French Patio Doors

Everything to know about french doors

French doors are a pair of hinged doors that open from the centre, framed with large glass panels for maximum light. NorthShield builds french patio doors in fiberglass and steel with Low-E glass, multi-point locking, and custom colours, installed across the GTA, Winnipeg, and Calgary.

Configurations

French doors come as a single door with a fixed or operating sidelite, or as a classic double-door pair where both panels swing open. You choose the swing direction (inswing or outswing) and, on a double door, which panel is active. Add sidelites or a transom above to bring in even more light and to fit wider or taller openings. For a patio, many homeowners pair a french door with matching windows for a consistent look.

Glass and grille options

Because french doors are mostly glass, the glass package matters. Choose clear glass for an open view, or frosted and decorative glass for privacy on entrances and bathrooms. Internal grilles (between the panes) give a traditional divided-light look without the cleaning, and a Low-E argon package keeps the glass efficient through Canadian winters and summers.

Energy performance

A french door is only as efficient as its seal. NorthShield french doors use multi-point locking that pulls the door tight at several points, quality weatherstripping, and thermally broken frames so you are not losing heat around the edges. That keeps drafts out in a Winnipeg cold snap and cuts down on energy bills year round.

Sizing

French doors are built to order, so they fit standard openings and custom ones alike. If you are replacing an old patio slider or a single entry door, we measure the opening during a free in-home visit and build the door to suit, including wider double-door configurations for a grand entrance.

French door FAQs

Are french doors energy efficient? Yes, when they are built with Low-E argon glass, multi-point locking, and good weatherstripping, as ours are. The seal is what makes the difference.

Can french doors be used as patio doors? Absolutely. French patio doors are a popular alternative to sliding doors, giving a wider opening and a more traditional look while still leading out to a deck or yard.

Do french doors open in or out? Either way. You choose inswing or outswing based on your space, your furniture layout, and how you want the door to clear the patio.

French doors vs sliding patio doors

Both open your home to the outdoors, but they do it differently. A sliding patio door glides on a track and takes up no swing space, which suits tight decks and balconies. A french patio door swings open from the centre for a wider, unobstructed opening and a more traditional, high-end look. If you want maximum airflow and curb appeal and you have room for the doors to swing, french doors are usually the better fit. If space is tight or you prefer a modern line, a sliding patio door may suit you better.

Fiberglass or steel?

NorthShield builds french doors in fiberglass and steel. Fiberglass resists dents, warping, and rot, holds paint and stain well, and handles temperature swings without expanding, which makes it a strong choice for exposed entrances. Steel is tough and budget-friendly and offers excellent security. Both come with insulated cores and Low-E glass, so the choice usually comes down to look, budget, and how exposed the doorway is.

Colours, hardware, and finishing touches

Your french doors should match your home, so we offer a wide range of frame colours, glass styles, grille patterns, and handle sets. From a classic white pair with clear glass to a bold black double door with decorative glass, the details are yours to choose. Ask about matching your french doors to your replacement windows for one consistent look across the whole home.

Ready to add french doors? Book a free, no-obligation in-home consultation and we will measure your opening and walk you through the options across the GTA, Winnipeg, and Calgary.