What's the difference between French doors and patio doors?

French doors are hinged and open outwards or inwards like traditional doors, with both panels opening to create a wide entrance. Patio doors slide horizontally along a track, saving space as they don’t require clearance to swing open. French doors provide traditional aesthetics and wider unobstructed openings; patio doors save space in areas with limited clearance.

Do French doors require more space than patio doors?

Yes, French doors need clearance for panels to swing open: either external space if opening outward, or internal space if opening inward. Properties with limited patio space, furniture near doorways, or restricted internal layouts may find patio doors or bi-fold doors more practical. However, French doors’ full opening width and traditional appearance often justify the space requirement.

Are French doors suitable for commercial applications?

Absolutely. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, care homes, and hospitality venues frequently specify French doors for elegant access to gardens, terraces, and outdoor dining areas. The traditional aesthetic complements period conversions and adds character to modern hospitality spaces.

Can French doors meet accessibility requirements?

Yes, French doors can be specified with low or level thresholds meeting accessibility requirements. This makes them suitable for properties requiring wheelchair access to accommodate elderly or disabled individuals.

Do you supply only, or supply and install?

Both. Many contractors prefer supply-only for their own installation teams. We also offer full supply and installation, particularly for housing associations, property developers, hospitality venues, and clients requiring complete project management.

Can French doors be combined with side panels or windows?

Yes, French doors integrate with fixed side panels or adjacent windows to create larger glazed assemblies. This is particularly popular for generous openings in substantial properties, orangeries, and commercial hospitality venues requiring maximum light and views.

French Doors - True Window & Glass Centre

French Doors: Classic Elegance Meets Modern Performance

French doors feature two hinged panels that open outwards or inwards, creating a wide, elegant entrance to gardens, patios, and balconies. At True Window & Glass Centre, we supply and install high-quality French doors in UPVC and aluminium, designed for projects where traditional aesthetics, versatility, and reliable performance are priorities.

From period properties and heritage conversions to contemporary residential developments and commercial hospitality venues, our French doors combine timeless design with modern thermal efficiency and security. Manufactured to exacting standards and installed by our experienced team across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and the Midlands.

Colour Options

White suits traditional applications and period properties throughout Lincolnshire, while woodgrain foils provide authentic timber appearance without maintenance demands, ideal for heritage projects and conservation areas. Two-tone options allow one colour outside and a different colour inside to match interior décor.

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Configurations

French doors can be configured with equal-sized panels for symmetrical appearance, or with one larger and one smaller panel where opening dimensions require it. Slim windows can be added to either side of the doors to create a narrower opening. Our team will discuss opening directions, threshold options, and integration with side panels with you before installation.

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Why Choose French Doors?

French doors have been the traditional choice for connecting indoor spaces to gardens for centuries. Their enduring popularity reflects practical advantages and aesthetic appeal that suit a range of diverse architectural styles and applications.

Key Advantages:

Traditional Aesthetics
French doors provide the classic, elegant appearance valued in period properties, conservation areas, and developments where traditional character matters.
Wide, Unobstructed Opening
Both panels open fully, creating a generous entrance approximately twice the width of single doors. This makes French doors ideal for moving furniture, accessing gardens during events, wheelchair access, and creating seamless indoor-outdoor transitions for hospitality venues.
Versatile Installation
French doors suit openings from 1200mm to 2400mm wide, making them adaptable to various property types and opening sizes. They work equally well in traditional cottages with modest openings and substantial townhouses with large access requirements.
Natural Ventilation Control
Unlike sliding doors, French doors allow one or both panels to open, providing flexible ventilation control. For commercial premises requiring varied airflow management, this versatility proves invaluable.
Period Property Suitability
Conservation officers and planning departments often prefer French doors over modern alternatives in heritage contexts. Listed buildings, conservation areas, and period properties across Lincoln, Newark, and throughout Lincolnshire gain approval for French doors where other door types might be refused.
Commercial Applications
Hotels, restaurants, cafés, and hospitality venues value French doors for creating elegant access to terraces, gardens, and outdoor dining areas. The traditional aesthetic complements period building conversions and adds character to contemporary hospitality spaces.

40+ Years of Expertise

Since 1983, we’ve been serving Lincolnshire and the surrounding counties with honest, reliable glazing services. Our longevity speaks to our commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.

With over 2,000 happy clients across the region, we’re proud to be Lincolnshire’s first choice for windows, doors, and conservatories.