French doors are architectural classics, a beautiful combination of door and window that let in plenty of natural light and fresh air. They’re available in a wide range of styles and materials to compliment your home’s architecture. What type of French door is right for your project? It depends on your family’s needs; there are many details to consider. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into French doors, from style ideas to materials, functionality and energy-efficiency.
What is a French door?
This popular door type was first created in the 17th century when the French combined windows and doors for easy access to the garden. These glass doors brought more natural light into dimly-lit rooms, promoted the concept of indoor-outdoor living, and improved air circulation because they could swing open completely.
French doors, traditionally used in pairs, have evolved to include any door featuring glass panels extending the full height of the door. Although the original French doors showcased rectangular glass panes, modern variations offer a wide range of patterns from diamond panes to Craftsman-style grids.
French Door Style Options
An extensive selection of style options makes it easy to customize exterior French doors to suit your taste, budget and home design. When shopping for French doors, start with the design details, like the style of glass panes and the configuration, or swing of the door.
French Door Divided Lites
Historically, multi-pane French doors were not very energy efficient. Divided Lites create the look of traditional glass panes, with modern engineering for better energy efficiency and security. There four common types of grilles:
Authentic Divided Lite (ADL)
Just like historic French doors, authentic Divided Lites have individual panes of glass framed by muntin bars.
Grilles-Between-The-Glass (GBGS)
Grilles that are permanently installed between the glass panes allow for a low-maintenance, smooth exterior and easy cleaning.
Simulated Divided Lite With Spacer Bar (SDLS)
Paired with SDL bars on the exterior of the glass, a spacer bar is installed between the glass, creating an even closer match to the Authentic Divided Lite look.
Simulated Divided Lite (SDL)
Simulated Divided Lites look similar to Authentic Divided Lites but have the increased energy-efficiency of a single pane of glass. The SDL muntins are permanently installed on both sides of the glass.
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French Door Configurations
Today’s French doors might be stationary, swing inwards or outwards, or slide like a patio door. Before choosing the direction of operation for your doors, look at the traffic patterns and furniture layout in your space to make sure there is adequate room for doors to swing. In tight spaces, homeowners can still use French doors by having only one door that swings, sliding French doors, or doors that swing outwards.
In-Swing French Doors
Marvin Elevate in-swing French doors
In-swing doors open into the room, so it’s important to make sure they have space. They might be a pair that opens in the center or combine fixed doors with one door that’s operable.
Out-Swing French Doors
Marvin Elevate out-swing French doors
Just as the name implies, out-swing doors open towards the exterior. They help with traffic flow in small spaces since the doors are completely out of the way. However, they do have drawbacks; out-swing doors are less weather-proof, and require upgraded locking systems for security.
Bi-Fold French Doors
Marvin Elevate bi-fold French doors
A bi-fold door has hinges on opposite sides of the door panel so it folds like an accordion. This configuration is ideal for larger window walls, as it can hinge several panels together. When the doors are open the panels fold out of the way to create a wide opening.
Sliding French Doors
Marvin Signature Ultimate sliding French doors
Sliding French Doors combine the operation of a sliding patio door with the wider frame and decorative grilles of a French door. They’re the perfect way to save interior space while maintaining a traditional look.
Fixed French Doors
Marvin Signature Ultimate fixed and in-swing French doors
Fixed French doors do not open; they’re used to flank operable French doors as part of a larger wall of windows. They create a classic look while providing better energy efficiency.
Screened Exterior French Doors & Custom Details
Window screens are very important when you’re swinging the doors wide to catch the breeze. French door screens are configured to work with the operation of the door, so they may swing or slide. Unlike common screen doors that are always blocking the view, retractable screens roll up into the door frame, out of sight.
Homeowners can also customize almost any French door with options like low-E glass, built-in blinds, and secure locking systems.
The Best Materials For Exterior French Doors
Once you’ve decided how your French doors will look and operate, it’s time to choose a frame material. Unlike the wood French doors of the past, today’s door frames are designed for superior energy efficiency, weather resistance, and low maintenance. Most French doors are made from the following materials:
Wood
Marvin Elevate wooden sliding French doors
Solid wood French doors are ideal for historic homes where authenticity is required. Painted and stained finishes can be customized to suit any architectural style. Wood is not only versatile, it provides excellent insulation. Modern paint coatings and sealants have made wood a durable choice as well. French doors from the premium manufacturer Marvin, are finished with a multi-step paint or stain process that’s baked on for long-lasting performance. Choose from a wide selection of factory finishes, including custom paint colors.
Fiberglass
Marvin Elevate in-swing fiberglass Exterior French doors
Fiberglass is a superior material for exterior French doors because it’s highly impact-resistant and more rigid than vinyl. Because fiberglass expands and contracts at virtually the same rate as glass provides a very stable frame that prevents air leaks. It’s also the most energy efficient frame material and available in dark colors that resist chalking or fading.
High-density fiberglass doors will maintain their appearance for many years, even in harsh climates. Marvin’s fiberglass French doors are made from its premium composite material, Ultrex® fiberglass.
Clad Wood
Marvin Signature Ultimate French doors and casement windows
Fiberglass or aluminum cladding on the exterior of wood French doors provides extra weather protection, dramatically increasing their lifespan. Cladding gives wood doors a low-maintenance exterior. Wood interiors can still be customized with paint or stain to suit the building design.
Vinyl
French doors made from vinyl are the most affordable option; they’re usually only available in white or beige. Vinyl is the least energy-efficient door material; it has a shorter lifespan than other materials because it can warp in hot temperatures.
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Energy-Efficiency of Exterior French Doors
Energy-efficiency is an important consideration for French doors. How well your door design will protect against heat and cold depends on the material and type of glazing, as well as high-quality weatherstripping. There are several glass options to consider:
Explore Marvin French Doors At Ring’s End
Are you building a home or considering replacement doors? You’ll love Marvin’s extensive selection of designer French door options – and their uncompromising quality. Choose among four high-quality collections and a range of price points, each with an industry-leading warranty.
French Doors in the Marvin Ultimate Collection
Ultimate Sliding French Door
The Ultimate Sliding French Door features a space-saving sliding design and offers beautiful, substantial wood surrounds with nearly effortless operation and a durable sill for weather protection even in harsh climates.
- Wood interior, wood or aluminum-clad exterior
- Fits openings up to 16 feet wide by 9 feet high
- Available in varied configurations as single, double, triple, or quad panels
- Traditional panel design with substantial side stiles and bottom rails
Ultimate Wood Swinging French Door
The Ultimate Wood Swinging French door features a durable Ultrex® fiberglass sill that will stand up to even the harshest climates, and the beautiful wood interior and exterior bring a sense of luxury and authenticity to every setting.
- Wood interior and exterior
- Fits openings up to 14 feet wide by 9 feet high.
- Inswing motion for doors that open over steps or are exposed to the elements
- Outswing is for limited interior space, opening to an outdoor space without interrupting interior flow
- Narrow 4 ¾” top and bottom rail make large panels of glass the focal point
Ultimate Swinging Arch Top French Door
The Ultimate Swinging Arch Top French Door offers classic, graceful curves for the ultimate charm in a French-style door. It features a classic radius and a durable sill for weather protection even in harsh climates.
- Wood interior, wood or aluminum-clad exterior
- Fits openings up to 6 feet wide by 9 feet high
- Round top panel design with classic French door aesthetics features 4 ¾” side stiles and taller bottom rails
- Handle styles ranging from traditional to contemporary
French Doors in the Marvin Elevate Collection
Elevate Swinging French Door
The Elevate® Swinging French Door is available with inswing or outswing motion to meet design and weather constraints. Style meets durability with a low-maintenance Ultrex® fiberglass exterior and warm wood interior.
- Wood interior and fiberglass exterior
- Inswing motion is for doors that open over steps or are exposed to the elements
- Outswing is for limited interior space, opening to an outdoor space without interrupting interior flow
- Fits openings up to 9′ wide by 8′ high
Elevate Sliding French Door
The Elevate® Sliding French Door combines the wider side stiles and top rails of a French door with the space-saving design of a sliding door. Style meets durability with a low-maintenance Ultrex® fiberglass exterior and warm wood interior.
- Wood interior and fiberglass exterior
- Fits openings up to 16′ wide by 8′ high
- Fiberglass sill stands up to foot traffic and weather
Our patio door experts make it easy! They’re ready to help you navigate through the choices, set up an installation plan, and deliver your doors safely and efficiently. Visit a Ring’s End showroom, or schedule an in-home appointment with one of our Marvin experts. Get started today!