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Remodeling 101: The Ins and Outs of French Doors

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Remodeling 101: The Ins and Outs of French Doors

November 1, 2018

Is it time to say good-bye to the obstructionist solid door and introduce some more light into your life? Consider French doors. These combination windows and doors create a sense of space as they flood rooms with sunlight. And new glass technologies mean that security and insulation concerns of the past are in many cases outdated. Read on to find out whether French doors are the answer for you.

french doors, painted the same color as the walls, in on the market: a his 17
Above: French doors, painted the same color as the walls, in On the Market: A Historic House Reimagined for a Modern Family in Stroud, England.

Exactly what are French doors?

French doors, also known as French windows, are doors of varying sizes that are composed of panels of glass. They traditionally (but not always) come in pairs and are hinged, with either an in-swing or out-swing. They’re used as both interior and exterior doors: They often link two rooms, such as an adjacent living and dining room; they also commonly provide access to balconies, patios, and gardens.

Who invented French doors?

No individual can take credit, but French doors have a history rooted in France. They’re said to have been influenced by Italian Renaissance architecture and its emphasis on light and symmetry—a style that migrated to France after the Great Italian Wars of the 16th century. Aesthetics combined with a pre-electricity dependence on natural light and the increased availability of glass led to more windows—and an expansion of those windows into doors. Because glass was fragile and expensive, it was installed in small panes with mullions in between. The mullions and door frames were typically made of wood or wrought iron for structural stability as well as for looks.

french doors with a lighter feel, in a new york city flat. see the rest of the  18
Above: French doors with a lighter feel, in a New York City flat. See the rest of the project in A TriBeCa Pied-à-Terre with French Doors and Stealth Storage.

What are the benefits of French doors?

In addition to adding a certain je ne sais quoi, the advantages of French doors include:

  • Providing a visual bridge between indoors and out, or between adjoining rooms.
  • Expanding your warm-weather living space by opening out to a patio, balcony, or garden.
  • Letting the sunlight in without letting warmth escape (and in the summer months, without letting coolness escape).
  • Expanding the sense of space in a room.
  • Bringing natural light into an interior room or hall that doesn’t have windows.
  • Filling wide openings–and creating a flow–between rooms. And conversely, enabling adjoining rooms to be closed off from each other as needed, such as for noise or heating reasons.
in their remodeled pasadena bungalow, fashion designers momo suzuki and alexand 19
Above: In their remodeled Pasadena bungalow, fashion designers Momo Suzuki and Alexander Yamaguchi replaced single doors and windows with French doors, like these in the airy bedroom, to connect indoors and out. A tip: for affordability, the couple opted for wood-framed windows from Home Depot at $200 a panel and stained the wood themselves; a friend made the handles. See more in Midcentury Meets Zen: A DIY Remodel in LA.

Are there different types and styles of French doors?

Originally differentiated only by their number of panes, or lights, French doors are available in myriad styles and materials, ranging from single pane (called one light) to 10-light styles (2 panes by 5 panes) set in frames made of wood, steel, aluminum, and even fiberglass. Clear glass is most common, but in settings where some privacy is desired, opaque glass may be used.

French doors are traditionally hinged. You can also find sliding, louvered (folding), and pivot French doors–there is some debate about whether these variations are really French doors, but regardless of semantics, they’re options worth considering.

slim, aluminum framed glass doors fit in even the tightest of spaces, as seen a 20
Above: Slim, aluminum-framed glass doors fit in even the tightest of spaces, as seen at one end of a narrow kitchen; see Kitchen of the Week: A Designer’s Own Ikea Hack Kitchen in Provence, Before and After.

Where can I use French doors?

Exterior:

Introduced to provide access to outdoor living spaces, exterior French doors are most commonly used as openings onto gardens, patios, and balconies. Because of security concerns–visibility and easy break-ins–they have not historically been common for front doors. The advent in recent years of tougher and better insulated glass has changed that.

Interior:

French doors can be used effectively as dividers between linked rooms, especially in cases where privacy is not a concern. We’ve also seen French doors in nontraditional locations, such as in bathrooms as shower surrounds.

a luxe bath designed by stiff + trevillion of london features arabasc 21
Above: A luxe bath designed by Stiff + Trevillion of London features Arabascato marble and industrial, steel-framed French doors. Photograph by Kilian O’Sullivan.

What types of French doors are available?

  • Wooden French doors
  • Interior French doors
  • Exterior French doors
  • Steel-framed French doors
  • uPVC French doors, a type of plastic
  • Narrow French doors

Any tips for designing and installing French doors?

  • Don’t forget the door swing. French doors are available with either in-swing or out-swing fittings. Measure your space and plan accordingly.
  • Consider the glass. If your doors get direct sunlight, think about tinted or coated options that will keep floors, furniture, and art from fading. Opaque glass is a good option in settings where you want light with privacy. And for exterior doors, double-paned or low-E (low emissivity) glass, which is coated with a heat-reflective material, is recommended for insulation.
  • Source new exterior doors. While old French doors are enticing for their looks (and, in the case of reclaimed doors, use of recycled materials), keep in mind that for exterior applications, new doors have better security, insulation, and durability.
  • Make them weather-proof. Exterior French doors should be fitted with weather stripping to keep the elements out.
  • Measure your door size. Doors with standard opening sizes can accommodate pre-hung French doors with ease. Openings in older houses, however, are anything but standard and customization may be required. We recommend consulting a professional.
  • Consider the locks. Exterior French doors generally require a three-point system that locks the door to the head jamb and the sill for good security.

What about the cost and sources?

French doors are more expensive than standard exterior sliding doors and basic solid interior doors. That said, prices are as variable as each setting. It depends on the specific doors you’re considering: French doors may be more affordable than high-end architectural pivot doors, for example.

In terms of sources, architectural window manufacturers such as Pella, Marvin, and Andersen offer a range of French doors. Reclaimed doors are available at architectural salvage suppliers. For metal French door sourcing, see Remodeling 101: Steel Window and Door Fabricators.

remodelista co founder francesca connolly&#8\2\17;s galley kitchen has 22
Above: Remodelista co-founder Francesca Connolly’s galley kitchen has a custom metal French door that lets in light, frames the space, and leads to an outdoor dining deck. For custom metalwork, Francesca recommends Product and Design Metalwork in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, in New York.

French Door Recap

Pros

  • Brings natural light into rooms
  • Increases sense of space
  • Creates a visual connection between indoors and out, and between rooms
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Requires floor space for opening
  • Provides minimal privacy
  • More expensive than sliding doors or basic, solid interior doors
  • More windows to clean
traditional french doors lead to a north facing balcony off of a brooklyn townh 23
Above: Traditional French doors lead to a north-facing balcony off of a Brooklyn townhouse. See the full project in Brooklyn Makeover: A Homey Townhouse with a Modern Garret.

For more remodeling advice, have a look at our previous Remodeling 101 posts. Considering doors, windows, and trim? See:

N.B.: This post is an update; the original ran on July 17, 2014, as part of our Bastille Day issue.

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Frequently asked questions

What are French doors?

French doors are a type of door that consists of a frame with multiple glass panels. The panels are typically divided into smaller sections called "lights" or "lites" with decorative muntins. French doors are hinged and often swing open in pairs.

What are the benefits of French doors?

French doors offer several benefits. They allow natural light to flow into a room, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. They provide an elegant and classic aesthetic, adding a touch of sophistication to a space. French doors also provide easy access to outdoor areas and can enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Are French doors energy-efficient?

The energy efficiency of French doors depends on factors such as the quality of the door, the type of glass used, and the sealing. Choosing energy-efficient glass options, such as double or triple glazing with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, can improve their energy performance. Additionally, ensuring proper installation and weatherstripping can help minimize air leakage and improve insulation.

Can French doors be used for exterior entrances?

Yes, French doors are commonly used as exterior entrances. They are often installed in openings that lead to patios, decks, gardens, or other outdoor spaces. French doors can provide an elegant and functional entryway while allowing ample natural light into the interior.

Can French doors be used as interior doors?

Absolutely! French doors can be used as interior doors to create an open and visually appealing transition between rooms. They are commonly used to separate living and dining areas, home offices, or as entrances to master bedrooms or en-suite bathrooms.

Do French doors provide good security?

The level of security provided by French doors depends on the quality of the doors, hardware, and locking mechanisms used. It is advisable to choose French doors with robust construction, reinforced glass, and secure locking systems to enhance security. Additionally, installing security features such as deadbolts or multi-point locking systems can further improve the security of French doors.

Do French doors require special maintenance?

French doors typically require regular maintenance to keep them in optimal condition. This includes cleaning the glass panels, lubricating hinges and hardware, and checking for any signs of wear or damage. Wooden French doors may require periodic refinishing or resealing to protect them from moisture and ensure longevity.

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