One of the most popular home upgrades we’re frequently asked about in Toronto is French doors. And that is quite logical, as few things can do more to make a home look instantly better than well-mounted French doors. The light affects how the room looks, the room’s outlook changes to your back yard and overall the room’s mood changes completely.
However, before you jump in, you’re likely to have some questions. What is the cost of a French door in Toronto? Which Material to Use? Are they going to make it over the Ontario winter? Is a permit required?
This guide is designed to answer all these questions -clearly, honestly, and after 27 years of experience installing doors throughout the GTA.
What Exactly Are French Doors?
French doors are double doors that swing from the middle with each door consisting mainly of glass. The distinguishing feature from a regular entry or patio glass door is that the glass fills most of the height of the door.
They can be used as exterior doors between your home and a deck, patio, or backyard, or as interior doors to divide two rooms while maintaining an open, bright interior. French doors are a popular addition to Toronto residences, and with the majority of French door installations we do at Milano being on the outside, both are in-use in Toronto homes.
They’re primarily attractive because they let much more natural light in than a standard-sized black door, they provide great clean access when both panels are open, and they evoke a sense of architectural class when it comes to any door’s style.
How Much Does French Door Installation Cost in Toronto?
This is usually question number one, so let’s get to the point.
The cost of a standard exterior French door installation (door, glass, hardware, professional fitting) is $1,800 to $4,500 for most Toronto homeowners. Most of our customers at Milano spend between $2,200 and $3,200 on a high quality fibreglass exterior and double pane Low-E glass.
Factors that move the price up or down:
What keeps costs lower:
- Standard door size (no rough opening changes required)
- Fibreglass or steel on wood structure
- Use double pane glass instead of triple pane glass
- Simple existing opening, no construction work involved
What pushes costs higher:
- Custom/oversized openings that need framing modification
- In a house built of wood, the surface is painted or stained
- Upgrades to triple pane glass for north exits/exposed units
- Side Lites, transoms or decorative glass inserts
- Sophisticated multi-point locking technology
One note of interest: quotes in Toronto might differ from company to company, in the sense that not every company offers exactly the same. Always check that your quote includes removal and disposal of the old door, all hardware, weatherstripping and clean up. There are no surprises on installation day at Milano.
Fibreglass, Steel, or Wood: Which Material Is Right for You?
Your selection of material will influence the look, performance, maintenance and cost of your door. A realistic breakdown for Toronto weather.
Fibreglass
We strongly recommend this for most homeowners in the GTA, and most of our customers prefer this option. Fibreglass is highly resistant to the freeze-thaw weather conditions of Ontario: It does not warp, crack or swell in any weather conditions; it provides superior insulating values over steel; and it is virtually maintenance free. Can be textured to resemble real wood grain and comes in dozens of colors and finishes.
Fibreglass is ideal for a wood warm effect without the maintenance.
Steel
Steel French doors provide the highest level of security and are also less expensive than fibreglass. They are sturdy, paint resistant, and suitable for those homeowners who want to invest in security and value. The only issue for Ontario will be thermal bridging, since the frame and threshold specification will have an impact on how quickly or slowly the steel conducts cold. To overcome this, we always apply suitable thermal breaks to steel doors.
Wood
Wood French doors are a worthwhile investment, and nothing beats real wood, and for heritage homes, character properties and those just wanting the real thing. A high quality wood door will age beautifully, and can last for decades, with proper maintenance, and sealing periodically throughout the harsh Ontario winters. The best option is by far wood in terms of both quality and cost.
Glass Options: More Than Just a Visual Choice
French doors are much more than just a way to let in the light. It has an immediate impact on the energy efficiency of your home, on privacy, on noise and on your heating bills in the future.
Double-pane Low-E is the norm for Toronto installations and is required by the Ontario Building Code. Low-E coating is designed to reflect heat back in during winter and to keep heat out in summer. This is an ideal solution for most homes.
Triple-pane Low-E incorporates an additional layer of glass and another gas layer. Works well for providing additional insulation and is recommended for exposed installations, north facing doors, or homes with high drafts. The gap in cost is usually $200 to $400, but this is more than offset by the long-term energy savings.
Privacy glass – frosted, textured, or sandblasted – diffuse the light while keeping visibility low enough to prevent direct light from penetrating. Commonly used for side facing installations or for installation where neighbours are closer.
Decorative glass – bevelled, wrought iron inserts, or custom patterns – works with traditional and heritage-style homes and is ideal for adding a distinctive character that clear glass doesn’t necessarily offer.
Every glass Milano uses has argon gas filling between the panes as an added value for excellent thermal insulation.
Exterior vs. Interior French Doors: Different Jobs, Different Specs
If you are being specific, it’s important to know that the installation is quite different.
Exterior French doors are open to the elements. They must be equipped with weather-resistant frames, adequate flashing and sealing, and multi-point locking to ensure protection for Ontario’s climate and have appropriate glass ratings. This is the more complex of the two installs, and where the choice of material and glass specification can really make a difference.
Interior French doors divide two areas, such as a living room from a dining room, a home office from a hallway or a sunroom from the house. They don’t have to deal with the weather, so requirements are simpler. During renovations, many of our customers decide to install interior French Doors to open up closed-in older houses.
Both installations can have a dramatic effect on the ambiance. However, it’s different projects, and a company with experience in both will handle them differently.
Do You Need a Building Permit for French Door Installation in Toronto?
If you are replacing an old door with a new set of French doors in the same opening, it is generally not a requirement to obtain a permit in the City of Toronto or GTA.
When new openings are being installed in an exterior wall, the exterior opening is being widened, or new openings in the exterior wall are being created as a result of structural changes around the opening, a permit is needed. We evaluate this at your free, in-home consultation, and if it is relevant to your project, we will help you on the way. This is not something that you want to find out in the middle of the installation, which is why having a consultation first is important.
Can French Doors Handle Toronto Winters?
It’s a good question, and the short answer is yes – if they are correctly specified and installed.
Everything from the glass package to frame material, weatherstripping quality, and the installation itself can be the keys. Gaps and an improperly installed door will render even the best-looking door weak. However, the well-installed French door fitted with a high-quality thermal break frame, Low-E glass, Argon gas and the best weatherstripping will be comfortable and efficient all year long.
Since 1997 we have been installing doors in the Toronto winters at Milano. We understand what climate needs and we tell you about it.
The Milano French Door Installation Process
Book with us, and here is exactly what will happen.
Free in-home consultation. We are able to come to your home to measure the opening, discuss your options and give you a written estimate. Nothing that one has to rush or pressure into.
Custom manufacturing. French doors are designed to fit your opening and constructed from Canadian-made materials designed for this climate. Regular delivery is 4-6 weeks.
Installation day. It is a date when our own trained staff (not subcontractors) arrives. Most installations take 3 to 5 hours to complete. Your floor and work area is protected throughout.
Cleanup and inspection. We take away and dispose of your old door, examine all the hinges, locks and weatherseals, and set your home back to the way it was before with the new door and all its parts.
Lifetime warranty. All French doors we install come complete with Milano’s lifetime transferable guarantee by the product and our workmanship. Your home is transferred to your new home buyer.
5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Existing Patio or Back Door with French Doors
Want to see if it’s the right time? 90% of our customers switch for these reasons.
Drafts you can feel. In winter if you are able to feel cold air at the door frame the seal has broken. That is energy (and money) leaving your home each day.
Condensation between the glass panes. If it is fogging inside the glass, then the unit has failed to seal. The door should be replaced because it is no longer insulating.
Difficulty opening or closing. If the door sticks or slides or is difficult to lock, it is probably warped or settled. It’s a comfort and security thing.
Visible frame deterioration. If there are rotten wood frames, rusty steel or cracks around the door, it means the door’s structural integrity is compromised.
You simply want more light. In some cases, the situation is simply that your current door is not letting in enough natural light, and you want to change that. It’s a legit reason for upgrades.
Ready to Get Started?
No doubt French door installation is among the most influential enhancements you can have to your Toronto home. It brightens, it enlarges, it opens to the outside – it alters the way you live in your home each and every day.
Since 1997, Milano Windows & Doors has installed more than 15,000 windows and doors in the Toronto and GTA region. We are 5 star rated on Google, we have this 9× HomeStars Best of Award and a lifetime transferable warranty on each of the doors that we install.
Call us at 437-464-2753 or book your free in-home consultation online. We’ll measure your opening, walk you through every option, and give you a written quote — no obligation, no pressure.