As the days become longer and warmer, many homeowners start looking for ways to bring more natural light and fresh air into their homes. New French doors can provide a practical connection between your living space and garden, making them particularly useful during spring and summer.
Whether you are replacing old doors that have become difficult to open or introducing garden access to a different part of your home, there are several factors worth considering before choosing your new French doors.
Why Choose French Doors?
French doors consist of two adjoining doors that usually open outwards onto a garden, patio or balcony. Their glazed design allows more daylight into the room, even when the doors are closed.
During warmer weather, both doors can be opened to create a generous entrance to the garden. This makes them well suited to kitchens, dining areas, glazed extensions and living rooms used for entertaining.
French doors can also work well where there is not enough space or structural width for a larger sliding or bifold door installation.
Replacing Old or Sticking Doors
Older garden doors can become difficult to use as frames move, hinges wear or materials deteriorate. You may notice draughts, condensation, damaged seals or doors that no longer open and close smoothly.
Replacing them does not necessarily mean changing the appearance of the property completely. Modern French doors can often be installed in a similar style and configuration to the existing doors, while providing improved operation, security and thermal performance.
AD Glazing recently replaced a set of old, sticking doors with a Smart aluminium French door. The new installation complemented the existing glazed extension while providing the smoother operation the homeowners needed.
uPVC or Aluminium French Doors?
Both uPVC and aluminium French doors provide good thermal performance, security and relatively low maintenance, but there are some differences between them.
uPVC is a practical and cost-effective option available in numerous colours and finishes. It is easy to maintain and works well with many existing uPVC window systems.
Aluminium provides strong, slim frames that can support larger glazed areas. It is particularly suitable for contemporary properties, extensions and homes where maximising natural light is a priority.
The right material will depend on your budget, preferred frame appearance and the windows or doors already fitted to the property.
Think About How the Doors Will Open
Before choosing your doors, consider the available space on both sides of the opening. French doors can usually be configured to open inwards or outwards, depending on the property and surrounding space.
Outward-opening doors avoid taking up room inside but require sufficient clear space on the patio or garden side. Inward-opening doors may be more appropriate where outside space is restricted.
You should also consider which door will act as the main everyday opening. One side can generally be used like a standard single door, with the second opened when wider access is required.
Security and Energy Efficiency
Modern French doors should offer considerably more than an attractive garden entrance. Look for strong frames, secure glazing and multi-point locking systems that secure the doors at several points.
Energy-efficient glazing and properly fitted frames can also help reduce draughts and unwanted heat loss. This remains important during spring and summer because good glazing can help maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year, not just during colder weather.
Professional measurement and installation are essential. Even a high-quality door may not provide the expected security or thermal performance if it is not fitted correctly.
Choosing Colours, Glass and Hardware
French doors can be customised to complement both traditional and contemporary properties. Depending on the selected system, choices may include:
- Frame colours and finishes
- Clear, patterned or obscured glass
- Door handles and hardware
- Low-threshold options
- Matching side panels
- Georgian bars or other decorative details
Consider how the doors will look from both inside and outside the property. The chosen colour should work with your windows, brickwork, render and interior decoration.
French Doors or Bifold Doors?
French doors and bifold doors can both create a connection between the home and garden, but they operate differently.
French doors provide a straightforward double-door opening and are often suitable for smaller openings. Bifold doors use several connected panels that fold to one or both sides, creating a much wider opening.
If your priority is replacing an existing set of garden doors without significantly altering the opening, French doors may be the simpler option. If you are planning an extension or want to open up most of a wall, bifold doors in Edinburgh may be worth considering.
Get Your Home Ready for the Warmer Months
Spring and summer are ideal times to make better use of your garden and allow more daylight into your home. New French doors can provide easier garden access, improved security and better thermal performance while complementing the existing character of your property.
Explore the available French door options or view AD Glazing’s wider range of professionally installed doors in Edinburgh. The team can discuss your property, take accurate measurements and help you compare the most suitable materials, colours and configurations.