What is a French Door? 4 Things You probably Didn't Know!

What is a French door?

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, by definition:

French door (n.):  A door, usually one pair, of light construction with glass panes extending for most of its length. They also can be referred to as French windows.

Many people think that a French door refers to the style of grilles on the door—typically Colonial or equal lite grilles, both of which can feature numerous “lites” (the squares or rectangles created by the grilles).

In reality, what defines a French door is the operation of the doors—not the appearance. French doors have hinges on the side and swing open either to the home’s interior (inswing) or toward the exterior (outswing). Conversely, a sliding (or gliding) patio door does not swing at all… it slides on a track and requires no additional floor space to operate. Read on to learn more about one of the most timeless and versatile patio door styles we carry

Four reasons to consider French doors:

1. Easy access to your patio or exterior

• French doors are perfect for warm summer days. You can easily bring the outdoors inside with such a door.

2. Energy efficiency and natural light

• Since French doors are primarily all glass, these types of doors can bring in an incredible amount of natural light.
• Renewal by Andersen’s 5-point locking system on the Andersen^®  400 Series Frenchwood^®  patio doors not only offers an increase level of security but also improves energy efficiency.

3. Customizable design and style

• Of course French doors are extremely functional, but the primary function of a French door is its aesthetic features.
• French doors can create a dramatic impact on your home. Check out how this style of door can make your indoor and outdoor living spaces interconnected.

4. A valuable investment in your home

• Frenchwood^® doors prove to be a smart investment. With the addition of this type of door, you can increase the potential sale value of your home.
• Andersen® products increase a home’s value by at least 15%*
  
  
  *2024 Andersen brand surveys of U.S. builders, homeowners & realtors

Types of French Doors

As we mentioned, technically, a "French door" is defined as a hinged door with a large glass area and equal-lite grilles or Colonial grilles. That being said, people often refer to four categories or styles of French doors. They are:

Single hinged French door

One key difference between hinged and sliding French doors is purely aesthetic. Of course, style is very personal, and there are myriad ways to configure your doors, but hinged French doors are often considered to be a more traditional style; sliding more contemporary. 

Hinged doors can be configured to open either inward or outward, depending on the homeowner’s needs. If you need to preserve interior floor space, or you have furniture nearby, then an outswing door allows for that. Similarly, if your door opens out on to a walkway or porch seating, you can elect to have an inswing door.Beyond that, another advantage to a single-panel hinged French door is that because it only needs one panel, it is a good choice when you don't have a lot of wall space.

Double hinged French door

This is your prototypical "French door". In addition to the benefits listed above for a single hinged door, a double hinged patio door (both panels are operable), means there’s a markedly wider opening, which can have many benefits, including offering superior airflow.

The 400 Series Frenchwood® hinged replacement patio door comes in one, two, or three panel configurations. The two- and three-panel options can have one or two operable panels. The sliding version is available in two- or four-panel. Left and right sliding options are available. Both the hinged and the sliding version come in standard and custom sizes.

Sliding French door

Whereas the traditional French door is a hinged door, a sliding (or gliding) "French" patio door does not swing at all… it slides on a track and requires no additional floor space to operate. So if you love the look of a “traditional” French door, but need to save space, consider using a sliding patio door, but leveraging grille options to recreate that traditional many-lite look.

Another distinction between our sliding and hinged versions, is the hardware differs between the two 400 Series replacement patio doors—they have many of the same hardware styles (for example, both the sliding and the hinged versions of the Frenchwood® have Newbury as an option), however the function and look is different. A hinged replacement patio door has lever-type handles; a sliding replacement patio door will have a “C”-shaped handle for pulling the door on its track.

Another difference is in the locks: while both sliding and hinged patio doors can be equipped with a six-pin cylinder lock for external keyed entry, only the sliding version can take a footlock. This optional lock allows the door to be locked in a partially open position for ventilation. One final major difference between sliding patio doors and hinged is panel configuration. By necessity, a sliding glass patio door will always have a minimum of two panels.

Bifold French door

Bifold French doors are a new take on the traditional. A different approach to removing the lines between indoors and out, when fully open, these moving glass walls fold up to beautifully frame your view. When closed, they create a stately wall of light.

If you have any other questions about French doors or would like more information on other patio door options, visit a Renewal by Andersen showroom or schedule a consultation with a design consultant today!