French Doors

One of the identifying factors of French doors is that they come in twos, but it all depends on how you look at them. They are two doors that are part of the same frame, rather than two separate doors in two separate frames – that means that when you open them they provide unobstructed access to your garden or outdoor space. Rather than seeing them as two doors, we see them as one door that opens twice; you can choose to open just one segment, or open both to connect your inside and outside spaces. Either way, all our French doors come in pairs!

You’ve guessed it – they originated in France! The design has strong Greek and Italian influences as well; during the Renaissance period, new styles of architecture were developed that looked at bringing more light into the home, and these large, glass doors were a great example of that. They were used extensively in France, often as doors leading to outdoor balconies, and before long the style gained popularity in other parts of the world. Now they are a classic and elegant door choice to link your home and your garden, and we provide them in a variety of styles so you can find one that fits your home perfectly.

French doors consist of one frame with two doors inside that open (either inwards or outwards) to your garden. Patio doors, on the other hand, are more often sliding doors and can consist of one or two sliding panels, depending on the space you have available. Both are great choices for doors opening to an outdoor area. French doors give you a larger space to walk through and increased ventilation, but you need to make sure the doors won’t take up too much space in your home. Patio doors stay within the frame, so are good for homes with limited space.

You don’t need planning permission for French doors, either if you’re replacing doors in the same size opening or if you are making a larger opening for your French doors. However this is only true when the doors are at the rear of the property and not facing a road. You also have to be careful if you are in a listed building or in a protected area as there may be additional restrictions in place. At Britannia we are certified with CERTASS so we make sure your new doors comply with building regulations approval – one less thing for you to worry about!

It’s all down to personal preference; French doors can either open inwards or outwards. Some people prefer inwards-opening if otherwise the doors would block a path outside or if there are shrubs in the way of them swinging outwards, but they do take up extra space inside. Outward-opening doors give you more space inside your home, and with our modern tension hinges, you don’t need to worry about them getting caught in the wind and slamming. It all depends on the space you have and which you would prefer; contact us today to get some advice on which would be better for you and your home.

If you only have a standard door leading out to your garden, then extending this opening and installing French doors can add value to your home. It increases the amount of light your home receives, as the doors are almost entirely made of glass, and it gives your home a more open-plan feel. It is also a great way to show off your outdoor space and make it more a part of your home. To really add value with French doors, you’ll have to make sure that they are high quality and durable. At Britannia we only use the highest quality materials, so your French doors will provide a beautiful addition to your home without sacrificing thermal efficiency or security.