Sliding French Doors

Elegance Matched with Space-Saving Convenience

Create a beautiful entryway both inside and outside with a pair of sliding French doors. Alternatively, add a new flexibility and dimension to your home with a set of interior doors. Patios and balconies benefit in particular from sliding French doors since space can be limited or restricted due to furniture. With patio doors that slide to the side, you maintain the classic appearance of inswing or outswing versions with a whole new flexibility. Enjoy better views and more light with a bespoke solution, made to measure in Germany. 

Types of French Doors

In essence, a French door is a large window frame around a series of glass panels divided by muntins, also known as grilles or divided lites. They may consist of a single or double leaf and most frequently swing inwards or outwards. In French and Italian, these are known as "door-windows" and in German as "balcony windows." Yet, their use is not limited to only balconies. They are used just as often as patio doors to connect interior rooms such as the kitchen or living room with the garden or patio. 

The advantages of such doors include:

  • Space-saving
  • Can be installed in smaller openings
  • Offer tilt and turn functionality
  • A better view and more light
  • More ventilation
  • Optional muntins to match historical styles (e.g. Georgian)

French doors are ideal for medium spaces that are bigger than a single entry door.  This applies to both interior and exterior walls. They can also feature upper transom windows for more natural light and openness.  

Custom Built is Our Standard

We offer two primary materials, wood and vinyl as either stand alone or aluminum clad frames. Each option offers its own set of features and advantages.

Vinyl is well suited to those on a budget while still offering many customization options. It can be upgraded to improve thermal performance and security as required. wood boasts great insulation and strength without additional reinforcement, foam or internal chambers. It provides a traditional and natural look for any home while requiring a bit more upkeep than synthetic materials. We offer a wide selection of hardwood and softwood including oak, cherry, larch, meranti and much more.

Aluminum cladding represents the best of both worlds. For those on a stricter budget, aluclad vinyl provides solid security, durability, insulation and aesthetics at a great price. For the ultimate bespoke solution and premium aesthetics, aluclad wood frames are second to none. They feature a sleek modern look outside and robust weather resistance. This means less upkeep over the years while retaining the cozy look of wood indoors.

Sliding Door Colors & Finishes

Vinyl frames are available in a large selection of RAL colors as well as decors to mimic wood for example. Our solid wood frames are available both in the entire RAL color palette as well as a range of natural stains and finishes. Aluminum is also available in the RAL color range applied to the anodized surface via powder coating.

Glazing Choices for Energy Efficiency, Security & Soundproofing

Sliding French doors feature large glass surfaces to provide the most natural light possible and the best views. Since most of the surface area is glass, your glazing choice plays a major role in energy efficiency, U-values and security.

With external doors, it is important to ensure that energy is not lost, whether that be cool air in summer or warm air in winter. Triple glazing along with non-conductive spacers and argon filling between panes will go a long way towards ensuring this.

Hardware

Large glass surfaces can be a potential vulnerability depending on their location. A second or third floor balcony door presents little risk while ground level French patio doors should feature added security. This includes multi-point locking systems, lockable handles and concealed hinges. Laminated safety glass should be installed on the outermost pane at least in order to provide an added layer of protection and make breaking the glass difficult. Toughened glass is not recommended as it merely a safety feature and does nothing to protect the glass. 

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