What this covers
French doors are a pair of hinged doors with glass panes, meeting at a center astragal, that open a room fully to a terrace, a garden or another room. Because two leaves must meet in the middle, the frame has to be set exactly plumb and square or the gap shows and the locks miss. The installer sets a sill pan, shims the jambs, hangs and adjusts both leaves, installs the astragal, flush bolts or multipoint locks and the handles, insulates and seals the frame, and fits casing. Exterior pairs get tempered insulated glass and a threshold that drains; interior pairs between rooms skip the weather details.
When to call
- A dining room, bedroom or office you want to open onto a terrace or garden.
- A wide interior opening that wants a door you can close for quiet.
- An existing pair that drags, will not latch or leaks at the center.
What to expect
- ChoosePane layout, material, swing direction and hardware are chosen and the opening measured.
- PrepareThe old unit is removed, the subfloor checked, and a sill pan and flashing set.
- HangThe frame is shimmed plumb and square and both leaves hung and adjusted to meet evenly.
- Lock and trimAstragal, bolts and handles are fitted, the frame sealed and cased, and you test both doors.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
In-swing or out-swing?
In-swing is standard and keeps the hinges inside. Out-swing frees interior floor space and seals tighter against wind-driven rain, but it needs a covered or protected location.
What is an astragal?
The vertical strip on the edge of one leaf that the other closes against. It carries the weatherstrip and often the bolts that hold the inactive door shut.
Are French doors secure?
With multipoint locks or flush bolts on the inactive leaf and a deadbolt on the active one, yes. The glass is tempered and can be laminated for more resistance.
Related: Patio door installation · Sliding door installation · Interior door installation · All siding, windows and doors
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.