How to Choose the Right French Doors for Your Home

We've all heard the term French doors, but what are they? These types of doors have large window panes, often spanning the length of the door.



French doors originated in France in the 17th century. They were designed as floor-length windows that allowed people to step out onto balconies.

French doors are now common in homes all over the world. They complement many different architectural styles and are a great way to bring more light into your home. Read on to learn how to choose the right French doors for your home.

Types of French Doors

When choosing French doors, you should think about what type of door will best suit your needs. Below are some of the most common types of French doors available.



Double-Hinged French Doors

Double-hinged French doors are probably what come to mind when you think of French doors. This type of French door is actually two doors placed side by side. The hinges are on the outer sides of the door frame with the handles placed on the inner part of the door so they can swing open from the middle.

Double-hinged french doors can open inward or outward. They are often used as patio doors, but are also used as interior doors to separate rooms.

Single-Hinged French Doors

A single-hinged French door attaches to a door frame with standard hinges. They can open in either direction and are a great way to add natural light to an interior space.

These types of doors are often used for interior doors, but depending on the space in your home you may also use them as exterior doors. 

Sliding French Doors

Unlike traditional French doors, these types of doors slide open rather than swing open. They are often used as patio doors or balcony doors. Sliding French doors are available as both single-sliders and double-sliders.

Things to Consider

If you're not sure which type of French door you need, there are a few factors that can help you decide. Below are a few things to consider when choosing French doors.

Materials

As with other types of doors, French doors are available in a variety of materials including:

• aluminum
• fiberglass
• steel
• vinyl
• wood

These materials are appropriate for interior and exterior doors, so your choice will come down to preference and cost.

Available Space

Certain types of French doors need more space to function than others. For example, double-hinged French doors will take more space to open than sliding French doors. Consider the size of your door opening and whether you have space for doors to swing open when making your choice.

Cost

The cost of French doors will vary depending on the type of door and materials you choose. The national average cost to install French doors is between $2,000 to $5,000. Yes, French doors are expensive, but the value they add to your home makes them worth the investment.

Choosing the Right French Doors

There are several things to consider when choosing French doors. Take some time to think about how you need the door to function as well as your budget and available space. This will make choosing the right door a breeze.

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