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What are French doors? Styles and types to consider
French doors, also known as hinged doors, have an elegance that other patio doors can’t match. Their design fits in some places better than sliding or folding patio doors. Searching for the best exterior French doors for your home? Learn the differences between French door styles to help find the right one for your home.
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Why are they called French doors?
French doors get their name from French windows. Centuries ago French architects used side-by-side casement windows to add light to rooms. French windows later evolved into doors in the U.S. as builders added hinges and door handles.
Types of French doors
Infinity exterior French doors are available in single, double, or triple-panel hinged configurations. If you are tight on space, we offer a sliding door that features the same design appeal of a classic French door.
The type of French door you choose depends on preference and space considerations. A single-hinged French door works well in smaller rooms. A double-hinged or sliding French doors need more space to open. They can bring in more natural light in bigger rooms, like your living room. Double-hinged French doors also increase fresh air more than a single-hinged French door.
Outswing French doors and inswing doors
Picking French doors that swing out of a home or French doors that swing into a home comes down to where you live and personal preference. If you live in a colder climate, an inswing French door works better. With an inswing French door you won’t have to try to open it into a snow pile. If you live in a warmer area, you might prefer an outswing French door with a screen.
Single-hinged French door
Single-hinged exterior French doors work well in kitchens and bedrooms. They will swing inwards or outwards and can lighten a darker area well. Infinity offers a single-hinged inswing French door.
Double-hinged French doors
Double-hinged exterior French doors fit best in bigger spaces. They often appear in living rooms that open to a patio. They can also open inwards or outwards. Depending upon the configuration, one door can remain fixed or both doors can open. The extra door adds more natural light. Our inswing French doors come in single hinged, 2-, or 3-panel varieties.
Sliding French door
If you don't have room for swinging doors, a sliding French door provides the perfect solution. Infinity’s Sliding French Door can have 2, 3, or 4-panel configurations. They can span up to 16-feet wide for bright views.
French door materials
Exterior French doors are typically built with vinyl, wood, fiberglass, or aluminum. Each material has its pros and cons. It’s important to know the differences so you can find the best French door for your home.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass sliding French doors and inswing French doors offer the perfect mix of style, and durability. Infinity’s Ultrex® fiberglass is 8x stronger than vinyl. It also has an acrylic finish that is 3x thicker than the competition, so it’s virtually maintenance-free. Plus, you can paint Ultrex fiberglass to match a home.
Vinyl
Vinyl French doors appeal to homeowners because of their affordability. Vinyl can come in a variety of colors. Vinyl French doors can warp over time because they can expand in the summer and contract during winter as temperatures change. You can compare vinyl vs. fiberglass to see which material works best for you.
Wood
Homeowners choose wood French doors for the classic look. You can also paint or stain wood to match the rest of the home. Wood patio doors may need regular maintenance to prevent any potential wood rot, mold, or mildew issues.
Exterior French door pros and cons
French doors have advantages over other patio doors and they can have one potential disadvantage. The location of French doors in your home makes a difference since they need to swing free.
French door pros
Adds more natural light
Allows fresh air in
Add design appeal
Sliding French doors offer space-saving operation
Hinged (in-swing) French doors maximize outdoor living spaces
French door cons
Hinged doors need room to open and close
Energy efficient French doors
The material and glass options you select make French doors energy efficient. Ultrex fiberglass insulates well to keep your home comfortable. Infinity offers four Low-E glass coating options to suit your climate best. Knowing how to choose the best windows and patio doors for your climate makes a difference in your home. Southern homes will want specific glass options to reduce the impact of the sun. Northern homes will find different glass coatings allow solar heat into a home.
How to secure French doors
Infinity French doors feature a multi-point locking system. Our French doors latch securely in four spots: the top, bottom, and two spots at the handle. The handle features a deadbolt lock and a keyed cylinder.
French door installation
The benefit of choosing an Infinity French Door is our trusted consultants will handle the installation of your French door. They will arrange a time that works for you and complete the installation professionally so you’ll enjoy your new French door.