Exterior French Doors: A Comprehensive Guide

Exterior French doors are a beautiful and functional addition to any home!

They provide natural light and ventilation while also adding a touch of elegance. There are many things to consider when choosing exterior French doors for your home, including style, material, energy efficiency, and cost.

This comprehensive guide will cover all the basics so you can make an informed decision about which doors are right for you.

What Are Exterior French Doors?

Exterior French doors are typically built with the durability of wood, uPVC, or aluminum for the frame and have glass panes that extend the full length of the door, allowing an abundance of natural light into your home.

They will come in pairs, with each door opening outward from the center. These doors are often used as entryways to patios or decks but can also be used as interior doors.

What Are the Differences Between French Doors and Double Doors?

The biggest difference between these two types of doors is the use of glass in their construction.

French doors will have glass panes that extend the full length of the door, while double doors will have smaller windows or none at all. Double doors are also more commonly used as exterior entryways, while French doors can be used for both interior and exterior purposes.

In addition, double doors typically have the ability to swing open in different directions, while French doors will always open outward from the center.

Double-glazed vs. Single-glazed

When it comes to choosing between double doors and French doors, it’s important to keep in mind that French doors will come standard as double-glazed.

Double-glazing means that there are two layers of glass panes separated by a spacer. This spacer is filled with argon gas, which further increases the door’s energy efficiency.

Double doors, on the other hand, are mostly built as single-glazed doors. This means that there is only one layer of glass — if any at all — which does not provide as much insulation. If you’re looking for doors that will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, French doors are the way to go.

The Benefits of Exterior French Doors

There are many benefits to adding exterior French doors to your home. Let’s take a look at these benefits in more depth.

Natural Light and Ventilation

One of the most notable benefits of French doors is the amount of natural light and ventilation they provide. Thanks to the large glass panes, these doors let in an abundance of sunlight, brightening up any room.

They’re also great for homes that might not have a lot of windows, as they can help make a space feel more open and airy.

In addition, the fact that French doors open outward allows for fresh air to circulate through your home. This is especially beneficial in the summer months when you want to keep your home cool without running the air conditioner.

Stylish and Elegant

Exterior French doors add a touch of style and elegance to any home. Thanks to their clean lines and classic design, they can easily complement any existing décor. Whether your home is traditional or contemporary, French doors can help give it a more polished look.

Plus, exterior French doors can help increase the curb appeal of your home. This is especially true if you’re considering selling your home in the future, as potential buyers will be impressed by the addition of these stylish doors.

Energy Efficiency

As we mentioned earlier, all exterior French doors come standard with double-glazing, keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer. This makes French doors much more energy-efficient than their single-glazed counterparts.

Also, the fact that French doors open outward rather than inward makes them more airtight. This helps to further increase their energy efficiency, as there are no gaps or cracks for cool or warm air to escape through.

Safety and Security

Exterior French doors can also help to improve the safety and security of your home. Thanks to their double-glazing, these doors are much more difficult to break through than single-glazed doors.

In addition, the fact that they open outward makes it harder for intruders to force entry. Most exterior French doors will also come with a multi-point locking system. This means that the door has multiple locks that need to be disengaged in order for it to be opened. This makes it much more difficult for burglars to break into your home.

Increase Your Home’s Value

Not only do exterior French doors look great and improve the safety and security of your home, but they can also help to increase its value. Thanks to all of the benefits we’ve mentioned, these doors are a desirable feature for many homebuyers. If you’re considering selling your home in the future, adding French doors can help you get a higher price.

Not to mention, if you’re planning on staying in your home for many years to come, you’ll be able to enjoy the increased value yourself.

What To Look for When Choosing Exterior French Doors

Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of exterior French doors, let’s take a look at what you should consider when choosing them for your home.

Size

One of the most important things to consider when choosing exterior French doors is size. You’ll need to make sure that the doors you select are the right size for the opening they’ll be going in.

If they’re too small, they won’t be able to open and close properly. On the other hand, if they’re too large, they might not fit in the opening at all. To avoid any issues, it’s best to measure the width and height of the opening before you start shopping for doors.

Once you have these measurements, you can narrow down your options to doors that will fit perfectly in your opening.

Style

Another thing to consider is style. As we mentioned earlier, exterior French doors come in a variety of styles. Some have a more traditional look while others are more contemporary.

It’s important to choose doors that match the style of your home. This way, they’ll blend in seamlessly with the existing décor. If you have a modern home, for example, you’ll want to avoid choosing doors with ornate details and carvings. Instead, opt for something simpler and more understated.

Material

When it comes to material, most exterior French doors are made from wood, uPVC, or aluminum.

Wood is the most popular option, thanks to its natural beauty and durability. However, it does require more maintenance than the other materials. You’ll need to repaint or restain your doors every few years to keep them looking their best.

uPVC is a type of plastic that looks like wood but is much easier to maintain. It’s also a budget-friendly option.

Aluminum doors are the most expensive, but they’re also the most durable. These doors won’t crack, warp, or rot, even in the harshest weather conditions. To decide which material is right for you, consider your budget and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.

Environmental Factors

If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, it’s important to choose doors that will counteract the outside elements and keep the inside of your home on an even keel.

The best way to do this is to look for doors with a high energy efficiency rating. Doors that are energy-efficient have special features that prevent heat from escaping.

When shopping for exterior French doors, look for doors that are ENERGY STAR-certified. This means that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the government.

Need a Point in the Right Direction When It Comes to Exterior French Doors?

If you’re considering adding exterior French doors to your home, we can help!

We offer a wide selection of high-quality doors in a variety of styles and materials. Our team of experts can help you choose the right doors for your home and budget. We’ll also make sure they’re installed properly so you can start enjoying all of the benefits we’ve discussed.