French doorsonto the garden
A pair of doors that both open fully, so the kitchen or dining room meets the garden.
Both doors open, nothing in the way
French doors are a pair of glazed doors hinged at the sides, closing against each other with no fixed post in the middle. Open them both and you get the full width of the opening, which is why they’re a favourite for replacing an old back door and window or a tired patio door.
The doors in the photo are REHAU French doors in anthracite grey, fitted in South Shields. REHAU’s profiles are slim and well-sealed, and the anthracite finish suits red brick.
Planning your French doors
- Opening direction. Most open outwards, which saves room inside and seals tightly against the weather. Inward opening is possible where there’s no space outside.
- Side panels. Glazed side panels make the opening wider and let in more light without making the doors themselves heavier.
- Colour. Anthracite grey outside with white inside is a common combination. Black and woodgrain finishes are available too.
- Threshold. A low threshold makes it easier to step out, and can help wheelchair access.
- Restrictors. Door stays hold the doors open without them catching the wind.
Turning a window into French doors
Many customers want French doors where there’s currently a window. That means taking out brickwork below the window and possibly widening the opening, which needs a lintel suited to the new span and must meet Building Regulations. We’ll look at it at the survey and explain what’s involved before you decide.
Security
The door you open first locks into the second door, which is held by shootbolts into the head and threshold. A multi-point lock and anti-snap cylinder secure the pair along their full height.
French door options at a glance
Opening
- Outward openingMost common
- Inward opening
Layout
- Glazed side panels
Colour
- Anthracite grey, black, white or woodgrain
Threshold
- Low threshold
Hardware
- Door stays and restrictors
Locks
- Multi-point with shootboltsStandard
Glass
- Toughened safety glassStandard
Common questions
Can’t see your question? Call 07733 408235 and ask.
French doors or patio doors?
French doors open fully, giving you the whole width. Sliding patio doors don’t swing into the room or garden, which helps in tight spaces, but only one side opens at a time. We can show you both.
Can I replace a window with French doors?
Often, yes. It means cutting out brickwork below the window and fitting a suitable lintel if the opening gets wider. We’ll check what’s involved at the survey.
Which way should French doors open?
Outward opening is the most common, because it saves space inside and closes tightly against wind and rain. We’ll advise on your opening.
Everything else we fit
Everything we fit is measured, supplied and installed by our own team, and registered with FENSA.
Get your free quote
Tell us what you’d like fitting and roughly where you live, and we’ll arrange a free survey.
07733 408235