What is a French Door: French Door Sizes/Dimensions

Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by John Patterson

What is a French Door?

French doors – Their appearance mostly symbolizes the type of door.

French doors have mullions and muntins, can be opened either inwards or outwards, and can be extended at full length.

Both parts pivot on adjustable hinges and open and close in the middle.

It is also referred to as French windows. Originally this type of door was introduced in France in the 17th Century.

The glass panels of these doors give your house a heritage look, also allowing some natural light to get in.

A French door offers additional access to your home as well.

So, yes, it’s well worth installing this type of door.

Now, let’s learn some more about French doors.

In this article, I will be focusing on French door sizes, their benefits, disadvantages, and finally, I will be answering some of the frequently asked questions.

Let’s get down to business. Shall we?

What is a French Door: French Door Sizes/Dimensions

You can get different sizes of french doors off the rack from different vendors.

In most cases, it should fit your needs as, generally, a French door has the dimension of other standard doors.

Nevertheless, you can always customize with the help of a professional if your favorite door doesn’t fit your home.

Fortunately, some manufacturers offer customized French door sizes.

Typically, the width of this type of door starts from 1’6”, and increases by 2” all the way up to 3’.

The height of a French door ranges from 6’8” to 8’.

Regarding size, most of the useful manufacturers offer a range between 1200mm to 3000mm.

So, yes, you have the liberty to choose from a variety of sizes based on your room’s requirements.

French Door Advantages

You don’t have any point installing a French door if it doesn’t offer any benefit.

Fortunately, they offer several bells and whistles.

Here are some benefits a French door offers –

#1. It Lets the Lights Through

A French door is one of the best to get natural light into the room.

Getting natural light is always a blessing considering the health benefits.

On top of that, it saves some of your electricity bills too, as you don’t have to turn on the room light in the daytime.

#2. Ventilation

You can either open one panel of the door or both panels. That lets you control the amount of breeze you want in your room.

#3. Aesthetically Pleasing

No doubt, a French door increases the aesthetic beauty of your house. Consequently, it will let you increase the value when you decide to sell the house.

#4. Versatile Use

You can use a French door both as an interior or exterior door.

Both will look good.

However, you will not install it in your bedroom, as it will violate your privacy.

Nonetheless, it’s ideal for separating your dining room from the living room.

On the other hand, you can use it as an exterior door to separate your patio from the interior.

#5. Easy to Customize

You can easily customize the French door to fit your room based on your requirements.

You also can implement different security measures as the door gives you the liberty of customizing it effortlessly.

French Door Disadvantages

Despite having several advantages, a French door has its pitfalls too.

Let me point out some of the downsides of installing a French door.

#1. Space Concern

Yes, it eats up some of your room space.

I know it sounds a bit weird because it’s just a door, and it takes the same space as any other door when it’s closed.

But there’s one problem when you open the door.

A French door is mostly open inwards or outwards.

So no matter whether your door opens outwards or inwards, you can’t keep furniture near to the door opening. This is an issue, notably when the door opens inwards.

It’s the wrong choice for a small room space.

#2. Blocks View

Some French doors demand wooden boards for load-bearing in the door center, which eventually blocks some part of the outside view.

#3. Costly Installation

Installing a sliding door is a good fit for DIYers.

However, a French door is not.

It takes a remarkable effort to establish a French door that might force you to hire a professional.

This will cost some money for sure.

#4. Poor Energy Efficient

The joining part of the doors tends to cause water leakage, and let the air into the house. This makes it poorly energy efficient as it may increase your heating or cooling bill.

#5. Expensive

A French door typically costs more than other traditional doors or sliding doors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question #1. What makes a French door a French door?

Answer: A French door is called a French door mostly because it originated in France in the 17th Century.

However, initially, it was a large window.

Later, the Renaissance crafted large windows to open and close quickly.

Eventually, it became a door as the Renaissance started incorporating more glass into home architecture.

Question #2. What’s the difference between patio doors and French doors?

Answer: The core difference between patio doors and French doors is how they open and close.

A French door opens or closes either inwards or outwards, whereas a patio door slides along a track to open or close.

Patio doors are considered to be modern-day property.

On the other hand, French doors are considered heritage property.

Question#3. Are French doors always double?

Answer: Not always, but in most cases, French doors are double.

You will find some single French doors as well.

Whatever the case is, the door must have glass panes all the way through to call it a French door.

Final Remarks

Despite having some drawbacks, I still believe installing a French door will not hurt anyone who loves to give a new elegant look to his/her house.

You have so many good manufacturers that are offering high-quality standard-sized doors. Even they offer customization options too.

What is a French door? – Is it still an unanswered question to you? I believe not.

Related Reading:
#1. Barn Door Hardware Kit
#2. Pocket Door Hardware Kit
#3. Barn Door and French Door Differences.