A French door can add a stylish look to any home. French doors, often known as French windows, are doors that have multiple small windows set into the full length of the door. These windows are sometimes called “lights.” Since French doors provide a minimal amount of privacy, their purpose is primarily decorative in nature. However, they are a popular choice among people who are looking for ways to bring more natural light into their homes.

A divided lite French door is the traditional type of French door. These doors are assembled from multiple pieces of glass. These French doors also have mullions, or decorative structural elements designed to divide adjacent window panes. Traditional French doors are typically made from hardwood.

Exterior doors done in a French style are different from traditional French doors because they are often made of double-pane glass to provide improved insulation. These doors usually have a decorative grille embedded between the panes, although some French doors of this type have grilles that are superimposed over of a single pane of glass. Exterior French doors can be one-piece solid doors or sliding doors, depending upon the intended use.

There are many reasons to consider including French doors in your home. When used as patio doors, French doors help draw attention to a beautiful flower garden or an immaculately landscaped lawn. When used inside your home, French doors help give rooms a cheerful, airy look while providing a visual bridge between two adjacent living areas. In some cases, a French door can even be bolted into place to act as a substitute for an interior wall.

French doors are slightly more expensive than other types of doors, but they are often considered to be a wise investment. Since French doors are associated with an “upscale” appearance, they will typically increase your home’s value or curb appeal if you decide to sell at a later date. If you’re on a tight budget and have a solid knowledge of basic carpentry, you can save money on your purchase when you install your new French doors by yourself.

While French doors can provide a beautiful and sophisticated look for your home, they can be quite hazardous if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes. However, you can still enjoy the look of French doors by installing hurricane shutters. These protective devices will prevent wind and flying debris from shattering the glass on your doors. Hurricane shutters are available in automatic rolldown, accordion, Bahama, awning, and storm panel styles.