What is a French Door? An In-Depth Look

Published: November 08, 2021

By the Estate Millwork Design Team | Craftsmen since 1997

A French door or sometimes otherwise known as a French window is traditionally a door made up of panes of glass surrounded by wooden frames. The glass panels in French doors are typically rectangular and cover a majority of the door. While French doors are useful in many situations they are typically used as a design element. These doors are most frequently used in spaces where homeowners want to bring in more natural light while still having a way to divide living areas while still maintaining an open feel. While it is more common to see French doors in the traditional sense you may sometimes see two solid wooden doors hung together which are more commonly known as double doors referred to as French doors.

Functional yet Aesthetic

French doors are functional yet typically more aesthetic as they create a dramatic effect in whatever room they are in. For example French style doors are great for making indoor and outdoor living areas feel connected, such as a kitchen opening out onto a patio or French doors that open onto a balcony from the master bedroom.

Versatile

French doors are incredibly versatile which can make them a repeating theme throughout a home. A pair or in some cases several pairs of French doors are often used to make a home feel more open. French doors can be used in stationary position using a bolt or post to form a solid wall to allow the room to lit with natural lighting.

Adding French doors to your home can prove to not only be a good investment but an attractive addition wherever they are placed. In most cases French doors will increase the potential sale price of your home. Many times French doors can make that dramatic difference for potential buyers or even visitors to your home.

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.