With rising household costs putting pressure on homeowners, replacing doors and windows is often seen as a major expense. French doors in particular are widely believed to cost £1,500 to £2,200 once supply and installation are included. However, new research carried out by Kevin from Smart Home Improvement People demonstrates that homeowners can significantly reduce this cost by shopping around, understanding certification requirements, and considering a supply-only approach.
Kevin undertook a detailed online price comparison to answer one simple question: how homeowners can save hundreds on French doors in the UK without cutting corners on quality or safety?
“I’ve worked in the home improvement industry for years,” Kevin said. “What frustrates me is seeing people told that a high price is unavoidable. In reality, many homeowners are paying far more than they need to.”
Avoiding the Big Names
The research deliberately excluded major national home improvement companies such as Anglian, Everest, and First Home Improvements. While acknowledging that these companies offer quality products and services, Kevin explained that their business model — which bundles sales, surveying, manufacturing, installation, and long guarantees — often results in higher prices for consumers.
“Those costs ultimately get passed on to the customer,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with that model, but it’s not the only way to buy a French door.”
Compliance, Certification, and Insurance
A key part of the investigation focused on compliance. Kevin emphasised that homeowners must ensure any French door installation is carried out by a FENSA or CERTASS registered installer, or alternatively inspected and signed off by their local authority.
“Some people try to cut this corner,” Kevin warned. “If an installation isn’t properly certified, it could potentially affect your home insurance if the worst happens, such as a burglary or a fire. Certification exists to make sure work is done properly — it’s no different to regulations in other industries.”
The Price Comparison
Using the average UK French door size, Kevin compared four UK-based online suppliers, pricing all doors inclusive of VAT. Since supply-only companies do not include fitting, Kevin added the national average installation cost of £300 to £600, using £450 as a realistic midpoint.
Doors Direct To You
This online supplier offered an 1,800mm premium white UPVC French door priced between £879 and £957, with free delivery within 2–3 weeks. Including installation, the total cost came to £1,329, representing a saving of approximately £670 compared to a £2,000 benchmark.
Dunster House
Established in 1994 and based in Bedfordshire, Dunster House supplied a similarly sized French door. While a standard white finish kept costs lower, opting for a black exterior increased the price. Including installation, the total reached £1,470, still saving homeowners over £530.
Modern UPVC Windows
Based in Leicester, this supplier allowed additional customisation, including double toughened glass — a popular upgrade for families. A white door configuration came to £1,253 installed, while choosing a black finish raised the total to £1,528, delivering savings of £472.
Just Doors UK
One of the more recognisable names in the supply-only market, Just Doors UK priced the configured door at £1,189. With installation, the total reached £1,639, remaining £360 below the typical market price.
Colour Choices Can Increase Costs
Kevin highlighted that one of the biggest price drivers is colour choice. White UPVC doors are produced in larger quantities and remain the most cost-effective option, while coloured finishes such as black, anthracite, or woodgrain can add several hundred pounds.
“People are often surprised how much colour alone can increase the price,” Kevin said. “It doesn’t mean it’s not worth it — but it’s important to understand where the cost comes from.”
Clear Savings Without Compromise
Across all four suppliers, every option came in well under £2,000, proving that expensive headline prices are not inevitable. The research showed that homeowners willing to:
Obtain multiple quotes
Consider supply-only options
Use local installers
Understand certification requirements
can achieve substantial savings without sacrificing quality or compliance.
Independent and Consumer-Focused
Kevin stressed that the comparison was carried out independently, with no sponsorship or affiliation with any of the companies reviewed.
“They don’t know me, and I don’t know them,” he said. “This is about transparency and empowering homeowners to make informed choices.”
A Simple Message to Homeowners
The conclusion of the research is straightforward: the price isn’t always the price. By investing time into research rather than relying solely on traditional home improvement companies, homeowners can reduce costs and still receive high-quality products.
“If you’re willing to look into it properly,” Kevin concluded, “you can save hundreds of pounds — money that’s far better spent elsewhere.”
For advice, guidance, or questions about French doors and home improvements, visit www.smarthomeimprovementpeople.co.uk or contact Smart Home Improvement People through social media platforms.
