A French patio door is an exterior door with one or more glass panels that sit in a frame and can be divided by a grid. They are commonly seen as a pair.
While other styles of doors feature glass panels, the key difference is that the panels on French doors span the entire, or close to entire, length of the door. On other door styles, the glass area is smaller.
French doors are often designed in a standard rectangular shape but can also be arched at the top. You can customize French doors to fit your aesthetic preferences and space.
In This Article:
- Types of French Doors
- Materials for French Doors
- Ways to Customize a French Door
- Benefits of French Doors
- Explore French Doors
Types of French Doors
French doors can be constructed as a single door or as a set of two doors, called double doors, with handles that meet in the middle.
Materials for French Doors
Iron
Iron doors offer unmatched durability, with the ability to withstand severe weather. Because they are secure and aesthetically pleasing, adding an iron door to your home increases its property value.
Wood
Wood doors can swell, decay, and experience paint peeling so they require frequent maintenance including sanding and sealing. Wood doors, especially if they become weathered, can increase energy consumption since they allow outside air to leak in.
Ways to Customize a French Door
1. Finish Color
Similar to other door styles, French doors can be customized through their finish color – you can choose one to match the rest of the home or pick a color that creates a stunning contrast.
2. Size
French doors can be custom-built to fit the size of your space. At Clark Hall Doors & Windows, we customize iron doors to perfectly fit your home. One of our experts will take the final measurements for doors located near one of our showrooms in Charlotte or Raleigh, NC. For farther home projects, we can recommend a contractor in your area. However, you can take a rough measurement yourself to bring to your consultation.
3. Windows
Your patio door can be enhanced with surrounding windows such as sidelights or transoms.
4. Hardware
French doors can also be personalized with their hardware. This includes:
- Pull handles
- Deadbolts
- Door knobs
- Door levers
- Door locks
The hardware comes in various sizes. Full-length hardware is larger while side plate hardware is more compact. You can select a hardware finish color to compliment the door.
5. Textured Glass
You may opt for textured glass on your French door instead of clear glass. Options include Flemish, Aquatex, Rain, Reeded Vertical and more. These glass patterns offer multiple benefits aside from aesthetics, such as increased privacy for your home. Clark Hall offers an exceptional variety of textured glass options so your door can reflect your unique style.
Benefits of French Doors
Natural Light
Because of their large glass panels, French doors welcome plenty of sunlight into a home, while maintaining a feeling of elegance.
Aesthetics
French doors offer timeless beauty. The simplicity of their design allows them to match any aesthetic from modern farmhouse to rustic to coastal.
Connection to Outdoors
French patio doors seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor living spaces. They allow you to admire your patio or backyard and share the view with guests year-round, even when the doors remain closed.
Explore French Doors
Clark Hall specializes in custom iron doors, including French patio doors. To begin exploring options, schedule a design consultation with Clark Hall Doors & Windows. Allow our experts to guide you in evaluating styles, proportions, and custom details in the context of your home, ensuring your iron door is aesthetically pleasing and cohesive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for French doors?
Iron doors offer significant benefits over wood doors. Iron doors are durable and nearly maintenance-free, while wood doors are subject to bending and warping.
Do French doors open in or out?
French patio doors can be designed one of two ways: inswing or outswing. This decision is up to the homeowner. Both have advantages regarding security, style, and use of space. For example, inswing doors are easier to open if there is a buildup of snow outside while outswing doors are more difficult to kick in so they can better protect against intruders. Talk with a member of Clark Hall’s design team to determine which option is the best fit for your home.
Are French doors always double?
No, French doors can be single or double. The term French door is referring to a specific style of door in which glass panels are enclosed by a frame. It is not interchangeable with the term double doors.
Are French doors always exterior?
No, French doors can be constructed inside of a home as a closet door, bedroom door, etc. However, they are commonly used as patio doors.
Are French doors difficult to install?
Yes, they can be difficult to install since they are large, heavy, and challenging to correctly position. While it is possible to install them yourself, it will require carpentry experience and one or more additional people to help hold it up. It is recommended to choose a door company that takes care of the installation process such as Clark Hall Doors & Windows to ensure the job is executed properly.
