What are external French doors?

French doors are a popular style of patio or garden doors, often leading out onto a decking or outdoor seating area. The French design features a single panel, or multiple panels, of clear or translucent SafeGlass. They can be installed in either a single or double hinged configuration, and optional side panels can be included for wider openings. Our Claremont French doors offer a choice of designs to suit your home, and multiple finish options for the final stylish touch. Your doors can be finished in our dark maple stain, painted white for a clean and contemporary look, or left raw to be painted in the colour of your choice. With our exclusive Paint ‘n’ Peel system, it’s never been easier to get a professional finish, whatever your style. Your doors are supplied with the clear film in place over the glass, so there’s no need to spend time masking up your doors before you get started. Simply paint, leave to dry and then peel away the film and enjoy! For glazed French doors, this is a real lifesaver.

How much do external French doors cost?

This will depend on factors such as the size and exact style of your doors, your choice of glazing, and whether you want to incorporate side panels. You will also need to consider your chosen finish – whether you would like us to paint or stain your doors, or whether you want them installed raw and ready to be finished in the colour of your choice. The cost will be affected by whether you want us to install your doors for you, or just deliver them, and whether we also need to install new framework. When you have chosen your doors, a member of our team can visit your home to measure your space and discuss your requirements before providing a comprehensive quote.

What are exterior French doors made from?

Our Claremont French doors are made from solid Pacific Ash timber and Doors Plus SafeGlass. You can choose clear or translucent SafeGlass, in a range of different designs. Our timber is sustainably sourced from Canadian forests, and is quarter sawn, not face cut. This makes the wood more stable and resilient, and gives a straighter grain. Our solid Pacific Ash French doors are long-lasting and can be re-sanded as required, unlike doors with a thin veneer. They can also be trimmed, painted or stained to suit any decor. SafeGlass is ideal for exterior French doors as it is 500% stronger than ordinary glass and will crumble rather than shatter if broken under extreme force.

How long does it take to install exterior French doors?

This will depend on factors such as the size of your doors, the configuration you choose, and how you want your doors finished – whether you would like us to paint or stain them, or whether you want them installed raw and ready to be finished in the colour of your choice. If new framework is required, this will add to the installation time, but we may be able to adjust or trim your doors to fit your existing framework.

Can you add screen doors to external French doors?

Yes, you can install either a Nu Breeze or Ultrasafe screen door to your external French doors. The Nu Breeze uses a Duraview flyscreen mesh to keep out the bugs, while the Ultrasafe uses a 316 marine grade stainless steel mesh for ultimate security. The Ultrasafe screen can be finished in a dark maple stain to compliment a dark maple finish on our solid timber doors. This gives you the look and character of a timber door, with all the security benefits of the UltraSafe screen.

What are the typical dimensions of external French doors?

The most common single external door size is 2040 x 820 mm. If installed in a double configuration, then the overall opening would be 2100 x 1700 mm, including the framework.

External French Doors

Leading out onto decking or into a courtyard, this charming yet practical solution creates a seasonal extension, uniting your indoor and outdoor spaces and giving you all-important flexibility in your entertaining. The French-style double door opening guides your guests seamlessly from inside to outside with a distinguished subtlety and grace.

A classic design of such finesse demands only the highest quality materials, and the finest craftsmanship. Our solid timber external French doors are made from 100% Pacific Ash timber which has been quarter sawn, for outstanding strength and durability. Paired with robust yet elegant clear Safeglass™ panels, these French external doors are the ideal choice for your home.

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Classic charm for every home

For an elegant and classic French style that works in any home, we offer the 10 lite design in both single and double options. Clear glass encourages maximum light flow into your living spaces, or you can opt for translucent glass to maintain privacy. We have a range of constructions, price points and finishes available to suit your tastes, specifications and home style.

Clear, refreshing & uplifting

The single lite design, with one large panel of glass, makes the most of the power of French doors to uplift and refresh your home from the outside in. The elegant simplicity of this design makes it a stylish addition to both traditional and contemporary homes, helping your interior to feel more light, airy and spacious.

A little bit of both

For a touch of French class without embracing the fully glazed look, we offer a half panel design. This elegant look combines a solid panelled bottom section with 9 glass panes in the top section, giving you the benefits of glass doors without going all the way. Our Claremont range is becoming increasingly popular as a front door option, with side panels, or as an external kitchen door to let more light in.

Any sides with that?

Whether you choose single or double doors, the French style can be enhanced with optional side panels to complete the look. The Claremont range offers a huge selection of mix and match options when it comes to configuration and glass design so you can customise the finished look and feel of your entrance. For example, a single door with double side panels instantly creates a cosy cottage feel.

The model of French sophistication

Double glass doors are a quintessential French statement. Simply combine two of our four lite or six lite New Hampton doors to create an effortlessly charming and sophisticated look that encourages light flow and uplifts your home. Our timber doors can be finished in a dark maple stain or left raw, to be finished in your chosen colour.