French doors are a popular choice due to the amount of natural light they allow in as well as their elegant appearance.
If you’re renovating your house, or furnishing a new building, consider installing French doors to elevate the aesthetics, functionality, and market value of your property.
This guide has everything you need to know about the materials and styles of French doors, including practical tips on how to select the right model for your needs.
What Are French Doors
French doors were originally developed during the Renaissance period with the purpose of partitioning an area without blocking light.
Instead of large wooden doors, they were designed with elaborate frames with multiple glass panels, also known as ‘lites’ to allow natural light through.
The glass panels can be a single pane, or have a more complex configuration of multiple panes.
Most building codes have minimum requirements of strength and safety, in addition to other performance parameters. Tempered glass, or laminated safety glass, often complies with these guidelines.
The frame surrounding the glass panels is another integral part of the door’s design. It should provide a sturdy structure while giving the glass door a visually attractive appearance.
Types of French Doors
French doors come in various options to suit individual styles and space requirements.
From traditional swing open designs to modern sliding variants, here’s a description of what each model has to offer.
Internal French Doors
Internal French doors are elegant room dividers that create semi-connected living spaces. The rooms can be quite isolated, and serve different purposes while the doors are shut. Then, you can open them, and merge both spaces, creating a much bigger room.
One popular example is separating living rooms from dining areas. Another one is giving some privacy and quiet to a home office.
Functionality isn’t the only reason for installing internal French doors, as they serve quite nicely as an entrance to a reception area or library.
The glass panels in internal French doors are fully customizable to balance light transmission with privacy needs. Options include clear tempered glass for maximum light and frosted glass for privacy.
There are also decorative glass patterns that add a touch of flair and architectural interest. This instantly adds uniqueness and personality.
These doors typically span four to eight feet in width for the complete unit, with heights ranging from 6 feet eight inches to eight feet.
Installation costs often range from $300 to $1500 per unit, with additional costs for custom sizes or specialized glass treatments.
External French Doors
External French doors provide safety, security, and protection from the weather. These doors are engineered to withstand various environmental factors, in addition to being more sturdy to secure the property effectively.
Weather protection is achieved by adding elaborate weather stripping systems and energy-efficient glass options. Many models come with double pane or triple pane glass, with Low-E coatings. This decreases UV radiation and stabilizes the temperature inside.
In coastal or severe weather regions, impact-resistant glass is an optimal choice. It’s actually necessary to protect the house from extreme climates.
Modern external French doors usually have multi-point locking systems along their height. This is a clear advantage over traditional types operating with a single lock.
Investing in external French doors is cost-effective considering all their benefits. Prices typically range from $1000 to $5000, which reflects the additional security and durability of these units.
Single-hinged French Doors
Single-hinged French doors offer the elegant look of traditional French doors while occupying minimal space.
These doors fit perfectly within narrow openings between 32 and 36 inches wide. Thus, they are a great choice for smaller homes or spaces where double doors would be impractical.
The hinges can be placed on either side, which provides added flexibility when it comes to room layout, traffic flow, and how the furniture can be arranged.
The smaller width also impacts the installation of this model. In general, it requires less structural modification than their double-hinged counterparts. The decreased cost, time, and inconvenience make these doors an optimal choice for many homeowners.
The costs range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the material choice and complexity of the installation.
Double-hinged French Doors
Double-hinged French doors are the classic style that most people associate with French door design.
Most models consist of two active panels that meet in the middle. Their width is often in the range of four to eight feet when they are fully opened.
The center-meeting design requires precise installation to ensure proper alignment and security. When closed, these doors often feature an astragal, which is a vertical strip that covers the gap between the doors. This is necessary, as it increases the doors’ security and weather resistance.
Modern double-hinged French doors usually come with elaborate locking systems at the top and bottom of each door panel. This provides better security, without compromising the classic appearance.
These models cost around $800 to $4000 for the unit, in addition to the installation costs, and other customization expenses.
Sliding French Doors
Sliding French doors are a modern take on the classic French door design, combining traditional style elements with new-age tech.
These doors maintain the characteristic divided light appearance while operating on a sliding track system. Selecting prime quality tracks is absolutely necessary for smooth operation and system longevity.
Additional features include soft-close technologies and multi-point locking systems. The glass pane material is also customizable, and its width is generally larger than that of traditional French doors.
The sliding mechanism makes these doors especially suitable for spaces where swing clearance might be limited. It’s perfect for patios, smaller rooms, or areas where furniture is placed near the doorway.
These doors typically range from $700 to $3,500. The prices vary based on the size and additional features.
French Doors Materials
The material selection for French doors significantly impacts their appearance, durability, maintenance requirements, and overall costs. Modern manufacturing techniques have expanded the available options beyond traditional wood.
This offers homeowners a range of choices to match their specific needs and budget. Each material brings its own set of advantages, from classic aesthetics to modern performance features.
Wooden French Doors
Most people favor wooden French doors as they look vintage and revive the historic style. This material is also quite flexible and lends itself easily to customization. The finishes of these hardwoods can complement any architectural style.
Hardwoods like oak, maple, and mahogany are the most popular. The natural insulating properties of wood contribute to energy efficiency.
The craftsmanship involved in wooden French door construction often includes mortise-and-tenon joinery and detailed millwork that cannot be replicated in other materials.
Wooden doors require regular maintenance to prevent weather damage and potential warping. Then again, most homeowners find that these models are worth the extra bit of care.
Premium wooden French doors typically range from $2000 to $10,000, with exotic wood varieties commanding higher prices.
Fiberglass French Doors
Fiberglass is a resilient material that’s immune to warping, rotting, and cracking, which explains its increasing appeal among homeowners. It’s well-suited for exterior installations, particularly in areas with harsh climates.
The core of fiberglass frames has foam isolation, so its energy efficiency is pretty stellar. The material’s dimensional stability means that these doors maintain their proper fit throughout seasonal changes.
The initial investment in fiberglass French doors ranges from $1500 to $5000. However, their low maintenance requirements and durability make them cost-effective over time.
Aluminum French Doors
Aluminum’s strength allows for narrower frames, maximizing the glass area and creating a more contemporary look.
Aluminum French doors are perfect for large openings, as the material’s strength-to-weight ratio allows for bigger panels, without sacrificing stability. The design often has thermal breaks, which improve energy efficiency.
Many people prefer installing aluminum French doors in coastal environments, considering its natural corrosion resistance. It’s also a durable metal that requires little maintenance to stay functional.
These doors typically cost between $800 and $3,000, offering excellent value for contemporary homes.
Vinyl French Doors
Vinyl provides a cost-effective solution, without compromising on essential features. This material is low-maintenance, and it’s completely unaffected by moisture or insect infestations. It’s perfect for humid climates where these matters can be quite problematic.
Modern vinyl French doors usually have internal reinforcement to enhance structural stability and security.
While vinyl frames represent the most affordable option, ranging from $500 to $2,500, their performance rivals the more expensive varieties.
Pick the Best French Door Style
Selecting the right French door style depends on factors such as space availability, functionality, and aesthetic preference. Here are a few key considerations:
- Space Constraints: If you have limited space, sliding French doors may be the best option, while larger areas can accommodate double-hinged doors.
- Security Needs: External French doors should feature multi-point locking systems for enhanced security.
- Climate Considerations: Choose energy-efficient glass and durable materials to withstand local weather conditions.
- Design Preferences: Wooden doors suit traditional homes, while aluminum or fiberglass options complement modern aesthetics.
The selection of French doors represents a significant investment in both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your home. Consider these various factors and try to work with qualified professionals during this process.
