French Patio Doors

French patio doors add a certain touch of class to any patio when viewed from the outside looking in. The also add a similar touch of style to your home when viewed from the inside looking out on your patio and a well manicured garden beyond. There is just something about these patio doors, also known as French windows in some parts of the world, that modern, glass panel doors seem to lack in terms of style and retro-design that elevates a home's aesthetics from the average to the special.

So why have I decided upon writing about this particular variation on the popular gateways to the garden? Well, I personally have French patio doors fitted to my home to complement the style and add a real touch of class to that part of the house. I have always been glad I decided to opt for these very elegant and stylish openings onto my own patio, for many reasons as I'll point out in this article.

Why Have French Patio Doors?

Of all the types of patio doors that you can choose from that are available today, surely French patio doors are the most elegant and charming. They add style and class to your home and if yours is of classical design, then they can complement that design perfectly.

Of course, beautifying your home is one thing, but the doors should complement the style of your home, which means if you are considering fitting new patio doors and part of that consideration is for French patio doors, then you should take time to check out the many different styles to ensure you get a good match for your own home.

One of the really good points of French patio doors is that they are generally very secure as they can be locked both top and bottom as well as a central latch type lock augmented with a mortise or deadbolt lock. Their construction is quite robust and they will withstand rather more heavy handedness  than they appear to be able to do.

The viewable area through any patio doors is important. My own doors provide plenty of that as they are glazed the full length with narrow wooden horizontal struts breaking it up midway. That means if I'm sitting in my favorite chair, or if I'm standing up I can still get a great view of my own patio and the well manicured garden beyond it.

Types of French Patio Doors

French patio doors come in many designs, styles, colors and shapes and are constructed mainly from wood, although there are also uPVC, fiberglass, steel and aluminum variations that you can consider as well, although my own personal preference has to be the wooden variety for their warmth and classical good looks.

French doors all open on hinges as is their very nature and while they generally and traditionally open outwards, they can also open inwards if that's what you want them to do.

There is a huge variety of door furniture that you can further compliment your own doors with and I opted for classical brass door handles that are heavy and solid in my hands, which I like the feel of. You can add scratch plates, keyhole protectors, ornate brass latch or deadbolt units, even add colored leaded glass if you like that kind of thing!

I know of several of my neighbors that also have them fitted and each set of doors couldn't be more different as each home is quite different in style and design. One family actually opted to fit colored leaded glass, also known as leaded lights and because of the neo-Georgian design of their house, they actually look really authentic and, if I may say so very cool indeed!

Whatever you finally decide upon, you won't regret having French patio doors fitted to your home to welcome you into the garden on a warm sunny morning to enjoy your breakfast on the patio!