French doors are now a symbol of an elegant household design. Their beautiful design of the two-door system with glass windows uplifts a room at first sight, and the natural light flows inside. French doors can provide a timeless combination of style, practicality, and energy efficiency to homeowners who desire to upgrade their living areas without compromising on functionality. Fairview Windows, being home improvement experts with over 100,000 installations in over 40 years, and understand that the right door can make the difference between the appearance and the functionality of your home. Read on to learn why French doors remain a timeless choice.

Types Of Residential Doors

There is a wide array of doors available, each with its own function and style. Understanding the categories will help you see where French doors fit in:

Interior Doors – These separate rooms afford privacy and less noise. When they are closed, they contribute to the regulation of the flow of hot or cool air, enhancing energy efficiency. Interior doors may be the statement, or they may provide a continuation of the design. They can be solid wood, industrial steel, and glass panels. They can be hinged or tracked and may be of single pannel or two, as are French, Dutch, or barn doors.
Exterior Doors – Tough exterior wooden or steel, exterior doors are secure and insulating, and the glass-panelled French doors offer a dramatic exit to patios and allow sunlight to fill the house. Exterior doors are available in rustic barn design to modern industrial design and may have ornamental hardware.
Hinged Doors – These are the most widespread and usually have a hinge on one side and swing out. They are easy to install; one just screws the hinges on the frame and the pin in. Hinged doors are available in many styles and types of materials such as wood, steel and fibreglass.
Sliding And Sliding Barn Doors – Sliding doors slide in and out of a track and are therefore suitable for narrow areas. Barn-style sliding doors are also a form of artistic expression, and can be single, bi-parting, bifold, or bypass based on the track configuration.
Bifold And Pivot Doors – Bifold doors collapse inwards to make the most out of the opening without needing a wall recess, which is handy in smaller floor plans. Pivot doors are mounted on a vertical axis, which makes a statement and allows for larger panels and custom sizes.

French doors sit comfortably among these options. They may be installed indoors or outdoors and are said to be a form of a double door. The panelled glass windows serve as windows, and the sunlight and warmth can pass through the house. French doors with a symmetrical opening may open into a patio, deck or garden. They are also good interior partitions which offer privacy and noise control, yet allow light to pass through rooms.

French Door Installation

Although the design of French doors is not very complex, their successful installation involves planning and attention. There is a professional installation and a do-it-yourself option to homeowners. Things that should be taken into account are:

Cost Considerations – Professional installation of French doors can cost between £2,400 and £2,800 (around $3,000–3,500), while a well‑prepared DIY installation could save more than £1,600. However, fitting French doors is not a simple weekend job.
Help and Expertise – You will have to have at least two other people to do the heavy lifting. Experience in carpentry and meticulous measuring is necessary for DIY success.
Measurements and Tolerances – When framing the opening, leave an allowance of approximately 20 mm in width and 30 mm in height to allow a proper fit. Aim for a 3–5 mm gap between the doors for smooth operation.
Preparation and Tools – Before installing new doors, strip out the old door frame and examine the rough opening to determine whether it is damaged or not. Prepare tools like a laser level, a tape measure, a carpenter square, and the right power and hand tools. Prepare the necessary materials such as weatherproof shims, quality screws, caulk, and expanding foam insulation.
Safety and Efficiency – Wear safety glasses, gloves, and dust masks all the time and take special precautions when working with glass panels. Efficiency is enhanced by maintaining the tools and materials.

Even though the installation of the French doors can be done by the homeowners themselves, it is always possible to seek the services of professional installers. Skilled fitters will see to it that the doors are straight, sealed, and work smoothly, which secures your warranty. Fairview Windows has professional installers who will take care of the tricky job on your behalf and give you peace of mind.

Double Doors For Your Home

Double doors are a striking feature in residential design because they make entrances grand and functional. French doors are one of the most popular types of double doors. Their twin doors swing open to create a wide opening, making it easy to move furniture and improving traffic flow. Key advantages include:

Light and Ventilation – Glass‑panelled French doors significantly increase natural light flow and create a bright, inviting atmosphere. You can open one or both doors to adjust ventilation as needed.
Versatility – French doors work beautifully as patio doors connecting a dining room to a garden, as interior dividers, or as a refined entrance to a bedroom. The symmetrical design also enhances kerb appeal.
Space Saving – Unlike sliding doors that need wall space, French doors swing open, keeping the adjacent wall free for furniture placement or artwork.
Resale Value – Installing stylish double doors can add architectural interest and raise your home’s resale value.

Other double‑door types include bifold, bypass, and sliding doors. These alternatives also create wide openings but operate differently. Bifold doors fold along hinges to save space, bypass doors slide along overlapping tracks, and sliding doors move horizontally. You can choose the style that best fits your floor plan and design preferences.

Why Choose French Doors From Fairview Windows?

At Fairview Windows, we have been fitting bespoke windows and doors across the UK for more than 40 years. Our French doors combine the benefits of a window with the easy access of a door, creating a seamless connection between your home and garden or conservatory. We offer uPVC French doors that resist warping and fading, require little maintenance, and incorporate energy‑efficient glazing to reduce heat loss. The durable frames and well‑sealed glass panels help regulate indoor temperatures and lower energy bills.

Our clients choose Fairview because we:

Provide a range of colours, finishes, and glazing options to match any property style.
Use high‑quality, British‑made materials backed by long warranties.
Deliver professional installation by trained experts to ensure weatherproofing and smooth operation.
Offer flexible finance options and excellent after‑sales support.

FAQs related to French Doors

Q1. What are French doors, and why are they popular?
French doors are double doors with glass panels that let in natural light, improve ventilation, and add timeless elegance to both interior and exterior spaces.

Q2. Can French doors be used inside the home as well as outside?
Yes, French doors work beautifully as patio doors, garden exits, or interior dividers, offering privacy while still allowing light to flow between rooms.

Q3. Are French doors energy efficient?
Modern French doors with uPVC frames and energy-efficient glazing reduce heat loss, improve insulation, and help lower energy bills in your home.

Q4. Is it difficult to install French doors?
Installing French doors requires precise measurements and carpentry skills. Many homeowners prefer professional installation to ensure a perfect, weather-sealed fit.

Q5. What are the benefits of choosing French doors from Fairview Windows?
Fairview French doors are durable, low-maintenance, and customisable with colours and glazing options, backed by expert installation and long warranties

Contact us today to arrange a free consultation and discover how French Doors can bring timeless elegance to your home.