French doors originated in 17th-century France to allow more natural light into dimly-lit homes.

French doors resemble French windows, but their glass panes extend most of the door's length. This maximises the sunlight that comes in during the summer - a very desirable feature. They remain very popular, making homes bright and airy without sacrificing security.

These doors are also sought-after for their aesthetic appeal that creates a wider opening than sliding patio doors. They're ideal for ventilation, and make rooms appear more spacious - and they come in a range of colours and materials.

Characteristics Of French Doors

If you find yourself asking, "what are French doors?" you've come to the right place. French doors are typically hinged double doors - quite a familiar design to most people. The doors open outwards to create a "double" doorway, and are locked in the centre when closed. They typically have toughened glazing that allows in natural light.

The glass panels have either single- or double-glazing - transparent enough to let in sunshine and brighten the room. French doors are often used as external doors leading to patios, helping connect indoor and outdoor spaces, but thousands of people have interior French doors.

They come in a range of sizes, and can even be customised to suit different measurements. Some people prefer multiple sets of French doors if they want something to fit with a wider doorway.

Different Types of French Doors

External French doors

These are the doors that lead outside to your patio, deck, yard, or other outdoor areas such as a garden. External French doors open inwards and outwards, with large glass panes allowing plenty of natural light into your home while creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Internal French doors

French doors are a smart way to use glass for indoor openings while creating the illusion of extra space in your home’s interior. A well-designed French door can divide a space into two practical and stylish rooms while making living spaces feel brighter and more open.

Sliding patio doors

Sliding French patio doors are a popular choice for many homeowners, and they are often a better fit for smaller patios because they save swing space while still allowing plenty of room to pass in and out of the house. Their track system can also support furniture placement and smooth operation. While not the traditional design, sliding French doors offer a look that contrasts with the traditional appearance of French doors and can suit contemporary homes.

What Materials Do French Doors Come In?

Aluminium

For long-lasting, maintenance-free doors, aluminium french doors are ideal. This durable material doesn't corrode (perfect for coastal areas) and offers a low maintenance, contemporary option for modern homes while helping regulate the house's temperature: keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Our website has many more valuable tips on aluminium doors.

uPVC

uPVC French doors are the least expensive material option for French doors, making them a cost effective choice for smaller budgets, with the added benefit of being low maintenance.

Wood

The most traditional door material, timber is a popular choice because it can be varnished or painted to suit your property’s style and décor. We have more information on aluminium vs timber bifold doors on our website.

Composite material

Composite material, produced by binding glass fibres with plastics, is primarily used in construction. Its many benefits include longevity, durability, and minimal maintenance needs.

What Are The Benefits Of French Doors?

French doors are popular for many reasons - their versatility, for a start. They are attractive, practical, and their aesthetics and versatile design suit different architectural styles indoors and outdoors.

Security

French doors fitted with double-glazing and toughened glass are very secure. A high-quality lock, such as an espagnolette bolt, can boost security for external doors. This lock is keyless, simple, and 100% effective.

Price

French doors, with their simple design, few components, and range of sizes and glazing, can offer strong cost effectiveness. Some doors' sliding mechanisms can be more complex than those of French doors, increasing their price for homeowners seeking value. French doors are a practical and aesthetically pleasing alternative.

Open design

Sliding patio-style doors may be simple, but they obscure at least part of the frame at all times. French doors help solve this problem with an open design and larger glass panels that bring in ample natural light and air.

Exterior and interior use

People tend to use French doors as exterior doors, but they work just as well indoors. The seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces is part of their appeal, and the feeling of spaciousness is something we can all appreciate. A wider entrance makes a room feel bigger and brighter, whether it's a dressing room, play room or dining room.

Disadvantages Of French Doors

Space

French doors open outward and need enough space to move, which can limit furniture placement and make them impractical in smaller rooms or beside smaller patios. A sliding door will help you avoid this issue.

Lack of privacy

Privacy can be a tricky issue with French doors, as the glass and light make it easy to see inside. Curtains or blinds can improve privacy to an extent, but they don't work well with larger doorways. You can't slide a French door partially open as you would a patio door, for example - your French door is either open or closed, with no grey area in between.

Can French Doors Make Your Home More Energy Efficient?

When you replace or install new doors, sustainability should be one of your top priorities. Apart from benefiting the environment, who wants to waste money on high heating bills? Dwellings' energy efficiency is also regulated by building codes.

If you’re considering installing exterior French doors, you may wonder about their energy efficiency. Fortunately, well-constructed exterior French doors are an ideal energy-efficient replacement for other doors and can help with improving energy efficiency throughout the home.

Doors with double-glazed panes keep homes warm, as the toughened glass helps reduce heat loss. To improve insulation even more, try using fibreglass panels instead of glass.

French doors with tough, double-glazed panes prevent heat seeping out. Fibreglass panels are even better insulators. A custom installation also provides a perfect fit, which can boost a home's energy efficiency. French door frames have a good balance of glass to wood, making them far more energy efficient than your average set of sliding doors.

How Secure Are French Doors?

Multi-point locks are similar to those of many modern front doors - your aluminium door probably has one. A multi-point locking system is like a mortice lock; turn the key once and the door locks in multiple places. Many people consider multi-point locks the sturdiest and most secure lock for a French door.

A security bar prevents a door's handles from moving, adding an extra layer of safety. Some security bars include alarms - perfect for older French doors without modern security features.

How Much Do French Doors Cost?

In the UK, most French doors are made from uPVC, and they are often the most cost effective choice. Expect to pay around £1,700 (labour and the cost of the door) to convert an existing window into a uPVC French door.

If you’re looking to create a new opening or to enlarge an existing door frame, you are looking at somewhere in the region of £3000.

Our aluminium options cost a little more than this, but they do have many advantages over cheaper materials. Aluminium will last much longer than uPVC, and it requires little maintenance. So, as a long term investment, aluminium is also a cost effective choice.

FAQs

French doors and patio-style doors – What's the difference?

The main difference between French doors and patio doors is that the former are typically hinged and open outwards, while the latter slide on a track. French doors have a classic design, and patio-style doors look more contemporary in appearance.

Sliding door or French door – Which is safer?

Most modern French doors have multi-lock systems that are more secure than sliding doors.
Sliding doors often have flimsier locking mechanisms that can be pushed up and down easily.

Do French doors last long?

French doors usually last a long time, sometimes, around 30 years or more. This will depend on what they’re made from and how well they’re maintained.