The Ins and Outs of French Doors: An In-Depth Look

Published: June 21, 2021

Beautiful exterior French doors on Patio

Are you looking to say goodbye to your old obstructing standard door and introduce something that will not only let more light into your home but up the style factor? Take a look at French doors, with a combination of beautiful hardwoods and glass these doors create an elegant sense of space as they fill the room with natural sunlight. With new glass and lock technologies the security and insulation concerns that previously plagued French doors are a thing of the past.

What are French Doors?

French doors or sometimes known as French windows are typical panel doors that replace the middle panel or panels with glass. Traditionally when someone refers to French doors they are talking about 2 doors that meet in the middle and swing out to opposite sides of the door frame, however French doors can be used as a single hung door in smaller openings or wherever you'd like to bring the outdoor views into your home.

Where did French Doors come from?

France. Well it's a little more complicated than that, the original French doors were birthed out of the 16th century Italian renaissance and its emphasis on light and symmetry. With the combination of aesthetics and the pre-electricity dependence of natural light with the increased availability of glass led to more windows on homes which then expanded to adding windows into doors. Since glass was fragile and expensive during this time, the glass was installed in smaller panes with mullions in between.

Benefits of French Doors

When it comes to French doors there several advantages to having them in your home.

Lets in sunlight without compromising interior thermal conditions
Creates a visual bridge between rooms or between the outdoors and interior of your home
Opens up your patio or balcony to expand your warm weather living space
Brings natural light into rooms and hallways that don't have windows
Makes rooms feel larger and more open
Fills wider openings and creates a seamless flow between rooms, as well as allowing you to still close off one room from another as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wood species work best for interior doors?

Poplar is the most popular choice for painted interior doors due to its smooth grain and affordability. For stained doors, Red Oak, Maple, Cherry, and Walnut each offer distinctive grain patterns and color tones. The best species depends on whether you plan to paint or stain.

How are custom wood doors different from big-box store doors?

Custom wood doors are built to your exact dimensions using solid hardwood and traditional joinery methods like mortise and tenon. Big-box store doors are typically hollow-core or use engineered materials. Custom doors offer superior sound insulation, durability, and a solid feel that mass-produced doors cannot match.

Can I order a custom door in a non-standard size?

Yes. Estate Millwork builds every door to your specified width and height. Whether you need a narrow pantry door, an oversized entry door, or a door to fit a historic opening with non-standard dimensions, we can accommodate your requirements.

What door styles does Estate Millwork offer?

We offer louvered, raised panel, flat panel, French, barn, arched, and mission style doors. Each style is available in multiple wood species and can be ordered painted or unfinished. Our online designer lets you configure every detail and see an instant price quote.

Design Considerations for Custom Wood Doors

Measure the rough opening, not the existing door, when ordering a replacement. Include the width, height, and wall thickness so the door and jamb fit correctly.
For high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, choose a harder wood species like White Oak or Maple that resists dents and wear better than softer species.
Louvered doors are an excellent choice for closets, laundry rooms, and utility spaces because the slats promote air circulation, reducing moisture buildup and musty odors.
When matching new doors to existing trim, bring a sample of your current wood or finish to compare. Estate Millwork offers the same species and can match stain colors for a cohesive look.