French doors have been used for centuries as the main entrance to some of the world's most magnificent buildings. Install them singly or as a pair to your contemporary home for added light and elegance. You may know a French door as two identical doors that are hinged on opposite sides of the same frame and open as a pair. This description, however, is only partially correct, as a French door can actually be a single door instead of a pair. Historically, what denotes this type of door is the use of glass over the majority of the door's surface area. In a typical French door, wood stiles and rails (vertical and horizontal framing components) hold a number of glass panes (called "lites") in place. Decorative wood mullions (also known as muntins), separate the glass panes from each other. A door that accords with the true French style has many individual panes of glass separated from each other by muntins, a design known as "true divided light". True divided light French doors are very costly, however, so most manufacturers employ an alternative construction method.
Contemporary styles use a single pane of glass with premade grids of wood applied to simulate individual "lites" of glass. This faux fabrication technique, known as "simulated divided light", allows French doors to be affordable for the average homeowner. Get In Touch With Local Pros Get Free Quotes Now Because French doors are renowned for their elegance and beauty, most manufacturers avoid cutting corners by offering solid wood construction. Common wood species used for French door building include mahogany, fir, walnut, and oak. Other, less-expensive materials are available, though, such as metal, fiberglass and vinyl-laminated wood. Most are made to simulate real wood, and they tend to have a longer lifespan and require less upkeep than their wood counterparts. Many people assume that a door made primarily of glass is limited to interior applications only, but this isn't the case with French doors. The invention of laminates and safety glass has increased their popularity as entry doors in recent years.
Exterior French doors also come with espagnolettes (vertical deadbolts) for added security. Made from tempered steel, these bolts penetrate the floor and head jamb - often by several inches - to strengthen the door. French doors, while they're becoming more popular for exterior uses, are still primarily used on the inside of homes. Double French doors are often found as entryways to formal dining rooms, studies, libraries, and game rooms, where a wide doorway adds a stately dimension. Of course, they can be used anywhere in the home, and several door designs, as well as different-colored glass, are available to provide the appropriate aesthetic. French doors are also sold in a variety of sizes. Expect local stores to have widths of 30", 32", and 36". For double door installations these widths double to 60", 64", and 72" (6 feet). French door heights are typically 6' 8", (80") and 6' 11" (83"). Most door manufacturers additionally offer custom sizes to accommodate specific project needs.
Please note that the prices below are for a typical 6' 8" tall by 5 foot wide double French door. Receive complimentary French door estimates from prescreened and licensed professionals in your area. Compare French door prices and pros side-by-side to get the best deal on your project. Save time and money with this fast, easy, and free service!Get inspired or browse for ideas in the new Marvin® Windows and Doors Photo Gallery by WindowPRO, featuring many of Marvin’s high quality new and replacement windows and doors. Not sure what window is best for you? Download our Window Selection Guide. Get the guide › Essence Series®The durability of a fiberglass exterior and the beauty of a veneered wood interior in Pine or Clear Vertical Grain Douglas Fir.Learn More › Tuscany® SeriesA beautiful, premium vinyl French door crafted from Milgard's proprietary formula. Ultra™ SeriesBeautiful to look at ---- with little upkeep required, Ultra™ Series fiberglass doors are built to last.
Ultra™ Series Out-Swing French DoorsLearn More › Out-Swing French Doors Reviews - page 2 Request a brochure Request a quote Help Me Choose Find a Dealer Energy Calculator Installation & Finishing Case Studies Photo GalleriesMaster Bedroom DoorsInterior French Doors BedroomMaster Bedroom French DoorsInterior Double DoorsBedroom ShuttersWhite BedroomDouble Door BedroomOpen Master Bedroom And BathBathroom French DoorsForward'Shutter' doors w/ full fold back are out of the way and are only closed for privacy when needed. Perfect for the right spot.Open the door to custom quality. Rockwood Door is known nationwide for exterior and interior wood doors and millwork built to exacting standards – the custom design and craftsmanship demanded by discerning architects, builders and clients. Rockwood offers complete door systems that coordinate entry doors and interior doors, millwork and specialties like double doors, French doors and other custom, handcrafted doors.
Made in Ohio’s Amish Country for fine homes and commercial and institutional projects everywhere. Read online or download Call Roger at 330.893.2392, email or see us online:Sliding Doors To PatioScreen Porch DoorsDouble Screen DoorsFrench Door ScreenDoor ScreensFrench Doors With ScreensInstall French Doors DiyDoors BreezewayBug ScreensForwardInstall french doors w/ sliding screen doors - I think this would make the doorway to the back yard make everything feel so much more open and relaxingAndersen French Hinged Patio Door Andersen French Sliding Patio Door Andersen Contemporary Sliding Patio door Andersen has been making quality energy efficient windows for over 100 years. They are the industry leader in innovation and quality. Andersen believes windows and patio doors should be made of wood, but exterior facings should be protected from the elements. That’s why they manufacture wood-clad windows and patio doors with vinyl exteriors. They offer beauty, luxury and natural appeal while maintaining high standards of weather resistance that lowers their maintenance requirements.
The interior natural wood allows you to retain an attractive paint or stain finish indoors. Andersen has the glass you need to get the performance you want, including a variety of Low-E glass options to help you control heating and cooling costs in any climate, plus SmartSun glass maximum UV protection and temperature control. That also meets ENERGY STAR® qualifications in all climate zones. Andersen window & doors are covered by our exclusive Owner-to-Owner® limited warranty. Most other window warranties end when a home is sold, but our coverage- 20 years on glass, ten on non-glass parts- is completely transferable from each owner to the next. So it can add real value when you decide to sell your home. Plus, we have one of the largest service networks in the industry, so help is always there if you need it. Hinged patio doors open and close like conventional doors, and with an outswing design can save up to 28 square feet of interior space. Plus, their timeless appeal can be enhanced with the addition of grilles that add the classic look of divided light.
As with all doors, hinged patio doors should be positioned within the natural flow of traffic in and out of your home. They’re great for decks, patios and balconies. Frenchwood Hinged Patio Door Traditional French door styling Quality construction with mortise-and-tenon dowel joints Multipoint locking system that seals the doors tight at the top, center and bottom Extensive array of options and accessories, including sidelights and transom windows Available in one-, two- and three-panel configurations (inswing) or one- and two-panel configurations (outswing) When space is at a premium, gliding doors allow you to come and go easily without having to worry about interior furniture placement or possible exterior obstacles. As with all doors, gliding patio doors should be positioned within the natural flow of traffic in and out of your home. A Series Gliding Patio Door Convenient gliding, space-saving design Extensive array of options and accessories