French doors are popular for providing a beautiful, traditional garden door, while also providing security and function. As the doors are set with uniform glass panels, they allow lots of natural light into your house without sacrificing space or efficiency.
In addition to the abundance of natural light that French doors allow into the home, these doors are highly functional because they not only allow for easy access, but they also make for a double-sized opening that can make it easier to move large items into and out of the home.
French doors have a wider door frame.
A sliding glass door frame is typically narrower than a French patio door frame, which means it will allow more natural light into your home. However, the wider frame on a French patio door is a more traditional style, which many homeowners desire.
Back to the doors. French Doors were invented in France around the Renaissance period because people wanted more glass, allowing light and air to flow into their home.
Originally a 17th-century design feature, their popularity has stayed consistent throughout the centuries simply because of their timeless classicism. Incorporating both windows and doors into one design feature, they allow plenty of light into your home.
French doors are a timeless classic that have been around for centuries. They are often associated with grandeur and elegance and for good reason. French doors have a unique appeal that sets them apart from other types of doors, and they can instantly transform the look and feel of a room.
No, French doors are a timeless addition to a home and have been in style for many years.
Do French Doors Have Handles On Both Sides? The short answer would be: it depends. Often one of the handles on a french door does not move and is purely decorative, also called a dummy handle. This is because not all french door configurations would necessarily need handles on both sides.
The knob at the door's midpoint provides more security, with a crossbar stretched across its width for even more reinforcing support. A central knob also presents a more straightforward installation for latching technology, which is beneficial for keeping doors shut.
The history of the French door began with the artistic and cultural growth of the 17th century French Renaissance. Inspired by the ancient Romans' fondness for symmetry, balance and geometry in architecture, French doors were first designed as tall windows large enough to allow a person to step onto a balcony.
8. Shikii and Kamoi – The “Rails” of a Sliding Door. As mentioned before, sliding doors are another iconic part of a traditional Japanese home. They can be easily adjusted to separate or open a room, regulating space, light, and temperature while saving plenty of space.
In terms of security, the type of patio door that is most secure overall is the French Door. While bifold and sliding doors can be extremely secure, French doors usually take the top spot due to how they operate. French doors have a whole host of features that make them more secure.
French Doors
These installations are especially ideal for those who want to increase their home value through renovation or plan on selling it. French doors are typically viewed as high-end installations that add class and sophistication to any home, which is why they are able to increase a home's value.
The most common way to install French doors is so that they open outwards, but it is possible to have them open inwards instead if you are short of space in your garden. This can actually make for a more secure option too, as the hinges will be hidden inside your home.
Astragals, commonly referred to as “T” astragals, may be the most important part of a french door system. An astragal is the vertical strip that is placed in between your two french doors.
Originating in colonial New England, Dutch doors were a practical solution that allowed the breeze and sunlight to come into the house without letting children out or animals and pests in. Because these split doors were prominent features of Dutch Colonial homes, the association with the Dutch stuck.
Double doors for double the opening capacity
In the glazing industry, double doors can refer to any doors with two independently opening leaves. This includes French doors, but normally if you hear an industry professional talking about double doors, they are speaking about a larger version of the classic French door.
Center Hinge Doors are used where you have the wall space for a French or Patio door but only want one side to open. The center hinge door will provide the look of a French door but hinge in the center allowing the opening to be on the right or left side rather than the center.
Australian houses, especially Federation houses and those built before World War II, would often have door handles two-thirds of the way up the door. The exact reason why is still unclear. Some people argue that it was to ensure children couldn't enter rooms, while others say it was more a trend or fashion.
French doors allow for both doors to actually open and function. A double door or two-section patio door has a "dummy door" that doesn't actually function, it stays stationary and only one door opens.
French doors have the distinction of offering doors that swing inward and outward. Although we recommend a uniform swing, we can customize the installation that allows each door to turn opposite the other.
French doors and all doors with glass have traditionally been viewed as a vulnerable point in the security of a house or commercial property. Even with a secure lock, most glass doors can be breached by shattering one pane of the glass and therefore providing access to the lock's thumbturn.
Cost of French doors—and resale value
All in all, they're a good investment in your home, since they don't cost much but add significant resale value, so they almost pay for themselves.
One of the main differences between double doors and French doors is the material in which they are crafted. Double doors are often made of solid wood, whereas French doors are crafted with panes of glass which helps flood the space with natural light.