Choosing new doors for your home can be a big decision. Especially when you’re looking for that perfect design to open up your living space to the outdoors.
But which is better: French doors or patio doors? And are French doors and patio doors the same thing? In this article we break down the different solutions available.
Introducing the concept of French doors
What are French Doors?
A French door is a traditional style of patio door. This essentially means French doors are the same as patio doors. French doors are double doors that open via a hinge mechanism and typically feature double glazing. They generally open outwards as standard, but you can always get them installed to open inwards.
Which material is better: upvc french doors or aluminium french doors?
Usually, uPVC is cheaper and more low maintenance than aluminium.
Upvc French patio doors can look slightly thicker, but the trade off is that they require minimal upkeep but do need occasional cleaning. This type of french door offers good thermal insulation and is easy to install. Carve out time to regularly inspect your upvc doors for fading and performance to get the most out of them long term.
Aluminium French doors are more expensive and heavier to install but the upshot is that they’re strong and sturdy. Ideal if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.
They offer a sleek and modern look with endless customisable finishes. Aluminium frames can be powder-coated in a range of colours. And if looked after correctly, can last for decades.
What are the features of French doors?
If you’re looking to buy French doors online, look for these key elements:
Multi point locks
A must on French doors, with either 3 point or 5 point locks locking the doors and frames together when closed
Cover splines
French doors should be supplied ideally with cover splines to cover the rebate gap between the doors where they meet. This is the weakest point on a French door
Lock barrels
All lock barrels should be supplied with “anti bump” cylinders for extra security
Additionally, they should be supplied with opening restrictors or if not, fit some yourself. This prevents damage caused by the doors being blown open in the wind – a common problem in British weather.
What other types of doors are available?
Other types of patio doors include external glass sliding doors (which glide open horizontally on a track and have slimmer frames) and bifold doors or ‘folding doors’ which fold close in a concertina shape.
The opening style is the main difference between different types of patio doors. You can also buy single patio doors and double patio doors which are ideally suited to smaller openings.
Are external French patio doors a good idea?
The best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the available space, your desired aesthetic and your budget to make the decision that’s right for your home. Here’s a handy checklist to go through before you buy patio doors online:
Space considerations
External French doors require more space in front of them to swing open fully, which can be a limitation in smaller spaces. They can also block furniture placement near the doorway. Other doors don’t require any swing space, making them ideal for smaller patios or decks. They also allow for more flexible furniture arrangements.
Aesthetics and interior design
French doors offer a classic design and effortlessly elegant look that can add charm and character to any home. They’re often associated with European architectural styles. Other doors have a more modern, streamlined look that complements contemporary homes. They provide unobstructed views of the outdoors thanks to their large glass panels.
Performance
When choosing between different glazed patio doors, consider the thermal efficiency or U Value on offer (the lower the value, the better the performance). This is covered by Part L of the Building Regulations.
Ensure your external glass doors are double glazed with toughened glass units that comply with BSE 12600 and 12150. Again these are a must for both safety and performance (look for the toughened glass mark usually in the corner of the glass unit).
You also need to consider ventilation requirements of the property and what is offered with the product, in compliance with Part F of the UK Building Regulations.
What are the benefits of patio doors?
Glass patio doors and French doors feature large panels of toughened glass which let light flood into your home. The main types are aluminium patio doors and upvc patio doors.
They offer a seamless transition from home to garden, and allow you to feel closer to nature all year round. Great for bonfire nights, summer barbecues and at home staycations.
Patio door prices can vary but if you shop around, all types can be found at affordable prices and all can be made in different colours, including on-trend options such as anthracite grey.
Exterior doors not only add instant visual impact but potentially have the power to boost property value too.
What are the features of patio doors?
If you’re looking to order patio doors (bifolds or sliding doors rather than French doors) look out for these key elements:
- – Multipoint lock, with security hooks to prevent the doors being levered open
- – Lockable drop bolts are a great addition on the sliding leaf
- – Anti lift devices on the doors to prevent them being forced upwards and lifted off their sliding mechanism
- – Lockable anti bump cylinder lock to prevent the barrel being forced
Our tip? For best performance, your patio doors need to have toughened double glazing and ideally need to be PAS 24 rated. This means they must pass a variety of tests to ensure they meet required performance standards.
Making your choice: French doors or patio doors?
Home security
Both French and other patio doors can be equipped with a multi point locking mechanism and toughened safety glass for additional security.
Ventilation
French doors can be opened fully to allow for maximum ventilation, while sliding patio doors or bifold doors typically only open to half their width.
Energy efficiency
All designs can be made with energy efficient glass and weather-stripping to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Great for reducing those heating bills too.
Finding the perfect external door solution
Additional advice from our experts
Exterior patio doors are one of the best ways to transform your home into a beautiful (and functional) space that opens up into the great outdoors. But if you’re still undecided about the best design for you, here are some extra decision-makers to help you make the right choice:
- – Double French doors are the superior option if you’re working with a smaller space
- – Achieve a classic look with standard French doors – great for traditional homes
- – If you prioritise unobstructed views, sleek sliding doors with slim sightlines are best
- – Create an alfresco set up with bifold aluminium doors – ideal for outdoor kitchens
In terms of colour, choose stylish industrial style black patio doors (sometimes known as black Crittall style doors) for a more contemporary look. Great for adding contrast and edge.
Prefer to keep things light, bright and airy? Choose illuminating white French doors. And if you’re looking for a design that’s both on trend and low maintenance, choose grey French doors.
Still undecided? Get creative and mix and match. Some homeowners choose to install French doors on one side of an opening and a sliding patio door on the other. You can even opt for Made to Measure Patio Doors for a completely unique end result. This can give you the best of both worlds in terms of functionality and aesthetics.
Find your dream design
Think about doors as design elements
From boosting natural light levels around your home to making an impressive visual statement, doors are often the missing piece in an interior design puzzle.
This means it’s a good idea to imagine how your French doors could work with the other doors in your home to create even more design impact…
Achieve a Grand Designs style ‘glass box extension’ look with a made to measure glass door that offers panoramic views. Add authenticity to a period property with rustic oak doors that evoke charm and character. Introduce a seamless transition to your outdoor space for a more alfresco lifestyle with French patio doors.
Get inspired to be innovative. Whatever your vision, make it a reality with your own unique combination of exterior French doors and internal doors.
Match your interior doors to your exterior doors
Whether your style is sleek quiet luxury or cosy cottagecore, select your designs with total confidence. Take a look at our guide which reveals how to match your patio doors to your aesthetic. Whether you’re looking for patio doors for heritage properties or are on the hunt for patio doors for modern homes, we’ve got all the inspiration you need.
Find patio doors to suit you. Browse fresh designs on our website or talk to our team about made to measure patio doors. Our stylish and sturdy patio doors cost less than you think and are available for super-fast delivery too. Don’t wait, discover our patio door special offers and order today.
