Should French doors have two handles? (2023)

Should French doors have two handles?

Do French Doors Have Handles On Both Sides? The short answer would be: it depends. Often one of the handles on a french door does not move and is purely decorative, also called a dummy handle. This is because not all french door configurations would necessarily need handles on both sides.

If you have a double door you will need to order two handlesets. One for the active side and one for the inactive side. HANDLESETS ARE NOT SOLD AS PAIRS for double doors.

For an interior french door you will want to order a passage or privacy function door knob or lever. A passage is a door knob that functions but has no type of lock at all, whereas the privacy will have a privacy push/turn button to lock the door knob in place for privacy.

French Door handles operate in a slightly different way to normal, single doors in where the handle on a regular single leaf door is moving a bolt from within, French doors operate on a slightly different mechanism. As they are double doors, French doors won't bolt to the door frame, but rather to each other.

Ultimately it's all a matter of preference. If you want to maximise internal floor space, get French doors that open outward. If you want French doors with better weatherproofing that maximise patio or garden space, chose to fit it so your french doors open inwards.

The glass area on French doors is a large security risk. Usually, burglars tend to break one of the glass panels, creating enough space for them to put a hand inside and unlock the doors. Making sure toughened glass is fitted will make breaking any glass panels significantly more difficult.

Generally, French doors feature large glazed panels and are often used as an alternative to classic patio doors. Double doors, meanwhile, are most often larger versions of these doors with minimal or no glazing, and can feature in commercial as well as residential properties.

If the doors open in, consider adding two door-jammer bars, one underneath each handle, to prevent each door from being pushed in. A third solution is a handle lock, which is a device that slips over each of the door handles, regardless of whether they are knobs or levers, and secures them together.

For this reason, external French doors should be equipped with two sets of lock – one of them a morticed deadlock. You might also find doors with bolts which attach to the bottom of the door-frame.

For the very best French door security: Choose laminated glass. Laminated glass is manufactured in the same way as any other double glazing, except a sheet of plastic is positioned either between the glass or on the outer pane, adding extra protection.

What door handles are trending?

In recent years, matte black door handles have risen in demand – and we don't see this going anywhere in 2023. Homeowners are opting for contemporary black details in home decor and furniture, and matte black door hardware is the perfect way to compliment that.

Chrome door handles are the go-to option for many homeowners as the neutral tone exterior suits many modern interior styles. Chrome door handles on rose are particularly popular, due to their minimalist appearance on the surface of the door.

If this is happening to your French doors (also known as French windows), then it's most likely because they have become misaligned. Either due to wear and tear on the hinges (if they're older doors) or a poor installation (if they're newer).

Benefits Of Lever Handles

The lever design provides an easier grip when opening a door and it prevents your hand from slipping. This is a benefit to the elderly and for those with a physical disability. The design is also useful if your hands are wet or greasy as it can make pulling a doorknob more difficult.

You will need to remove the two screws from the inside handle. You can do this with a Philips screwdriver. Once you have removed these two screws the door handle will simply pull away from the door. Installing your new French door handle is just as simple.

Yes! All of our exterior French doors are fitted with hinges that allow them to open to the point at which they become in contact with something else, and therefore they can fully open to 180 degrees, lying flat against your interior or exterior surface (depending on your opening choice – outwards or inwards).

Flush doors can only be opened outwards so if you really need a door that opens in we would recommend a different style of door. Most standard French doors will open inwards but won't give the flush appearance.

Standard French Door Sizes

The standard height of a French door is 79.5 inches, and such doors are usually 6 feet wide, with the option to expand the width with sidelites. There are a few sizes of French door which are more commonly manufactured and can be thought of as standard sizes.

Sliding doors provide better security and offer ease of use and space-saving opportunities. Sliding glass doors use a glass pack and insulated frames to offer better energy efficiency than the traditional French doors. French doors allow more ventilation but can have space, mechanical, energy-efficiency issues.

In terms of security, the type of patio door that is most secure overall is the French Door. While bifold and sliding doors can be extremely secure, French doors usually take the top spot due to how they operate. French doors have a whole host of features that make them more secure.

Do French doors increase home value?

High return on investment

Anytime you install French doors in your home, you can expect to receive a significant return on your investment. One of the most reliable ways of increasing resale value of your home is to replace your entry door with a stylish French door.

French doors can open in or out but not both; you'll need to decide which direction before purchasing doors. Inswing (opening in) and outswing (opening out) doors both have pros and cons. As an exterior door, it's preferable to use an outswing door if possible.

Originally a 17th-century design feature, their popularity has stayed consistent throughout the centuries simply because of their timeless classicism. Incorporating both windows and doors into one design feature, they allow plenty of light into your home.

However, this is largely a misconception. With the right expertise in installation and the right materials and locking mechanisms, double front doors can be just as secure or more so than single front doors.

Weather Protection

Other issues such as wind can cause an outwards door to swing open at a rate of nots that could damage the door or your property itself. Britain is known for how windy it gets and you would be furious if you had to fork out on repair bills because your door got damaged because of the windy weather.

Generally, single-cylinder deadbolts are less secure than double-cylinder options. They could potentially allow easier access to the home from intruders in the know. Furthermore, they're easy for small children to use, which means they could get outside without anyone being aware.

In the glazing industry, double doors can refer to any doors with two independently opening leaves. This includes French doors, but normally if you hear an industry professional talking about double doors, they are speaking about a larger version of the classic French door.

So what is a French door? According to the American Heritage Dictionary, by definition: French door (n.): A door, usually one pair, of light construction with glass panes extending for most of its length. They also can be referred to as French windows.

What are the 3 weakest points of a door? A door is usually most vulnerable at its strike plate, its hinges, and its existing lock hardware. Burglars and criminals are prone to attacking these points because that's where it's easiest to get in.

Another option is installing a deadbolt to your French doors. If somebody forgets to lock the doors, they can easily be opened. Deadbolts prevent the door from opening all the way. You can even install a keyed entry to the active door.

Are double doors less secure?

This is a myth. If your double door is installed professionally, with the right materials and the strongest locking mechanisms, double front doors are just as secure – even more so — than their single counterparts.

The most popular colours for doorknobs in 2022 are matt black, brass and polished chrome. In recent years, there has been a trend of people choosing dark colours for their doorknobs. Dark-toned door hardware is prevalent in many homes, likely because it can give a room a more modern and sophisticated look.

They may seem like a small detail, but your door knobs can have a huge impact on the value of your home. Your front door will be one of the first parts of your home prospective buyers will see. If they notice old, rusted door knobs, they will start to worry about what other parts of the home have been neglected.

You should opt for geometric shapes, natural finishes, matte finishes, and crystal knobs to make your doors stand out and match with other 2022 trends.

Timeless Kitchen Hardware

Brass is the most timeless metal, in my opinion, and if you choose unlacquered brass hardware, it will only get prettier with time. From appliance pulls to cup pulls and the sweet round knobs and hinges we used in this space, every piece references historic elements.

The silvery brightness of chrome and stainless steel are a popular doorknob color because of their design versatility. Bright chrome and stainless steel are highly polished and ideal for modern or retro decors.

French doors bring the outdoors in with an abundance of natural light and excellent ventilation when opened completely. Not only does this make your room light and airy, but it can save you money on your electric bill by lighting the room during the day.

Interior French Doors are often used to separate a home office from the family room or other busier areas of the home. As interior doors, they typically will not provide sufficient soundproofing to allow simultaneous uses of the space, without some soundproofing.

Can you mix door handles and knobs? Yes, it is possible to mix these features throughout your home. But you will have to consider their proximity and the broad interior design of your home. This will ensure that your doorknobs do not conflict with each other.

Are levers or knobs more modern?

Even with the traditional designs, available door levers are a more modern product compared to door knobs and so they may not lend themselves to older period properties well.

For an interior french door you will want to order a passage or privacy function door knob or lever. A passage is a door knob that functions but has no type of lock at all, whereas the privacy will have a privacy push/turn button to lock the door knob in place for privacy.

We realise how difficult it is to pick just one for your house with door knobs matching the bathroom door or living room. So, there's some good news! Your house's door knobs do not have to match. In any case, there's no regulation that says they have to.

French doors can open in or out but not both; you'll need to decide which direction before purchasing doors. Inswing (opening in) and outswing (opening out) doors both have pros and cons. As an exterior door, it's preferable to use an outswing door if possible.

An external French door offers an unobstructed view of the outside and allows free movement between the home and the garden. An internal French Door also lets light move between spaces and makes rooms look larger and more open.

Homeowners can attach brackets or screws to the top of the passive door to keep it shut in place. You can always remove them if you want to open the door. Another option is installing a deadbolt to your French doors. If somebody forgets to lock the doors, they can easily be opened.

For the very best French door security: Choose laminated glass. Laminated glass is manufactured in the same way as any other double glazing, except a sheet of plastic is positioned either between the glass or on the outer pane, adding extra protection.

If the doors open in, consider adding two door-jammer bars, one underneath each handle, to prevent each door from being pushed in. A third solution is a handle lock, which is a device that slips over each of the door handles, regardless of whether they are knobs or levers, and secures them together.

The most popular colours for doorknobs in 2022 are matt black, brass and polished chrome. In recent years, there has been a trend of people choosing dark colours for their doorknobs. Dark-toned door hardware is prevalent in many homes, likely because it can give a room a more modern and sophisticated look.

Should hinges match door knobs? And there's no hard and fast rule when choosing, generally if your hinges are exposed they should match your handles and knobs finishes. But, of course, not everything has to match, it's common for finishes on door handles and other hardware to blend but necessarily be exact matches.

Should all door handles be the same?

No, door handles and knobs don't need to match throughout your house. However, it is still crucial that each door handle remains consistent with the house's overall style. Also, the handles and knobs should coordinate with the style of the doors and rooms.

Homeowners have installed French doors in place of sliding glass patio doors for years. They're extremely customizable and let in more fresh air when open. When you need to get new ones, you could be concerned French doors are out of style. These doors remain very much in style for 2021 and beyond.

Sliding doors provide better security and offer ease of use and space-saving opportunities. Sliding glass doors use a glass pack and insulated frames to offer better energy efficiency than the traditional French doors. French doors allow more ventilation but can have space, mechanical, energy-efficiency issues.

French doors offer a traditional aesthetic, in a practical , high-performance and secure design. A popular solution for homeowners, French doors provide easy access to the outdoors, plentiful natural light and a greater sense of space.

French doors: the bottom line

French Doors have benefits and drawbacks over other types of doors, but they do offer natural light and better ventilation. Even so, they also take up more space and are not as energy efficient as some other types of doors.