The use of French doors is very popular due to their versatility. A French door design will be suitable for a wide range of settings, including indoor and outdoor spaces. Aside from the aesthetics, there are several other benefits including the following:
- Security features: Double-glazing and toughened glass will make French doors very secure, and there are sturdy locks available to boost security for doors located on lower floors. A locking mechanism called an espagnolette bolt is often seen on French door frames, which offers simple, keyless security.
- Cost-effective: With a simple design, small amounts of materials and various sizing and glazing options – French doors can be quite cheap to install. The mechanisms of sliding doors can be more complicated, which can push the prices up in some cases – so French doors are a worthy alternative.
- Full frame access: Sliding patio doors are simple, but as the doors slide in a fixed position they guarantee that at least part of the frame is obscured at all times. French doors avoid this issue, creating the maximum amount of openness and the ability to allow in as much natural light and air as possible.
- Internal and external use: While external French doors are by far the more common application for this design, you can use them in a similar way for interior design. Doors leading into conservatories, dressing rooms, and playrooms can all benefit from the wide and open nature of French doors.
French doors have the edge over most door designs in terms of delivering maximal light and ventilation – even bifold doors (sometimes spelt ‘bi-fold doors’) take up a small portion of the frame and can reduce the amount of light in a room.
The advantages described above are key reasons why French doors are such a popular choice.