Doors – What are French doors?

We take doors for granted, don’t we? Doors or doors that are not normally given their due credit…are misused, abused, disrespected and mistreated. However, I think most of us would agree that they are important components of a modern home and that there are many, many different types of doors.

Often during a home inspection, I hear someone refer to a door as French gate. What is a French door? If you suspect the door isn’t necessarily from France, you’re probably right, Yeah? So what is this type of door that is described as such?

When someone refers to a French door, they are likely referring to an exterior door that is a two-part door that hinges on both sides… meaning both sides can be opened. This type of gate is sometimes referred to as bi-hinge door, but that is a very general description and often refers to interior doors.

So what makes a French door a French door? Well, the name is mostly derived from the gate’s history rather than any modern geographical reference. The term French door has its roots as a description of an early French design called a casement door… and casement doors are marketed and sold under that type and name today.

As mentioned, a French door is usually a double door… and for which there is no center Mullion, or vertical dividing frame, between the two doors. Both sides are provided with separate weather stripping to protect against the elements. One or the other side is usually designated as the active side… and that side is used for normal entry and exit. The other side, the idle side, is most often kept in a closed and locked configuration. Sometimes the locking mechanism employed is of a type called Spanish screw; With this type of lock, single-lever operation activates the movement of a round metal rod that engages receivers on both the upper lintel and lower sill of the door frame. Another partially distinctive feature is that they often have an ornate, decorative molded panel at the bottom.

So the next time someone asks you if you know what a French door is, you might answer…Yes! Yes! Thanks!