DIY or Pre-Installed Pet Doors for French Doors: What to Choose?

At some point, you’ve probably asked yourself the obvious question: “Can I add a pet door to this thing without ruining it?” Then the follow-up hits: “Should I try installing one myself or just buy a pre-made option?”

That’s where most people get stuck. Because both paths sound possible, but also slightly risky. Cut into the wrong spot and you’re suddenly shopping for a new door. Pick the wrong product and your dog’s still pawing to be let out every morning at 5 am.

Let’s Talk About the Door Itself

French doors aren’t your average doors. They’re wide. They’re full of glass. And they usually sit right at the heart of your home, which makes them great for natural light, and slightly terrifying to modify.

If you’ve ever thought about cutting into one, chances are you paused. Maybe even closed your laptop and walked away. 

Adding a dog door to French doors isn’t as straightforward as it is with a standard wood panel. Most of the time, you’re working with full-length glass. Or at least a partial glass surrounded by a narrow frame.

So, the big question: Can you even do it?

Yes. Dog doors can be added to French doors. But it depends on the type of door you have.

If your doors are mostly wood or metal, you’ve got more options. You can cut and install with the right tools and some patience. If your doors are all glass? That’s a different story. You’ll need to replace a glass pane or buy a pre-installed option designed for that setup.

Either way, it’s doable. The key is knowing what you’re working with before grabbing the jigsaw.

What Does “DIY Pet Door” Mean?

DIY sounds great until you’re staring at a power tool you haven’t touched since 2019. In this case, DIY means doing the full install yourself. You cut into the patio door. You install the kit. You make sure it’s sealed, secure, and usable.

Most kits come with the basics: a plastic flap, some kind of frame, weather-sealing, and maybe a locking cover. Some versions are better than others, but they all follow the same idea.

Cut a hole. Add a flap. Seal edges. Hope the dog uses it. You’ll probably need a drill. Maybe a jigsaw. Definitely a measuring tape. And a bit of confidence with tools. If your French door is wood or metal, it’s more doable.

Some people skip the cutting altogether and use a sliding insert or modify the bottom panel of a door instead. That’s still DIY, it just skips the sawdust.

Just remember, DIY doesn’t mean free. You’re still buying a kit. Still spending time. And if it goes wrong, there’s no customer support on the other end. So if you go the DIY route, go in prepared. And maybe have a backup plan.

What You Get With Pre-Installed Pet Doors for French Doors?

Pre-installed pet doors are just what they sound like. They come ready to go, built directly into a new French door or glass panel. No measuring. No guesswork. No cutting into anything.

Some brands offer full porch door replacements with a pet door already integrated. Others sell just the glass pane or lower panel with the pet access built in. Both are made to fit. Clean edges. Factory finish. And no weird DIY gaps around the flap.

You’ll find a few customization options too. Flap size, locking mechanisms, weather resistance, and durability, all adjustable depending on your pet and your climate. Most of these come from companies that specialize in pet-friendly doors. Think custom builds made to match your existing frame or dimensions.

But here’s the tradeoff: You may need to replace the whole door or glass panel. And depending on the design, you might still want a pro to handle the install.

The upside? It usually looks better, works better, and lasts longer. Less risk. Less effort. But also a higher price tag.

DIY or Pre-installed? Let’s Compare 6 Key Factors

DIY means potential savings, but possibly losing your weekend. While pre-installed doors promise simplicity, but at a cost. To make things clearer, let’s break it down into six easy-to-digest factors:

1. Cost Breakdown

DIY kits usually land between $40 and $150. Not bad if you’re budget-conscious. But remember, this doesn’t include tools you might need, a decent jigsaw, drill, measuring tape, or the pizza you buy your handy neighbor for helping out.

Pre-installed doors, on the other hand, typically range from $200 to $1,000 or even more. That price can sting initially. But it usually means higher-quality materials, a smoother install, and zero trips to the hardware store. Just don’t forget possible costs like professional installation or shipping fees.

2. Difficulty Level

DIY installation isn’t rocket science. But it’s also not as straightforward as the instructions might promise. You’ll need some comfort with tools and measuring accurately. If the idea of cutting into your beautiful French doors makes you break into a sweat, it’s something to consider.

Pre-installed doors simplify this. Less stress, fewer mistakes. Sure, you pay for that ease, but for some people, avoiding potential frustration is worth every penny.

3. Time to Install

Doing it yourself usually takes a few hours. And let’s be realistic—add at least another hour of YouTube tutorials and double-checking your measurements. DIY isn’t hard, but it isn’t quick either.

Pre-installed options are faster on install day. But getting the door might not be. Custom doors take time to order, ship, and possibly schedule professional installation. So while installation day itself may feel effortless, getting to that day can require patience.

Related: How To Install Dog Doors In A Door?

4. Visual Appeal

DIY visual success depends entirely on your handiwork and the materials you choose. Do it right, and you’ll be proud every time you look at it. Do it wrong, and it might haunt you every morning over coffee.

Pre-installed doors generally have the edge here. They’re factory-finished, designed for seamless integration, and just tend to look nicer. If visual perfection matters a lot to you, pre-installed could be the way to go.

5. Long-Term Durability

DIY durability is all about your kit. Cheaper kits can wear out faster—flaps loosen, seals break down, and weather can take a toll. High-quality DIY kits can perform better, but that’s usually reflected in their higher price tags.

Pre-installed doors typically offer better durability from the get-go. They’re built for daily pet use and designed to withstand the elements. Still, quality varies even among pre-made options, so checking reviews matters.

6. Flexibility for Renters or Resale

DIY can sometimes mean permanent changes to your French doors. That might be fine if you own your home and plan to stay put. But renters or anyone who might sell soon need to consider the implications of this home improvement.

Some pre-installed options, especially replacement panels or inserts, offer reversibility. You can take them with you or return the doors to their original state easily. It’s flexibility at a higher price, but worth it for some.

Which One Should You Go With?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It comes down to what works for your home, your puppy, and your comfort level with tools or hiring help.

If you love a good weekend project and don’t mind dust, noise, or reading the same instructions twice, DIY could be a solid choice. Especially if your doors are wood or metal and you’ve got the right tools handy.

If you’d rather skip the cutting, measuring, and second-guessing, pre-installed options are worth a look. They cost more upfront, but usually look cleaner and save time. No guesswork, fewer surprises.

If you’re renting or planning to move soon, flexible options like sliding inserts or removable panels are smart. They won’t leave you patching holes or explaining your pet flap to a real estate agent.

The goal here isn’t perfection. It’s giving your pet a little more freedom without turning your doors into a DIY regret.

FAQs You Didn’t Know You Had

• Can I install a pet door into glass? Yes, but probably not on your own. Cutting into glass is tricky and usually needs a glazier. If your patio door is mostly glass, you’ll want a pre-installed option or a custom glass panel with the pet door built in.
• Will this ruin the look of my French doors? Not necessarily. If you’re careful with the install and pick a quality kit, DIY can look clean. Pre-installed options tend to blend in better, especially with matching frames. Either way, it comes down to how it’s done, not just the product itself.
• What size door should I get for my pet? Measure from the ground to the top of your pet’s shoulders. Then add an inch or two. Small dogs might need a 7–9 inch flap. Medium? Around 11–13. Larger breeds? Plan for 15 inches or more.
• Can I remove it later? Some you can. Some you can’t. Removable panels and inserts? Easy. Full cuts into wood or glass? Not so much. Think about resale or rental status before you commit.
• Are there security issues with pet doors? There can be. Look for models with locking flaps or electronic access. And be realistic, if your pet door fits a person, it’s not just the pets getting in. Choose the right size for your animal, not your neighbor’s teenager.

Let’s Make Life Easier for You and Your Pet

At the end of the day, this isn’t really about dog doors. It’s about giving your pet some freedom without turning your living room into a construction zone or your French doors into a regret.

Whether you go the DIY route or choose something pre-installed, both can work. One isn’t better than the other. Just different paths to the same result: a bit more convenience, a bit less chaos, and fewer 3 a.m. scratch sessions at the door.

A little planning now saves a lot of barking later. And maybe a few bucks too. So, take a look at your space. Think about your budget, your tools, and your tolerance for instruction manuals. Then go with what feels right.

Whatever you decide, it’s all about making things easier for your pet and for you.