What Are Exterior French Doors?
Exterior French doors are a pair of hinged doors that swing open from the center, typically featuring multiple glass panels (called "lites") that allow abundant natural light to flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Originating from 17th-century France, these doors were designed to maximize light in an era before electricity—and they've remained a beloved architectural feature ever since.
Key Characteristics
- Double Door Design: Two door panels that meet in the center and swing outward or inward
- Glass Panels: Multiple divided glass lites create the signature French door aesthetic
- Versatile Placement: Ideal for patios, decks, gardens, balconies, and pool areas
- Natural Light: Maximizes daylight with large glass surface area
- Elegant Proportions: Typically taller than standard doors for a grand appearance
When measuring for exterior French doors, always account for the door frame, threshold, and any sidelights or transoms you plan to add. Standard exterior French doors are 80" tall, but custom heights up to 96" are available for homes with taller ceilings.
Popular Exterior French Door Styles
French doors come in a variety of styles to complement any architectural design, from classic Colonial homes to sleek modern builds. The right style will enhance your home's character while meeting your functional needs.
Traditional French Doors
Classic divided lite patterns (10, 15, or 18 lites per door) with decorative muntins create timeless elegance perfect for Colonial, Victorian, and Craftsman homes.
Contemporary French Doors
Minimal or no muntins with large glass panels for unobstructed views. Clean lines and slim frames suit modern and transitional architecture.
Farmhouse French Doors
Simple divided lites with rustic hardware and natural wood finishes create a warm, country-inspired aesthetic perfect for rural and suburban settings.
Mediterranean French Doors
Arched tops, ornate ironwork, and decorative glass complement Spanish, Tuscan, and Mediterranean-style homes beautifully.
French Doors vs. Sliding Patio Doors
While both options provide access to outdoor spaces, French doors and sliding doors serve different needs:
| Feature | French Doors | Sliding Doors |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Style | Swing open (inward or outward) | Slide horizontally on track |
| Space Required | Clearance for door swing | No swing clearance needed |
| Maximum Opening | Full width when both doors open | Half width (one panel slides) |
| Aesthetic | Traditional, elegant | Modern, space-efficient |
| Ventilation | Excellent with screens | Good with one panel |
Materials & Construction
The material you choose for your exterior French doors affects durability, maintenance, energy efficiency, and overall appearance. Each option has distinct advantages depending on your climate, budget, and design preferences.
Wood French Doors
Solid wood French doors offer unmatched beauty and can be stained or painted to match any décor. Popular species include mahogany, oak, cherry, and fir. While wood requires more maintenance than other materials, many homeowners find the warm, natural aesthetic worth the extra care.
Fiberglass French Doors
Fiberglass doors combine the look of real wood with superior durability and minimal maintenance. They resist warping, rotting, and denting—making them ideal for harsh climates. Many fiberglass doors feature realistic wood grain textures that are virtually indistinguishable from natural wood.
Steel French Doors
Steel-framed French doors offer maximum security and modern aesthetics. The slim steel profiles maximize glass area for unobstructed views. While not as insulating as wood or fiberglass, quality steel doors with thermal breaks perform well in most climates.
Aluminum French Doors
Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, aluminum French doors are perfect for coastal environments. Contemporary designs feature ultra-slim frames that nearly disappear, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
- For Traditional Homes: Wood or fiberglass with wood grain finish
- For Modern Homes: Steel or aluminum with minimal frames
- For Coastal Areas: Fiberglass or aluminum for corrosion resistance
- For Maximum Security: Steel or iron French doors
Glass Options & Privacy Solutions
The glass in your French doors plays a crucial role in aesthetics, privacy, and energy performance. Today's options go far beyond simple clear glass—you can customize your doors to meet specific needs for privacy, light control, and design impact.
Clear Glass
Maximum visibility and light transmission. Best for private backyards or upper-floor installations where privacy isn't a concern.
Frosted/Obscure Glass
Allows light while blocking clear views. Available in various textures from light frost to heavy obscure for different privacy levels.
Decorative Glass
Leaded, beveled, or etched designs add artistic flair. Available in traditional patterns and custom designs to match your home's style.
Low-E Glass
Special coating reflects heat while allowing light through. Improves energy efficiency and protects furnishings from UV damage.
Grille Patterns (Muntins)
The dividers between glass panes—called grilles, muntins, or mullions—define the French door's character:
- True Divided Lites (TDL): Individual glass panes separated by real wood or metal muntins. Most authentic but more expensive.
- Simulated Divided Lites (SDL): Applied grilles on both sides of a single glass pane. Great look at lower cost.
- Grilles Between Glass (GBG): Removable grilles between double-pane glass. Easy cleaning with traditional appearance.
- No Grilles: Full glass panels for contemporary, unobstructed views.
Security Features for Exterior French Doors
One common concern about French doors is security—all that glass can feel vulnerable. However, modern French doors offer numerous security options that make them just as secure as solid doors, if not more so when properly equipped.
Essential Security Upgrades
- Multi-Point Locking Systems: Locks that engage at multiple points along the door frame (top, middle, bottom) provide far superior security than single-point deadbolts
- Impact-Resistant Glass: Laminated or tempered glass that resists breaking and holds together if shattered—required in hurricane zones
- Reinforced Frames: Steel or iron reinforced frames and hinges prevent forced entry through frame damage
- Security Pins: Additional pins in the hinge side prevent door removal even if hinges are compromised
- Smart Locks: Keyless entry with smartphone monitoring, auto-lock features, and entry logging
For maximum protection, combine multi-point locks with laminated glass and install a door sensor connected to your home security system. Consider decorative security grilles for an added layer of protection that enhances the Mediterranean or Spanish aesthetic.
Energy Efficiency Considerations
With so much glass, energy efficiency is a valid concern for exterior French doors. The good news is that modern manufacturing techniques and glass technologies have made French doors remarkably efficient—often meeting or exceeding ENERGY STAR requirements.
Key Energy-Saving Features
Double or Triple Glazing
Multiple glass panes with insulating gas (argon or krypton) between them dramatically reduce heat transfer and noise.
Low-E Coatings
Microscopically thin metallic coatings reflect infrared heat while allowing visible light through—keeping heat out in summer and in during winter.
Warm-Edge Spacers
Advanced spacers between glass panes reduce thermal bridging at the edges, preventing condensation and improving overall efficiency.
Quality Weatherstripping
Compression seals and multi-point locks create an airtight seal that prevents drafts and air infiltration.
When shopping for energy-efficient French doors, look for these ratings:
- U-Factor: Measures insulation value—lower is better (look for 0.30 or below)
- Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Measures heat from sunlight—choose based on your climate (lower for hot climates, higher for cold)
- ENERGY STAR Certification: Ensures the door meets efficiency standards for your climate zone
Installation Considerations
Proper installation is crucial for exterior French doors to perform well and last for years. Whether you're replacing existing doors or cutting a new opening, understanding the installation process helps ensure a successful project.
Inswing vs. Outswing
One of the first decisions is whether your French doors should swing inward or outward:
- Inswing Doors: Swing into the home. Easier to install screens, better seal against rain when closed, but require interior floor space for the swing arc.
- Outswing Doors: Swing outward onto patio/deck. Save interior space and provide better security (harder to force open), but require covered exterior or weather protection.
Structural Requirements
French door openings must be properly supported:
- Header: Sized appropriately for the opening width—wider openings require beefier headers
- Threshold: Must be level and properly flashed to prevent water intrusion
- Rough Opening: Allow proper clearance (typically 1" wider and ½" taller than door unit)
- Foundation: Ensure the subfloor is level and can support the door weight
Always hire a licensed contractor for exterior French door installation. Improper installation can lead to water leaks, air infiltration, difficult operation, and voided warranties. Professional installation typically costs $500-$1,500 depending on complexity.
Cost & Budgeting Guide
Exterior French door costs vary widely based on material, size, glass options, and hardware. Understanding the price ranges helps you set realistic expectations and make informed choices.
Price Ranges by Material
| Material | Door Cost (pair) | Installed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl/PVC | $500 - $1,500 | $1,000 - $2,500 |
| Fiberglass | $1,200 - $3,500 | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Wood | $1,500 - $5,000 | $2,500 - $7,000 |
| Steel | $1,800 - $4,000 | $3,000 - $6,000 |
| Aluminum | $2,000 - $5,000 | $3,500 - $7,000 |
| Custom/Iron | $4,000 - $15,000+ | $6,000 - $20,000+ |
Factors That Affect Price
- Size: Standard 6' wide doors cost less than oversized 8' or 10' configurations
- Glass Type: Low-E, triple glazing, and decorative glass add $200-$1,000+
- Hardware: Multi-point locks, designer handles, and smart locks add $100-$800
- Customization: Non-standard sizes, custom colors, and special features increase costs
- Installation Complexity: New openings, structural modifications, and difficult access increase labor costs
Find Your Perfect Exterior French Doors
Explore our gallery of stunning French door designs and save your favorites for inspiration.
Browse All Door DesignsTransform Your Home with French Doors
Exterior French doors offer a unique combination of beauty, functionality, and value that few other home improvements can match. They flood your interior with natural light, create seamless connections to outdoor living spaces, and add timeless elegance that enhances your home's architecture.
Whether you're drawn to the classic charm of divided lite wood doors, the low-maintenance durability of fiberglass, or the sleek lines of modern steel frames, there's a French door solution that fits your style and budget. Take time to consider your priorities—whether that's energy efficiency, security, privacy, or pure aesthetics—and work with qualified professionals to ensure proper selection and installation.
Ready to explore more options? Check out our front door ideas guide for more entry inspiration, or visit our FAQ page for answers to common door questions. Use our Cost Estimator to get an estimate for your project.