide](/blog/sliding-doors-vs-bifold-doors) - **Maintenance:** Top-hung systems have no floor track and are low maintenance

For openings under 2000mm wide, French doors are almost always the right choice — they are simpler, less expensive and require less floor space when open. For wider openings where you want to fully dissolve the boundary between inside and outside, bifold or sliding doors will serve you better.

What Should Be Included in Every Quote

A reputable installer's quote for aluminium French doors should include all of the following without hidden extras on installation day:

• Full site survey and technical assessment (at no charge)
• Manufacture to your exact specification
• Delivery to site
• Professional installation by qualified fitters
• All internal and external trims and finishing
• Removal and disposal of your old door(s)
• FENSA certificate or Building Regulations compliance documentation
• Thorough site clean-up on completion
• Manufacturer's frame warranty (typically 10-20 years)
• Installer's workmanship guarantee

At Vitrum Solutions, every French door quote includes all of the above. We specify the exact frame system, glazing unit and hardware in writing before any work begins. No surveys charged, no surprises on the day.

Do Aluminium French Doors Need Planning Permission?

In most cases, no. Replacing existing French doors or fitting new ones in an existing aperture falls under permitted development. However, you should check with your local planning authority if:

• Your property is listed (any grade)
• You are in a conservation area — some materials and designs may be restricted
• You are altering the aperture size as part of a larger extension that requires consent
• Your property is subject to Article 4 directions removing permitted development rights

A FENSA-registered installer handles Building Regulations compliance automatically. FENSA registration means the installation is independently certified as meeting current energy efficiency and safety standards — and you receive documentation useful for future conveyancing.

Getting the Best Value from Your French Door Investment

A few straightforward steps ensure you get the right product at a fair price:

• Specify the frame system by name — ask the installer which aluminium system they use. If they cannot tell you, that is a red flag
• Choose a standard colour — anthracite grey and black are included in most system base prices
• Stick with double glazing — triple glazing adds cost for a marginal thermal benefit in most UK homes
• Get three quotes and compare like for like — ensure each quote specifies the same system, glass spec and colour
• Ask about lead times — bespoke sizes can add 2-4 weeks; factor this into your project timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do aluminium French doors cost in the UK in 2026?

A standard pair of aluminium French doors fully installed costs between £1,800 and £5,200 depending on the frame system, size and specification. Mid-range systems typically fall in the £2,600-£3,600 range for a standard 1800mm-wide pair. Premium systems from manufacturers like Cortizo or Schuco cost £3,600-£5,200.

Are aluminium French doors more expensive than uPVC?

Yes, aluminium French doors cost approximately 30-50% more than uPVC equivalents. However, aluminium lasts 40-50 years compared to 25-30 for uPVC, making the long-term cost per year broadly comparable. Aluminium also offers a superior aesthetic and holds its finish without maintenance.

What size are standard aluminium French doors?

Standard aluminium French door pairs are typically 1400mm-1800mm wide and 2100mm tall. Both dimensions can be manufactured to any custom size. Wider openings are accommodated by adding fixed sidelight panels either side of the opening pair.

Do I need planning permission for aluminium French doors?

Not in most cases. Replacing existing French doors or fitting them in an existing aperture is permitted development for most homes. Listed buildings, conservation areas and properties with Article 4 directions are exceptions — always check with your local planning authority if in doubt.

How long do aluminium French doors last?

Quality aluminium French doors from reputable manufacturers last 40-50 years with minimal maintenance. The powder-coat finish is resistant to fading, UV damage and salt air corrosion. The main maintenance task is occasional lubrication of hinges and the multipoint locking mechanism.

Can aluminium French doors be fitted with a low threshold?

Yes. Most premium aluminium systems offer a low or flush threshold option, allowing a near-seamless transition between inside and outside. This is particularly important for level access requirements under Part M of the Building Regulations and for households with mobility requirements.