As its name implies, French doors originated in France in the 17th century. Their earliest form was a single-pane, floor-length window. This design choice changed over the years as the architectural fashion of the time, coupled with advances in technology, and increased availability of glass led to the idea of making an entire door out of window glass.
Like most architectural styles and features, French doors have become more elaborate. Several styles exist and are popular today, which are best suited to different functions.
We’ve put together a French door buyers’ guide to help you decide among the many available styles and applications.
A French door is a dual door made of glass panes traditionally held together by wood frames. It is a top-to-bottom window that expands the view between your home and your patio or between different home spaces. Another singularity of French doors is that they share the same frame to close together.
French doors are often confused with double doors. The main difference is that French doors are primarily made of glass, while double doors are made of non-see-through solid material that can have glass decoration.
Whether you want a beautiful view of your patio or to add style to your space, French doors are a great way to add sophistication and value to your home.
Consider these key factors when choosing a French door for your home.
Determine whether the door fits your home and neighborhood style. French doors are versatile and easy to customize to fit your personal preferences and uplift the beauty of your home. Here are some French door design tips:
Renewal by Andersen turns your ideas into reality with a wide range of French door styles, hardware, accessories, glass and grille patterns.
Before committing to a French door, consider whether there is enough room for it to open and close appropriately without sacrificing safety or style.
French doors are great options for outside spaces, as they make beautiful patio, balcony or entry doors for your home. They are reliable, lightweight and easy to install. Their design adds a welcoming tone to your home and a beautiful outside view.
Your French door directly impacts your home’s temperature and comfort. An energy-efficient door can also help reduce your energy bills and carbon footprint.
French door types are distinguished by the swing direction and the number of hinges. The type of door you choose will depend on where the French doors will be placed and their functionality:
Single-hinge doors are an excellent option for rooms with little wall space. Most homeowners choose to open their doors outward, as this takes up less interior space. In the case of bad weather, however, it would be wise to have some sort of overhang. An inward-opening French door is generally a good idea when there’s plenty of interior space.
French doors are available in wood, fiberglass, aluminum and steel. Some are even made of wood but covered with vinyl or aluminum. Each choice has different benefits and caters to different styles and tastes.
Of these types, uPVC-made French doors are thermally efficient and weather-resistant, while aluminum frames are best suited for exterior use because of their rust-resistant properties. Timber, meanwhile, is the traditional material for sliding patio doors, though reinforced with hardwood and steel.
When choosing your French door material, consider its functionality and the investment you’re about to make. Renewal by Andersen’s Frenchwood® door frames keep the traditional wood look with three finishes to choose from — pine, oak and maple.
The glass in exterior doors is used for much more than providing a visual link to the outdoors. It also functions as a layer of insulation while reducing noise from the outside. Some even have an opacity filter to allow for some degree of privacy.
Glass panes from Renewal by Andersen are made from High Performance™ Low-E4® insulating glass featuring SmartSun™ technology. They are 70% more energy efficient in summer and 49% more energy efficient in winter compared to ordinary dual-pane glass.
Enjoy the natural light coming in from your patio or garden without increasing interior heat. With our obscured glass options, you can add privacy without sacrificing natural lighting.
When choosing a French door, make sure you invest in the right materials for New Jersey’s climate. From hot summers to snowy winters, your French door should be able to endure weather conditions.
Choosing the right materials for your French door is the first step to a successful replacement door. Renewal by Andersen only uses glass that meets our high standards of durability.
A successful replacement French door starts with an expert team of installers. Renewal by Andersen installers will visit your home to take the correct radius of the swing measure. They will ensure there are no furnishings within the door’s path. To avoid warping, the French door should be squarely placed in the wall, where a multipoint locking system can be placed for added security.
All our French doors are custom-made to fit your home. Our installers will make sure you understand how to operate your French door and will leave your space cleaner than they found it before finishing their job. French doors are the punctuation to a well-designed home.
Renewal by Andersen makes replacement French doors that fit your home’s unique style while considering your space and needs. All our materials are made to last and withstand the harsh conditions of Hillsborough, New Jersey’s, climate. We believe a French door should be a statement of your home’s beauty and welcoming atmosphere.
We are committed to providing custom-built, beautiful, energy-saving French doors. We accomplish this by offering:
Our experienced design consultants will provide French door tips and help you select the style, colors, glass and finishes that best suit your home style and budget. Call us at (866) 609-5033 or schedule an in-home consultation online.
